Indian citizens typically need a visa for Schengen Area

As of 2026-01-15

Processing

15-45 days

Fee

€90 (approx. ₹8,000)

Max Stay

90 days within 180 days

Last updated: 2026-01-15 • Information may change—always verify with official sources.

Schengen Area Visa Overview for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens require a Schengen visa to visit any of the 27 Schengen Area countries in Europe. This includes popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and Switzerland.

The Schengen Short-Stay visa (Type C) allows Indian passport holders to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries. You only need one visa to visit multiple Schengen countries.

Apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where you'll spend the most time, or if visiting multiple countries equally, apply to the country of first entry.

Key Facts

Visa Required
Yes
Processing Time
15-45 days

Available Visa Types for Indian Citizens

How to Apply

1

Determine which Schengen country's embassy to apply at

2

Create an account and fill the online application form

3

Book an appointment at VFS Global or the embassy

4

Prepare all required documents including travel insurance

5

Attend your appointment and submit biometrics

6

Collect your passport with the visa decision

Important Notes for Indian Applicants

  • Travel insurance with €30,000 minimum coverage is mandatory
  • Apply at least 6 weeks before your intended travel date
  • Multiple-entry visas are commonly issued to frequent travelers
  • Strong ties to India (job, property, family) help your application
  • A complete travel itinerary covering all countries is required

Prepare Your Application

Draft cover letters, plan your trip, and prepare invitation letters

View all tools

Full Schengen Area Visa Guide

View all Schengen Area visas
Last verified: January 2026

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