Schengen visa — yeh Europe trip ka sabse confusing hissa lagta hai pehli baar mein. But it's actually very straightforward when you know the process. This guide covers every step, every document, and every common mistake that leads to rejection — based on StreetRomeo's experience sending hundreds of Indian travellers to Europe.
Schengen Visa Kya Hota Hai?
Schengen Area mein 27 European countries aate hain — France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, Greece, and more. Ek Schengen visa se aap in sab countries mein travel kar sakte ho — alag-alag visa ki zaroorat nahi. UK aur Ireland Schengen mein nahi hain — unke liye alag visa chahiye.
Kaunse Embassy Mein Apply Karein?
Apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the most nights. Examples:
- Agar aap 5 days France, 3 days Switzerland, 2 days Italy mein ho — France embassy mein apply karo
- Agar equal time hai multiple countries mein — apply at the country of first entry
- Switzerland aur Czech Republic ke liye VFS Global centres handle karte hain India mein — appointment easy milti hai
Required Documents — Complete List
Identity and Travel Documents
- Valid passport — minimum 6 months validity beyond travel dates, minimum 2 blank pages
- Passport-size photos as per Schengen specifications (35x45mm, white background)
- Previous passports if any (for travel history)
- Visa application form — filled and signed
Financial Documents
- Bank statement — last 3–6 months (minimum balance ₹3–5 lakh recommended for a 10-12 day trip)
- Income Tax Returns — last 2–3 years
- Salary slips — last 3 months (for salaried applicants)
- Business ownership proof, GST registration, or CA certificate (for business owners)
- Property ownership documents (optional but strengthens application)
Travel Documents
- Confirmed return flight tickets
- Hotel booking confirmations for entire trip duration
- Day-by-day travel itinerary (detailed)
- Travel insurance — minimum €30,000 coverage, valid for entire Schengen Area
Employment / Leave Documents
- Salaried: Leave approval letter from employer + employment contract or appointment letter
- Business owners: Business registration documents
- Students: NOC from institution
- Retired: Pension statement
Processing Time and Fees
- Standard processing: 15 working days (apply minimum 3–4 weeks before travel)
- Visa fee: €90 (approximately ₹8,000–₹8,500) per adult — non-refundable
- VFS service charges: Approximately ₹1,500–₹2,000 additional
- Processing timeline from Gujarat: Apply at least 4 weeks before departure date during peak season
Common Rejection Reasons — Aur Kaise Bachein
- Insufficient bank balance: Embassy wants to see you can fund your trip comfortably. Keep minimum 3x the expected trip cost in your account.
- No strong ties to India: Embassy needs confidence you'll return. Property, job, family here — all strengthen your case.
- Incomplete or inconsistent itinerary: Your hotel bookings and flight tickets must match your stated travel dates perfectly.
- No travel history: First-time international travellers get more scrutiny. Not a dealbreaker but expect longer processing.
- Wrong embassy: Applying at the wrong country's consulate is instant rejection. Calculate your nights correctly.
StreetRomeo ka Visa Support
When you book a Europe tour with StreetRomeo, we provide:
- Complete document checklist specific to your trip
- Confirmed hotel bookings in required format for visa submission if you have booked package with us.
- Detailed day-by-day itinerary in embassy-accepted format
- Guidance on which embassy to apply to based on your specific itinerary
- Pre-application review of your documents before you submit
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for Schengen visa before booking flights?
Most embassies require confirmed (not necessarily paid) flight tickets and hotel bookings. You can book refundable tickets and hotels for the visa application. StreetRomeo provides confirmed accommodation documents for visa purposes as part of tour booking.
Is Schengen visa rejection common for Indians?
India's Schengen visa rejection rate is approximately 8–12% — significantly lower than many assume. Most rejections are due to documentation issues, not nationality bias. With complete, consistent documents and a credible tour booking, approval rate is very high.
Can I get a multi-entry Schengen visa?
Yes. If you have a good travel history, embassies may issue 2-year or 5-year multi-entry Schengen visas even on your first application. This is not guaranteed but increasingly common for applicants with strong financial profiles.
Visa process confusing lag raha hai? StreetRomeo se baat karo — we'll walk you through every document before you apply.