Schengen Visa Requirements for Indians in 2025 — With Tips to Avoid Rejection
Everything you need to apply smart, avoid delays, and boost your chances of approval.
For Indian travellers, Europe is one dream destination with 27 countries — and just one visa to explore them all. The Schengen visa is your golden ticket. But navigating the application process can feel overwhelming, especially with changing rules, endless documents, and the ever-present fear of rejection.
That’s why we’ve created this 2025 guide to Schengen visa requirements for Indian citizens — with insider tips from ACMA Holidays on how to apply smoothly and maximise your chances of getting approved.
What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa allows you to travel across 27 European countries that are part of the Schengen Zone — without needing separate visas for each country. Once you’re in, you can move freely within the zone.
Countries Covered Under Schengen (2025)
Some of the most visited countries in the Schengen Area include:
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Switzerland
- Greece
- Austria
- Portugal
- Belgium
Note: Ireland, the UK, and some Balkan countries are not part of the Schengen Zone.
Who Needs a Schengen Visa?
Indian passport holders must apply for a Schengen visa before entering any Schengen country. This visa is short-term, valid for tourism, business, or family visits — up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Types of Schengen Visas for Indians
- Tourist Visa (Type C): For leisure or sightseeing
- Business Visa: For work meetings, conferences
- Transit Visa: For connecting flights through Schengen airports
- Multiple Entry Visa: For frequent travellers
Most Indian applicants opt for the Tourist Visa (Type C).
Documents Required for Schengen Visa (Indians – 2025)
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Valid Passport (with at least 2 blank pages and 3–6 months validity beyond return date)
- Completed Schengen Visa Application Form (online or embassy-specific)
- Passport-size Photos (recent, white background)
- Flight Itinerary (no need to book actual tickets)
- Proof of Accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letters)
- Travel Insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
- Proof of Financial Means (bank statements, IT returns, payslips)
- Cover Letter (explaining purpose and travel plan)
- Visa Fee Payment Receipt
- Employment Proof / Business Proof / Student ID (depending on applicant category)
ACMA Tip: Double-check country-specific document tweaks — Germany and France, for example, have stricter formats for bank statements or cover letters.
Visa Fees (2025 Updated)
- Adults: €80 (approx. ₹7,200)
- Children (6–12 years): €40 (approx. ₹3,600)
- Children under 6: Free
- Service Fees: Varies by VFS / BLS — usually ₹1,000–₹2,000 extra
Payment is usually done online or via VFS appointment.
Schengen Visa Processing Time for Indians
- Normal Processing: 15–21 working days
- Peak Season: Up to 30 days
- Recommended Time to Apply: At least 6–8 weeks before your trip
ACMA Tip: Many countries allow you to apply up to 6 months in advance — so plan early, especially if travelling during May–September.
Top 5 Reasons Why Indian Applications Get Rejected
- Insufficient Funds in Bank Account
- Inconsistent Travel Itinerary or No Real Travel Plan
- Fake or Suspicious Documents (especially insurance or hotel bookings)
- Weak Cover Letter or Missing Explanation for Return to India
- Unclear Purpose of Travel or Overstaying in Previous Visas
How to Avoid Schengen Visa Rejection – ACMA’s Checklist
- Show stable bank statements with consistent balance (₹2–2.5 lakhs minimum for a 2-week trip)
- Get genuine hotel and flight reservations — not fake PDF generators
- Explain your trip clearly in your cover letter — who, why, when, where
- Include ties to India — job letter, property ownership, family proof
- Take professional help if it’s your first international trip or if you’re self-employed
Easiest Schengen Countries for Indians
Some countries have higher approval rates than others. Based on travel data and embassy experiences:
- Estonia – High approval rate, smooth VFS process
- Latvia – Lesser queues and fast processing
- Czech Republic – Friendly for first-time applicants
- Spain – Easier if you’re travelling with family
- Greece – Popular for honeymooners with fewer document rejections
Can ACMA Holidays Help?
Yes. Our visa desk handles everything — from checking your documents to booking legit hotel & flight reservations (without full payment), writing your cover letter, and preparing you for VFS appointments.
Whether you’re going solo, with a partner, or planning a corporate Europe trip — we make sure the visa is the easiest part of your journey.
