Schengen visa

Getting a Schengen Visa with an Indian Passport: Everything You Need to Know

October 8, 2018 by Mrithyu

Did you know that more than 10 million Indian nationals travel to Europe every year? That number is expected to grow to around 15 million by 2020. With the high number of Indians spending their vacations in Europe, is it any wonder why getting a Schengen visa is a hot topic right now?

schengen visa

What is Schengen?

More than two dozen countries agreed to open their internal borders and let both people and goods pass through without the need for passports, visas, and other controls. Most of these countries are part of the European Union, but there are also non-EU member countries on the Schengen list.

In the Schengen area, you will no longer have to worry about passport checks and border control. The Schengen zone includes these member countries:

Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

Things You Should Know About the Schengen Visa

Getting a Schengen visa allows you to hop from one member country to another without showing your passport and other travel documents to anybody. What are the things that you should know about the Schengen visa?

1. Why get a Schengen visa?

Indian passport holders would need to secure a Schengen visa to travel to the countries listed above. Business travelers and people who frequently tour Europe will benefit most from having a Schengen visa.

2. How long does it take to process a Schengen visa?

Schengen visa applications usually take 15 days to process, but it can take up to 30 days if any issue arises. There are priority processes that expedite Schengen visa applications. To give you an idea, Indian passport holders currently have the option to get priority visas to the United Kingdom by paying an extra INR20,000 ($275.82, directly converted) to expedite the processing to less than a week.

Those in a hurry can pay an additional INR90,000 (around $1,241, directly converted) to get “super priority” visas, which they can get in less than a day. You can expect Schengen priority visas to be more expensive than a UK priority visa.

3. When should you apply for a Schengen visa?

You would need around 15 to 30 days to process a Schengen visa. You can apply for one at least 15 days before your trip, but that is cutting it too close. By law, you can start applying only within three months of your scheduled departure and not before.

Top Demand from India

Did you know that in 2017, India placed fourth in the list of countries with the most number of applications for a Schengen visa? That is how high the demand for such visa is in the country.

For those who are applying for one, you might want to know that France granted the most number of Schengen visas to Indian passport holders. In 2017, France approved 179,749 Schengen uniform visas out of more than 201,000 applications from India. What’s more, France received around 3.7 million Schengen visa applications from around the world, rejecting only 13.6%.

When it comes to approval rates, however, Germany approved the highest percentage of Schengen visa applications that its consulates received from Indian passport holders, followed by the Netherlands.

To give you an idea of how many people from India have applied for a Schengen visa and which consulates have higher approval rates, here is a comparison table showing the number of Schengen visa applications received and approved by selected countries:

Country	Approved applications	Applications received	Approval rates
France	179,749	201,161	89.36%
Germany	143,456	153,961	93.18%
Italy	78,685	88,502	88.91%
Netherlands	64,816	69,897	92.73%

On the other end of the spectrum, these countries had the highest visa refusal rates (not just Schengen visas) for Indian citizens:

Estonia: 31.8%
Lithuania: 27.1%
Latvia: 27.0%
Poland: 20.2%
Malta: 16.90%

How Can You Get a Schengen Visa with an Indian Passport?

It is no secret that applying for a Schengen visa on your own and without the help of travel agencies can be quite a headache. However, if you want to try, you should plan your trip three to four months ahead, selecting your itinerary of European cities and countries you want to visit. Book your air tickets, hotels, bus tickets, and other stuff that you can book. It would be better if you also got travel insurance.

Then comes the hard part: getting all the required documents together. What are the documents and other requirements that you need to prepare? You would need a valid passport that has been issued within the last 10 years and would be valid for three months after your expected return date. It should also have two empty pages for the visa sticker and immigration stamps you would have for your trip. You should also include two passport photos that are not older than six months.

Part of the documentation that you would need to present would be a copy of your bookings and travel insurance. If you are staying with friends or relatives, you would need to show your invitation letter as well as a copy of their passport and their valid residence permit. These are very vital if you do not want your application rejected.

