13 December 2025
Planning to explore the enchanting landscapes, rich history, and diverse cultures of Europe? The Schengen visa is your golden ticket to experiencing 29 magnificent European countries with a single travel authorization. Whether you’re dreaming of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome, or the canals of Amsterdam, this comprehensive guide by Empire Visa Consultants in Chandigarh will walk you through the entire Schengen visa application process for Indian citizens.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a short-stay travel document that allows Indian passport holders to visit, travel, and move freely across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This revolutionary agreement eliminates the need for multiple visa applications when planning to visit several European nations, making your European adventure convenient and cost-effective.
Schengen Countries You Can Visit (2026)
The Schengen zone currently includes 29 European nations: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Important Note: Cyprus is expected to join the Schengen Area by 2026, subject to meeting all membership criteria.
Types of Schengen Visas for Indian Travelers
Understanding the right visa category is crucial for a successful application:
- Tourist Visa: For leisure travel and sightseeing
- Business Visa: For meetings, conferences, and professional engagements
- Visit Visa: To meet family or friends residing in Europe
- Study/Training Visa: For short courses or training programs under 90 days
- Transit Visa: When passing through Schengen airports en route to non-Schengen destinations
Step-by-Step Schengen Visa Application Process
Step 1: Determine Your Main Destination
This is the most critical decision in your application. Apply at the embassy/consulate of:
- The country where you’ll spend the longest duration, OR
- Your first point of entry if stays are equal across multiple countries
Example: 8 days in France + 5 days in Italy = Apply at French Embassy
At Empire Visa Consultants Chandigarh, we help you identify the correct embassy based on your detailed travel plans, ensuring your application is submitted to the right destination.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Your documentation quality determines approval success. Here’s the complete checklist:
Essential Documents:
- Valid Passport – Must be valid for 3+ months beyond return date with 2 blank pages
- Visa Application Form – Completely filled, signed, and dated
- Photographs – Recent passport-size photos meeting Schengen specifications (35mm x 45mm)
- Travel Itinerary – Day-by-day travel plan with cities and activities
- Flight Bookings – Confirmed round-trip tickets showing entry/exit dates
- Accommodation Proof – Hotel confirmations or invitation letter from host
- Travel Insurance – Minimum €30,000 coverage (₹26-28 lakhs) valid across all Schengen countries
- Bank Statements – Last 6 months showing sufficient balance (₹1.5-2 lakhs recommended per person)
- Employment Proof – Salary slips, leave approval letter, employment certificate
- Cover Letter – Explaining travel purpose, duration, and funding source
For Self-Employed: Business registration, GST certificate, ITR for 3 years For Students: College enrollment certificate, NOC, parents’ sponsorship letter For Retirees: Pension statements, property documents, investment proofs
Step 3: Book Your Visa Appointment
Schengen visa applications in India are processed through:
- VFS Global (most countries)
- BLS International (select countries)
- Direct embassy appointments (limited embassies)
Pro Tip: Book appointments 4-6 weeks before your travel date. Peak seasons (April-August, December) see heavy rush, so early booking is essential.
Empire Visa Consultants offers appointment scheduling assistance, securing the earliest available slots for our clients.
Step 4: Attend Biometrics Appointment
On your appointment day:
- Submit all documents for verification
- Provide biometric fingerprints and photograph
- Pay visa fees
- Answer brief questions about your travel (if required)
Good News: Biometrics remain valid in the Visa Information System (VIS) for 5 years, eliminating the need for repetition in subsequent applications.
Step 5: Pay Schengen Visa Fees
Standard Fees (2026):
- Adults (12+ years): €80 (approximately ₹7,200-7,800)
- Children (6-12 years): €40 (approximately ₹3,600-3,900)
- Children under 6: Free
Additional VFS service charges (₹1,400-2,200) apply depending on the country.
Step 6: Track Your Application
After submission, you’ll receive tracking details via SMS/email.
Processing Time:
- Standard: 10-15 working days
- Peak season: Up to 30-45 days
- Expedited processing available for urgent cases (additional fees)
Step 7: Collect Your Passport
Once processed, collect your passport from VFS or opt for courier delivery. If approved, your visa sticker will indicate validity dates, permitted entries, and duration of stay.
Common Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejection
Understanding rejection reasons helps you avoid costly mistakes:
- Insufficient Financial Proof – Low bank balance or suspicious large deposits
- Weak Travel Itinerary – Vague plans or unrealistic schedules
- Fake Bookings – Temporary or unconfirmed hotel/flight reservations
- Document Mismatch – Inconsistencies between cover letter, itinerary, and supporting documents
- Weak Ties to India – No clear evidence of intent to return (job, property, family)
- Poor Cover Letter – Generic or unclear explanation of travel purpose
- Wrong Embassy Selection – Applying to incorrect country’s embassy
- Incomplete Documentation – Missing signatures, unclear copies, or expired documents
- Inadequate Insurance – Coverage below €30,000 or not valid in all Schengen countries
- Previous Visa Violations – History of overstays or immigration issues
Expert Tips to Maximize Approval Chances
Based on years of experience at Empire Visa Consultants Chandigarh, here are proven strategies:
Financial Preparation:
- Maintain stable bank balance over 6 months (₹1.5-2 lakhs minimum per person)
- Show regular income patterns through consistent credits
- Avoid large deposits within 3 months of application
- Include salary slips, ITR, and employment stability proof
Documentation Excellence:
- Use clear, complete photocopies of all original documents
- Organize documents logically with cover sheet
- Ensure all signatures are present and dates are correct
- Cross-verify every document against embassy checklist
Strengthen Your Profile:
- Demonstrate employment stability and career commitments
- Show property ownership in India
- Highlight family responsibilities requiring your return
- Include previous international travel history (especially to developed countries)
Professional Cover Letter:
- Write in clear, concise language addressing specific embassy
- Explain travel purpose, dates, and itinerary highlights
- State funding sources transparently
- Express strong commitment to returning to India
- Keep length to 1-2 pages maximum
Travel Insurance:
- Choose policies explicitly valid for “Schengen countries”
- Ensure minimum €30,000 coverage
- Include medical emergencies, accidents, and repatriation
- Coverage should start from departure date, not arrival
Understanding the 90/180 Day Rule
The Schengen 90/180 rule often confuses travelers. Here’s the breakdown:
- You can stay maximum 90 days within any rolling 180-day period
- The 180-day period looks backward from any given date
- Both entry and exit days count as presence
- Overstaying results in fines (up to €500), deportation, and future visa bans
Example: If you spent March 1-30 (30 days) in Europe, you can stay maximum 60 more days before September 1.
