Whether it is the streets of Paris and London or the Alps of Switzerland, history of Rome or architecture of Prague, every Indian traveller dreams about visiting Europe at least once in their lives. Schengen Tourist Visa is your golden key to unlock these dreams. It is not just another stamp on your passport but your pass to seamlessly explore 29 European destinations.

If you do it right, getting the multiple-entry Schengen Tourist Visa is simpler than it looks. This guide will walk you through every step of the process— from fees and cover letters to the minimum bank balance for a Schengen Visa. Let us first learn more about the Schengen Visa.

What Is a Schengen Visa?

A single Schengen Visa allows you to travel across 29 European countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Once you enter one Schengen country, you can freely move to other 28 countries without any additional border checks. It is perfect for travellers who are planning a long Europe vacation and want to explore multiple destinations in a single trip.

As in 2025, the Schengen Zone includes France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Austria, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Luxembourg, Malta, Croatia, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

Step-by-Step process to secure for Schengen Tourist Visa

Every great trip begins long before the plane takes off. It starts with paperwork, anticipation and a little bit of patience. Follow the below steps to secure your visa and move one step closer to that perfect European holiday.

1. Decide your main destination

First step to getting your Schengen Tourist Visa is to decide your main destination. Although your itinerary will include multiple countries, your application goes through the embassy of the country where you’ll spend the most time. For example, if your trip includes Italy, France and Germany—wherein you plan to spend 15 days in Italy, 10 in Italy and 5 in Germany—apply through the Italian Embassy or VFS, Italy.

2. Choose the Visa Type

Once you know your main destination, the next step is to choose the right type of Schengen visa. It is usually granted to tourists or for family visits and business trips. Its major types include:

· Short-Stay Tourist Visa (Type-C) allows you to travel to all Schengen countries and is valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

· Limited Territorial Validity Visa  allows travel to specific Schengen countries mentioned in the visa

· National Visa (Type D) is for long-duration stays for study, work or residency in a Schengen country

· Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa permits multiple entries and exits within the visa’s validity period

Most Indian travellers opt for for the Type-C Short-Stay Schengen Tourist Visa. But if you are planning on enjoying multiple trips to Europe, you can also opt for a multiple-entry Schengen visa, which allows you to enter and exit the zone several times without re-applying each time.

3. Fill the Application Form

You can complete the Schengen visa online application form via the official embassy or VFS Global website of your destination country. Fill in the form, double check all your details are accurate, print it and sign it before your appointment.

4. Prepare Your Documents

Incomplete documents are the most common reason for Indians’ Schengen visa rejection. So, arrange all the below documents well before your visit for a smooth experience:

· Passport with at least six months validity and two blank pages

· Completed visa application form

· Two 35x45 mm passport-sized photos with white background as per the Schengen visa photo size  guidelines

· Cover letter for Schengen visa
Many Indian travellers applying for Schengen visa, find it tricky to write a good cover letter. We advise our clients to keep it simple and clearly identify their purpose of travel, mention a realistic itinerary and corresponding accommodation details.

· Schengen visa applicants also need a proof of travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000

·  Flight reservation and hotel booking confirmations

·  Bank statement for the last six months

‘Minimum bank balance for Schengen visa’ remains a top FAQ among Europe visa queries. Ideally you should have at least Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh per person to cover your expenses during a good Europe trip.

·  Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last two years

·  Proof of employment or student ID

Step-by-Step Visa Appointment Process

Once you are through with your preparation, follow the given steps to get that Schengen visa stamp on your passport. 

Step 1: You can book your appointment at the nearest VFS Global Centre in any of the major cities, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata.

Step 2: Submit your fingerprints and photo at the centre.

Step 3: Pay the Schengen visa fee. However, you will also have to pay additional VFS service charges that may apply.

Step 4: You have done your bit, and now all you can do is wait for processing. It typically takes 10–15 working days. But if you are travelling during the peak travel months between May and August, apply at least a month in advance.

You’ll receive SMS or email updates once your passport is ready for collection or courier delivery.

How much will Schengen visa cost in India?

The Schengen visa cost for Indians includes both the embassy visa fee and VFS service charges. As of 2025, single-entry tourist visa costs Rs 7,200, while multiple-entry visa costs Rs 8,500 to Rs 9,000. The additional VFS service charge usually costs Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. Make sure all your documents are in order because the Schengen visa fee is non-refundable.

Unlock Your European Dream with Schengen Visa

Getting a Schengen tourist visa may seem like a hassle, but when you finally land in Europe, you will genuinely thank yourself. It is not just another page on your passport but your access card to Europe’s timeless charm. Every cobblestone street in Paris, sunset over Santorini and historic square in Rome will make the process completely worth it. So plan well, apply carefully and let your European adventure begin.