Europe Visa for Indian Citizens

Indian passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa to travel to most European countries (like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, etc.) for tourism, business, or short visits. The Schengen visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, with single, double, or multiple entries depending on the purpose of the visit. The visa is issued by the consulate of the main country of visit or, if multiple countries are being visited equally, by the country of first entry. Processing typically takes 7–15 working days, but it is recommended to apply at least 15–30 days before travel.

Documents Required for Europe (Schengen) Visa

1. Passport

   • Valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.

   • Must have at least 2 blank pages.

   • Copies of previous passports (if any).

2. Visa Application Form

   • Completed and signed Schengen visa application.

   • Use black ink and correct details.

3. Photographs

   • Two recent passport-size photos.

   • White background, full face visible.

4. Travel Itinerary

   • Day-wise plan of the trip.

   • Flight bookings (return ticket) and destinations.

5. Accommodation Proof

   • Hotel reservations or invitation letter from host.

6. Financial Proof

   • Bank statements for the last 3–6 months.

   • Proof of sufficient funds to cover entire trip (usually €50–€100 per day).

   • Salary slips, ITRs (Income Tax Returns) for last 2 years.

7. Travel Insurance

   • Coverage of minimum €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation.

   • Valid throughout the Schengen area for the entire trip.

8. Employment / Business Proof

   • Employed: NOC from employer, salary slips.

   • Self-employed: Company registration, bank statements.

   • Student: No Objection Certificate from school/college.

9. Cover Letter

   • Explaining purpose of visit, itinerary, and assurance of return to India.

10. Additional Documents (if applicable)

    • Invitation letter from family/friends.

    • Marriage certificate (if spouse traveling).

    • Birth certificate (for children).

    • Proof of ties to India.

Europe Travel Checklist (For Indian Travellers)

Before Travel

• Valid passport + visa

• Flight tickets (return/onward)

• Hotel or accommodation confirmation

• Travel insurance documents

• Emergency contact list (family, embassy, tour operator)

Documents to Carry

• Passport & visa (original)

• Copies of passport, visa, itinerary, insurance

• Bank statements / proof of funds

• Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN)

• Vaccination certificates (if required by country)

Money & Payments

• Euros or local currency

• International debit/credit cards

• Digital wallets/apps with international access

Electronics & Essentials

• Mobile phone + charger

• Power bank

• Universal travel adapter

• Camera & memory card

• Laptop/tablet (optional)

Health & Safety

• Personal medicines & prescriptions

• First-aid kit

• Face masks & sanitizer

• Vaccinations (COVID, routine)

Clothing & Accessories

• Weather-appropriate clothing (Europe has variable climates)

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Jackets, scarves, gloves (for cold regions)

• Sunglasses & sunblock

Extras

• Daypack/backpack

• Snacks & reusable water bottle

• Travel pillow

• Printed copies of important documents