Why Choose Empire Visa Consultants in Chandigarh?
Empire Visa Consultants has established itself as Chandigarh’s premier visa consultancy, specializing in Schengen visa applications with exceptional success rates.
Our Comprehensive Services:
Expert Consultation
- Personalized profile assessment
- Destination country selection guidance
- Travel planning assistance
- Realistic timeline planning
Complete Documentation Support
- Customized document checklist for your profile
- Thorough verification and review
- Professional cover letter drafting
- Travel itinerary preparation
Application Processing
- Form filling assistance
- Embassy appointment scheduling
- Document organization and presentation
- Pre-submission quality checks
Post-Submission Support
- Application status tracking
- Embassy communication handling
- Guidance on document requests
- Reapplication assistance if needed
Additional Services
- Travel insurance procurement
- Flight booking guidance
- Hotel reservation assistance
- Foreign exchange consultation
What Sets Us Apart:
✅ High Success Rate – Meticulous preparation ensures consistent approvals
✅ Experienced Team – Deep knowledge of embassy-specific requirements
✅ Personalized Approach – Tailored solutions for each unique case
✅ Transparent Process – Clear communication and honest assessments
✅ End-to-End Service – Complete guidance from consultation to visa collection
✅ Local Expertise – Understanding of North Indian travelers’ specific needs
✅ Post-Visa Support – Available for travel questions even after approval
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How long does Schengen visa processing take?
A: Standard processing is 10-15 working days, extending to 30-45 days during peak seasons. Apply 6 weeks before travel for safety.
Q2: What is the minimum bank balance required?
A: While no official fixed amount exists, maintaining ₹1.5-2 lakhs per person for a 10-15 day trip demonstrates adequate financial capacity. Consistent 6-month history matters more than sudden deposits.
Q3: Can I visit all 29 Schengen countries with one visa?
A: Yes! A Schengen visa from any member country allows free travel across all 29 nations without additional visas or border checks.
Q4: Is travel insurance mandatory?
A: Yes, travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid across all Schengen countries for your entire trip duration is absolutely mandatory.
Q5: What if my visa gets rejected?
A: Rejections aren’t permanent. You can appeal within specified timeframes or reapply with strengthened documentation addressing rejection reasons. Empire Visa Consultants provides expert reapplication support.
Q6: Can I extend my Schengen visa while in Europe?
A: Extensions are extremely difficult and granted only in exceptional circumstances like medical emergencies or force majeure, not for tourism convenience.
Q7: Do I need new visa for each European trip?
A: Multiple-entry visas allow several trips during validity. Single-entry visas require new applications for subsequent visits.
Q8: Which Schengen country is easiest for Indians?
A: Approval depends on documentation quality rather than specific countries. Lithuania, Estonia, and Finland show good approval rates, but properly documented applications succeed everywhere.
Q9: Can unmarried couples apply together?
A: Yes, but each needs individual financial capacity proof and separate accommodation bookings or clear invitation letters.
Q10: Is UK part of Schengen?
A: No, UK requires separate visa despite being in Europe. Ireland also operates independent visa system.
Start Your European Journey Today
Don’t let visa complexities delay your European dreams. With proper guidance and meticulous preparation, your Schengen visa approval is within reach.
Empire Visa Consultants in Chandigarh transforms the complex visa process into a smooth, stress-free experience. Our dedicated team brings years of expertise, updated embassy knowledge, and personalized attention to every application.
Contact Empire Visa Consultants Today:
📍 Location: Sco 146-147, 2nd floor, Sector 34A, Chandigarh, 160022📞 Call: +91-7710-414545 | +91-7710-474545 📧 Email: empirevisaconsultants@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.empirevisa.in ⏰ Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Book Your FREE Consultation Now!
Whether you dream of exploring Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam, or the Swiss Alps, your European adventure begins with the right visa application. Let Empire Visa Consultants be your trusted partner in making it happen.
We Offer:
- Free profile evaluation
- Customized visa strategy
- Complete documentation support
- Fast-track processing assistance
- Travel planning guidance
- Post-visa support
Your journey to Europe starts here with Empire Visa Consultants, Chandigarh’s most trusted name in Schengen visa services!
Disclaimer: Visa requirements, fees, and processing times are subject to change by embassies. Information provided is accurate as of 2026. Individual requirements may vary. Always verify with specific embassy or consult Empire Visa Consultants for personalized, up-to-date guidance.
