Visa for Europe from India
Planning a trip to Europe on an Indian passport? This page explains which visa you need, what it costs, how far ahead to apply, and how to choose the right country to apply through. Each section links to a detailed guide, so you can go straight to the step you are on.
If you hold an Indian passport, you need a Schengen visa for a short trip to most of Europe. A single visa lets you travel across all 29 Schengen countries, including France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Spain, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The standard fee is EUR 90 for adults, plus a service charge from the visa centre where you submit your application and biometrics. You apply through the country where you will spend the most nights, or through your first point of entry if your time is split evenly. Getting that choice right, along with a clear day-by-day itinerary, matching hotel bookings and travel insurance, does more for your approval chances than anything else in the file.
Timing matters just as much as paperwork. You can apply up to six months before departure, but appointment slots in Indian cities fill quickly in spring and summer, so aim to start eight to ten weeks before you fly. There is also good news for repeat visitors. Under the EU's cascade rules for Indian nationals, travellers who have obtained and correctly used two Schengen visas within the previous three years can qualify for a two-year multiple-entry visa, and later a five-year one. The guides below cover which country to apply through, the document checklist, how to book appointments, and what to do if your application is refused. Note that the UK and Ireland are not part of Schengen and require separate visas.
The short version
- One visa, 29 countries A Schengen visa lets you travel freely between the Schengen countries, including France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Greece and Croatia. Bulgaria and Romania are full members since 2025.
- Up to 90 days in any 180 The short-stay (tourist) visa is for holidays, family visits and business trips of up to 90 days.
- Fee EUR 90 for adults and EUR 45 for ages 6 to 11; free under 6. The visa centre adds its own service fee, usually about INR 1,900 to 3,100 depending on the country.
- Time Decisions usually take 10 to 15 working days, and can stretch to 30 or 45 days. You can apply up to 6 months before the trip and no later than 15 days before.
- Not covered The UK and Ireland have separate visas (see the UK visa guide), as do Albania, Montenegro and several other non-Schengen countries. Check each one before you add them to a route.
Where to start
A timeline that works
- 12 weeks before you fly: fix your route and the country you will apply to, and start collecting bank statements, tax returns and the employer letter.
- 10 to 8 weeks before: book flights (a reservation is enough) and hotels you can cancel, buy insurance, fill in the form and book the appointment.
- 8 to 6 weeks before: attend the appointment and give your fingerprints.
- 2 to 4 weeks before: collect the passport, check the visa, then pay for non-refundable bookings.
Peak seasons (June to August and December to January) take longer, so add a few weeks.
Good to know before you plan the route
- Main destination rule. You apply to the country where you spend the most nights, not the country you fly into. A France visa works if you land in Rome first, as long as France is your main stop.
- Longer visas come with a record. Indians who have lawfully used two Schengen visas in the last three years can get a two-year multiple-entry visa, and later up to five years. It is not automatic, so keep your old visas and travel proof.
- Border checks have changed. Since 10 April 2026 the EU Entry/Exit System takes a face photo and checks your fingerprints at every entry and exit instead of stamping the passport. Your visa fingerprints are already on file, so it only adds a photo.
- Plan the dates. The 90/180-day rule is now counted automatically, so overstaying is flagged straight away.
What travellers say
Real experiences from Indian applicants on Reddit. They show how it went for them; your own case can differ.
“Applied for a Schengen visa with my wife from VFS Bengaluru on 13th July, and got our passports delivered with visas on 18th July itself by courier!”
“I got the same 3 months multi entry Schengen visa, with only 7 lakhs in account for me and dependent wife. Funds don't matter much if your profile is strong.”
“my application was processed in a day and when i went to pickup my passport i got to know that my application has been rejected with reasons doubting my justification of travel and intention to return to my origin country.”
“Purpose, activity, stay, fund and your ties to india maximum question, Return flight , and first stay address”
Official sources
- EU visa policyThe European Commission page on the common visa rules.
- Entry/Exit System (EES)What the new border registration involves.
- VFS GlobalThe visa application centre for most countries in India.
Rules and fees change and each embassy sets its own document list. This page is a guide, not legal advice: always confirm on the website of the embassy or visa centre you apply through.