All You Need to Know about Schengen Visa for Indians

May 10, 2018 by Mrithyu

Today, Europe remains a premier destination for Indians to visit. As a result, there’s been an increased demand for Schengen visa for Indian passport holders in recent years. According to statistics from the Internal Migration & Affairs of the European Commission, Indians submitted over 700,000 applications for these visas in 2015.

schengen visa insurance

A Schengen visa is a unique type of visa that enables travellers to enter through one country and travel freely within 26 European countries without having to produce their passport at every border crossing.

India is one of Europe’s most significant tourist markets, with over 10 million travelling to Europe annually. This number is expected to increase to 15 million in 2020. Given the huge number of tourists that visits Europe, various queries have risen among Indians concerning this visa and its application. Here’s what you need to know about it.

Application Requirements

When applying for a visa to travel to one or more of the member states, you need to understand the requirements as well as the application process. If you’re planning to travel, it’s advisable you apply through the consulate or embassy of the nation you’ll be staying at the most.

During your visa application, keep in mind that you need to issue the required documents personally once you’ve scheduled an appointment at the consulate or embassy. It’s always advisable to schedule the appointment at least 15 days before your departure since that’s the approximated time required for the procedure taking place in the corresponding institution.

Each Schengen nation has more or less similar requirements in issuing visas to the concerned party. However, slight differences exist here and there, depending on the embassy or consulate on the needed documents besides the major identification papers and your current financial status. Some of the documents you can expect to present include:

A signed and completed Visa Application Form
You should provide an attached photo, which should have a passport format, a light background, and a full-face capture. It should also be recent.
The passport together with the copies of your former visas, valid for at least three months before your departure is necessary. The passport should have at least 2 blank pages.
Verification of accommodation for the entire duration of the planned stay in the Schengen area
You must demonstrate proof of adequate means of subsistence throughout the planned stay in the Schengen area. Bear in mind that this differs across countries.
You must secure travel health insurance, covering any health emergency with hospital care. The policy should cover expenses up to €30,000; the sum depends on the residing days and it should be valid in every Schengen country. You must purchase the policy before collecting the visa and in the event that you face visa rejection, you can cancel it.

For a minor, you require these extra documents:

The birth certificate
Both parents need to sign the application form
In situations where one parent has complete custody, you need to attach the family court order
Certified copies of passport/ID of both parents
A notarized authorization signed by either guardians or parents if the minor is to travel alone

Types of Schengen Visas

The three kinds of visas accessible to travellers worldwide are:

Uniform Visas

This kind permits the holder to reside in or transit through a Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period from the entry date. Depending on the travel purpose, you can obtain the visa for transiting through the airport of a Schengen nation without entering the nation or for residing within the Schengen area for a certain period depending on the visa’s validity.

Limited Visas

This visa enables the visa holder to visit and enter a particular country in the Schengen Zone. The visa holder can’t enter a different area that isn’t specified.

National Visas

These visas are for professionals and students who have to live in a Schengen nation for a particular period. They can be acquired under multiple and single-entry schemes.

Insurance for Schengen Visa

Schengen visa insurance is compulsory for most non-U.S. citizens travelling to Schengen nations in Europe. It’s also necessary for U.S. citizens travelling for more than 90 days to Schengen areas. This policy typically covers:

Emergency health expenses

This benefit is mandatory for this policy. In the event that you get sick or sustain an injury while on a trip, this benefit would cover eligible health costs.

Trip interruption

This benefit is applicable in the event that you need to return home earlier than you’d intended because of covered reasons such as the demise of a close relative.

Some of the insurance plans you should consider when travelling to a Schengen area include:

Patriot Plan

If you’re looking for a plan that meets Schengen requirements, the Patriot Plan is one of them. The insurance provider offers Patriot International, a plan that offers coverage for persons travelling outside their home nation whose destination doesn’t include the U.S. or its territories. The plan is accessible for groups, individuals, and families for 5 days minimum up to a maximum of two years. Furthermore, it has a complete package of global benefits.

Atlas Plan

Atlas Travel offers coverage for unforeseen medical costs and benefits of emergency travel such as emergency health evacuation as well as kidnap and ransom circumstances abroad. Some of the benefits you can expect under this coverage include outpatient treatment and hospitalization as well as an emergency reunion.

If you’re planning to travel to a Schengen country, it’s imperative you familiarize yourself with the requirements so you can plan accordingly. Hope the guide above gives you a head start on your Schengen trip planning.

