Schengen Visa Guide for Indians: Fees, Documents & Processing Time
What the Schengen visa actually costs, which documents you need, and how much lead time to budget — with figures checked against current sources.
The Schengen visa is a single visa that covers short stays across the Schengen area — the 29 European countries that include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, and most of the rest of mainland Europe (notably not the United Kingdom, which requires a separate visa). You apply through the consulate or visa centre of whichever Schengen country is your main destination, or your first point of entry if you're visiting several.
Visa rules and fees are set by the Schengen states and can change — the figures below reflect the most recent widely reported rates as of the verification date on this page. Always confirm the current fee and document checklist on the relevant embassy or VFS Global website before applying.
Current visa fee
The standard short-stay Schengen visa fee is €90 for adult applicants and €45 for children aged 6–12 (children under 6 are typically exempt). This is paid in INR at the prevailing exchange rate at the visa application centre. Some Schengen states or visa categories may apply different fees — confirm with the specific consulate you're applying through.
Documents typically required
Requirements vary slightly by consulate, but the core document set is consistent across Schengen states:
- Valid Indian passport with at least 3 months' validity beyond your planned return date, and at least 2 blank pages
- Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
- Recent passport-size photographs meeting Schengen photo specifications
- Confirmed round-trip flight itinerary
- Proof of accommodation for the full stay (hotel bookings or an invitation letter)
- Travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses, valid across the Schengen area
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, typically the last 3–6 months)
- Day-by-day travel itinerary
- Employment proof (offer letter/NOC for employees, business registration for self-employed, or admission letter for students)
Processing time
The standard processing time is 15 calendar days from the date of a complete submission. In practice, this stretches to 30–45 days during peak travel periods — summer (May–August) and around Diwali/Christmas — when consulates are handling a higher application volume. Processing time also varies by consulate; some (like Switzerland's) tend to run faster than others.
Build in at least 4–6 weeks of lead time before your intended travel date, and more if you're applying during peak season.
Common rejection reasons
Incomplete or inconsistent documentation is the most common cause of rejection — mismatched dates between the flight itinerary, hotel bookings, and travel insurance; insufficient proof of funds; or a day-by-day itinerary that doesn't match the stated purpose of travel.
Which consulate should you apply through?
Apply through the consulate of the Schengen country where you'll spend the most nights. If your nights are evenly split, apply through the country of first entry. Getting this wrong is a common (and avoidable) reason for delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Schengen visa fee for Indians?
€90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6–12, paid in INR at the visa centre. This is the standard short-stay fee; confirm with your specific consulate as some apply variations.
How long does a Schengen visa take to process from India?
The standard is 15 calendar days, but peak season (summer, Diwali, Christmas) can extend this to 30–45 days. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel to be safe.
Does the Schengen visa cover the UK?
No. The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen area and requires a separate UK visa application, even if you're combining a UK and Europe trip.
Can I apply for a Schengen visa myself, or do I need an agent?
You can apply yourself through the relevant consulate or VFS Global centre. Many travellers use a travel planner for the itinerary, hotel bookings, and travel insurance that the application requires, since document mismatches are the most common rejection cause.
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Get Visa AssistanceSources: Schengen Visa Fees for Indian Citizens — Policybazaar, Schengen Visa Processing Time from India — Schengen Visa Support