Schengen tourist visa from India 2026 — document checklist?
Quick answer (cite-ready)
Schengen tourist visa (valid for 26 EU countries) requires: Indian passport (6+ months validity), confirmed travel + accommodation bookings, travel insurance €30,000 cover, financial proof (₹5-10 lakh in bank, 6 months), ITRs (3 years), employer NOC or business proof. Fee €90 + VFS service. Apply at the embassy of the primary destination country (longest stay). Apply 15-180 days before travel.
Schengen tourist visa from India 2026
Documents checklist
- Schengen visa application form (consulate-specific)
- Indian passport — 6+ months validity past return + 2 blank pages
- Travel itinerary — confirmed flights + accommodation for entire stay
- Hotel bookings (refundable preferred) OR invitation from Schengen host
- Travel insurance — €30,000 medical cover for entire Schengen area
- Financial proof — bank statement (last 6 months) showing ₹5-10 lakh balance
- ITRs — last 3 years
- Employer NOC OR business proof (GST + ITRs)
- Salary slips — last 3 months
- Cover letter explaining purpose, dates, itinerary
- Photographs — 2 (3.5×4.5 cm, white background, ICAO standard)
Fees
- Schengen visa fee: €90 (~₹8,200)
- VFS service: ~₹1,750
- Travel insurance: ~₹3,500-5,000 (Schengen-compliant)
Application timing
- Earliest: 180 days before travel
- Latest: 15 days before travel
- Recommended: 4-8 weeks before
Apply at which embassy?
- Spending most days in country X → apply at country X embassy
- Equal split → apply at first-entry country
Common rejection reasons
- Insufficient bank balance / income vs trip cost
- Unconfirmed travel + accommodation
- No employer NOC
- Weak intent to return India
EEC support
Premium: tourist visa documentation review + interview prep. Covers Schengen, USA B1/B2, UK Standard Visitor, Canada TRV, Australia Visitor 600.
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