Filed Under: Schengen Visa Tagged With: Europe travel, indians, Schengen visa, schengen visa insurance, Visa Application Form

10 Best Countries to Visit in Europe

June 18, 2015 by Mrithyu

Are you putting together your Europe bucket list? Wondering where exactly you should go in Europe for a stunning travel experience? Europe is a vastly diverse and interesting continent, offering something for everyone from river cruises to beach breaks, wine tastings to skiing. Depending on your interests, you are sure to find something to suit your travel style. For a little inspiration, here are our 10 best picks for a European vacation. How many will you visit?

Europe

1) Portugal
Portugal may not be as well-known as Spain or as iconic as France, but this underrated country has so much to offer you can’t leave it off the list of best places to travel in 2015. Portugal has everything – tiny villages, medieval castles, sun-soaked beaches, fine wines and delicious food. The country is beautiful and highly cultural, with a stunning coastline and a range of activities on offer from wine tasting to swimming in the ocean.

2) Switzerland
Switzerland is the top of the list if you love snow, mountains, and scenery. This alpine country boasts a collection of standout scenic vistas from the Matterhorn to Lake Geneva. Switzerland has castles and villages from the Middle Ages, and you can go hiking in the mountains. Small towns offer the perfect indulgence – Swiss chocolate made locally.

3) Spain
Surely a European icon if ever there was one, and definitely one of the best places to visit in Europe, Spain is a uniquely varied country with plenty to see and do. You can soak up the culture in Barcelona and visit the iconic places there including the cathedral, or relax on a beach in the Canary Islands or Mallorca. If you don’t want a beach break, head to the mountains in Northern Spain for walking and sightseeing.

4) Austria
Beautiful sights are everywhere in Austria. Vienna is a stunning place to relax and wander around, while the lakes of the Alps plus the valleys and meadows are just perfect for an outdoor break.

5) United Kingdom
You can’t go wrong with a trip to the United Kingdom, whatever you want to do or see. You have the rolling hills in the Cotswolds, the beauty of the northern moors in Yorkshire, the stunning coastline of Devon and Cornwall, or the vibrancy of the cities of London, Manchester, and Bristol. And that’s not even counting the scenery and things to do in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom has something for everyone and is in this list of best European countries by USA Today.

6) Italy
You’re going to love Italy if you love food and drink. The pizza and pasta, the ice cream and the red wine… you’ll never want to leave. Italy has some glorious cities and art galleries, and there is also the chance to walk in the mountains, chill out in a café, or simply stroll around a Tuscan village with not much to do but relax.

7) Germany
With Germany you have the twin attractions of vibrant, busy cities plus the beauty of a forest and valley landscape. Germany also offers a wealth of different culinary and beer-related attractions, making this a well-rounded destination for a vacation.

8) Iceland
One of the most beautiful countries in the world, Iceland offers so many different experiences it is hard to know where to start. From hot springs to volcanic beaches, waterfalls to the Northern Lights, Iceland is a place you will never forget.

9) France
France is justifiably one of the most popular countries to visit in Europe. The landscape is diverse and attractive, and the cities are ideal for exploration. And then, of course, there is the food. You are spoiled for choice in this culinary destination.

10) Ireland
The Emerald Isle is a glorious place for a vacation, with miles of green countryside and rolling hills, a beautiful coastline, and friendly villages with free-flowing Guinness. Ireland is definitely a place to visit on your European vacation.

Europe consistently ranks in the list of best places to travel, and it is no surprise as the wealth of sights and locations on offer is second to none. Choose your favorite location, book your tickets through the range of affordable travel agents and travel websites on offer, sort out your international travel insurance, and you’re good to go. Have fun!

Filed Under: Europe Travel Tagged With: Europe travel, Schengen visa

Tourism Expected to Increase in Germany and Netherlands

July 30, 2014 by Mrithyu

A record number of tourists are heading to Germany and Netherlands and the figure is expected to rise further in the coming years.

