A guide for Indian Travelers

The Schengen visa is your key to exploring 27 European countries seamlessly. But what
exactly is it, and how can Indian travelers obtain it? Let’s delve into the world of Schengen
visas and understand how Gothrilll Holiday Services can assist you.

What is a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area, comprising most
European countries. It simplifies the process of exploring multiple countries on a single trip,
making it a popular choice for Indian travelers.

Schengen Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens:

The Schengen visa application requires you to assemble several documents. If you submit
all the correct documents as per the embassy or visa centre’s instructions, you’re more likely
to receive your Schengen visa without a hitch. So, please pay attention to the document
checklist below and how to prepare your documents for a Schengen visa application in
India.

YOU MUST PREPARE THESE DOCUMENTS FOR YOUR SCHENGEN VISA
FROM INDIA:

– Application form: You must fill out the Schengen visa application form with all your
information and required data. You can usually find a copy of the form at any of the
websites of the visa centres or embassies in India, download the form, fill it out, and
sign it.

– Your Indian passport (original plus a copy): You must provide your original
Indian passport along with a copy of your passport, which must have a three-month
validity period from the date you leave the Schengen area. Your passport must also
contain two blank pages and have been issued in the last 10 years.

– Identity photograph: You must submit two identity photographs following the
Schengen visa photo guidelines; the photos must have been taken in the last six
months. Please note that the number of photographs changes depending on which
country you apply for the Schengen visa.

– Civil status certificate: Please provide civil status documents such as birth
certificate, marriage certificate, family certificate, or death certificate (if applicable).
– Proof of accommodation: You must submit proof of hotel bookings/reservations,
Airbnb reservations, or proof that you will stay with a family member or friend.

– Round-trip Flight Itinerary: A booked flight reservation from India to the EU and
back. If you take any internal flights, you will have to include those tickets too.

– Travel health insurance: You must also provide a travel health insurance
certificate that meets the requirements of the Schengen travel insurance guidelines.
You need medical coverage of EUR 30,000 (equivalent to ₹ 2,604,743.80 as of
January 2023) for any unexpected illnesses or injuries.

– Proof of paid visa fee: You must also include the receipt proving you have paid
the required visa fee; otherwise, your application will not be processed.

– Cover letter: You may also be required to submit a cover letter for your Schengen
visa application in India. The cover letter must contain information about why you
are applying for a visa, what you plan to do during your stay, how long you will stay
in the Schengen Area, etc.

– Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable): If you obtained a Schengen
visa before applying for a new visa, you must submit copies of those previous
permits.

– Birth certificate and proof of parental consent (if applicable): In cases where
minors are applying for a Schengen visa, the application package must also contain
their birth certificate and parental consent for travel if they travel alone or with only
one parent/legal guardian. Please note that for minors, the application form must be
signed by both parents/legal guardians (one is acceptable if extenuating
circumstances apply).

– Proof of enough financial means: To obtain your Schengen visa, you must
submit original copies of your bank account statements showing transactions in the
last three to six months and the account balance or proof of regular income.
Depending on your employment status, you also need to submit the following
documents:

– If employed: An employment contract and certificate of annual leave from the
employer.

– If self-employed/freelancer: Business license (if applicable) & Business bank
statements.

– If a student: Certificate of registration at University, school, or college, Your
student ID card, a copy of the registration certificate from the faculty signed and
stamped by the university, and your grades transcript, Evidence of financial stability
of your parents, Proof of employment contract or proof of enough financial resources
for your stay.

– If retired: Bank statement showing the pension received for the last six months.