According to statistics, Germany is the seventh most visited country in the world, with over 68 million overnight stays by foreign visitors in the year 2012. Record numbers of tourists are heading to Germany and in terms of overnight stays, travel to some of the biggest cities in Germany has more than doubled between 1995 and 2005, the largest increase for any travel destination in the world. The trend is set to continue in the coming months, with expectations of overseas visitor figures rising further in the year 2014. A recent study shows that Germany is rated as one of the safest travel destinations worldwide; it is also one of the most influential European nations culturally, attracting visitors from all over the world for its architectural treasures and fascinating places of natural beauty.

Germany is one of world’s greatest economic powers admired by visitors for its old world charm as also for its engineering and hi tech products. With its historical regions and local diversity, Germany is the ideal travel destination. Whether you are travelling with family or friends, the country has plenty of modern cities and stunning landscapes for you to discover, and a host of activities to make your trip a memorable experience.

travellers
Each city in Germany is unique with a remarkable wealth of culture and old world attractions, be it the world class museums or spectacular countryside with quaint little villages and fairy tale castles. There are many countries that have their share of World War II memorials but none that have as many as Germany. The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin honours millions of Jews who died during World War II. The Berlin Wall draws millions of tourists each year due to its turbulent history. From 1961 to 1989 the Berlin Wall divided the city in two; though most of this structure has been torn down, the fragments remain a feature of the city now.
Situated in the heart of Europe, Germany’s big buzzing cities have plenty of tourist attractions and unique sights to offer. You can go to Frankfurt for the museums, Dusseldorf for fashion, Berlin for the music, Hamburg for the art and Munich for a great night out.

If you are planning a visit to Germany and are worried about visa regulations, you can rest easy. If you are an EU national, then you will not need a visa if your stay is up to 90 days. Citizens of some countries like USA, Canada and Singapore also do not need a visa for trips that are shorter than 90 days. On the other hand, citizens of many countries do require either a tourist visa or a Schengen visa for their stay in Germany. A Schengen visa gives you the freedom to visit all EU countries on one single visa, for up to 90 days, which is the best option if you are planning a Europe trip and plan on visiting several countries.

Of late, the Netherlands too has been seeing a remarkable increase in visitor numbers with a record number of 12.7 million visitors coming to the country in 2013. Germans, Britons and Belgians made up the majority of tourists, though the largest percentage increase in visitors came from Russia and China and further growth is expected with predictions of 13 million visitors in 2014. With its small size, welcoming environment and many tourist attractions, Netherlands is a top tourist destination and a great addition to any European trip.

Also known as Holland, the Netherlands is a densely populated country that is packed with surprises. It is a charming country famous for its scenic beauty, ancient windmills and colourful tulip fields. The beautiful capital city of Amsterdam is one of the top destinations in the world.

Netherlands was a great naval power with a wealth of heritage and famous for its painters, windmills and flatlands. Though tourism is a relatively small sector of the Dutch economy, it attracts many foreign visitors owing to its rich historical heritage. There are as many as seven world heritage sites in the Netherlands. Most of the tourism industry of the Netherlands is focussed on the northern and southern regions of Holland. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Randstad, Leiden, The Hague and Maastricht are all cities teeming with tourist attractions. The city of Amsterdam is the most visited city of the Netherlands, home to world famous museums such as the Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum and canal ring, a world heritage site. The Van Gogh museum is considered one of the best galleries featuring impressionist artwork. Though many tourists come to visit the major cities, the flowering tulips and beaches are also strong draw cards and there is a big increase in tourists coming to experience the Dutch way of life.

If you are planning a visit to the Netherlands for no more than 90 days and are a EU national, then you may not need a visa. Canadians, US citizens and citizens of some countries also do not require the Schengen visa for short trips. But if you are not an EU national, then you may need a Schengen visa to visit the Netherlands. However, if you are just changing flights in the Netherlands on international travel, you may just require an airport transit visa, called the A visa, with which you cannot enter the country. There is another visa called the B- visa which allows you to travel through the country for a maximum period of 5 days. This is for people whose final destination is not in the Schengen area but who are travelling through it. The C-visa or the tourist visa is given for a maximum period of 90 days and can be used for several purposes such as holiday, tourism, family visit or participation in sporting events.
With a host of special events and festivities coming up in both Germany and Netherlands, more tourist inflow is expected this year.

Filed Under: Europe Travel, Schengen Visa Tagged With: Germany, Netherland, Schengen visa