Planning a memorable holiday in Europe, like a honeymoon, a summer family trip, solo adventure, or a multi-city tour. It all starts with the visitor visa process. For most travellers from India, this means applying for a Schengen Visitor Visa, which allows you to visit up to 27 European countries on a short-stay basis.
What is a Schengen Visitor Visa?
A Schengen Visitor Visa (short-stay visa) lets Indian passport holders travel for tourism, visiting friends/family, or leisure within the Schengen area, usually for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa is ideal for
- Family holidays & summer experiences
- Honeymoon or special celebrations
- Solo professionals wanting multi-country trips
- Repeat international travellers building travel history
Whether it’s a romantic week in Paris, a cultural journey through Italy, or an action-packed multi-city tour, your Schengen Visitor Visa is your first big step
Step-by-Step Visa Process (2026)
Determine Where to Apply
- If visiting one country, apply to that country’s consulate/embassy.
- If visiting multiple countries, apply to the embassy of the country where you’ll spend the most time.
- If time in each country is equal, apply to the embassy of first entry.
Prepare Key Documents
Common documents required include:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity and blank pages)
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-size photos
- Travel itinerary (flight & hotel bookings)
- Travel insurance (minimum €30,000 medical coverage)
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, ITRs)
- Cover letter explaining trip purpose and plan
Tip: Detailed itineraries and consistent financial proof help strengthen your application.
Book Your Appointment
Visa applications are typically submitted via VFS Global or BLS International centers. Always book your slot well in advance, especially during peak seasons (summer or holiday months).
Submit and Attend Appointment
At your appointment:
- Submit documents
- Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
- Pay visa fees and service charges
- You might be asked questions about your trip itinerary— stay calm and honest.
Visitor Visa Cost (Approx. 2026)
Here’s what to budget for a typical Schengen short-stay visa from India:
Expense Category & Approx. cost
- Visa fee (Adults) - ~€80-€90 (~₹7,000-₹9,000)
- Visa fee (Children 6-12) - ~€40 (~₹3,500-₹4,500)
- VFS/BLS service charge - ₹1,500-₹2,500
- Travel insurance - ₹800-₹2,500
- Misc. docs (photos, courier, SMS updates) - ₹1,000-₹3,000
Total estimated cost: ~₹12,000–₹18,000 per applicant depending on services chosen.
Timeline & When to Apply
Processing Time
- Typical processing: 15–30 days after submission.
- In high demand or peak seasons, it may extend up to 30–45+ days.
Ideal Application Window
- You can apply up to 6 months before travel.
- Apply at least 45–60 days before your trip to avoid appointment scarcity or delays.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Apply early — peak seasons see appointment shortages.
- Accurate documents reduce delays.
- Detailed plans and proof of ties to India (job, family, property) improve approval chances.
- Travel insurance with valid coverage is mandatory —short stays without it are generally rejected.
Extra Things to Know
- A Schengen visa is usually valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Fees and timelines may vary slightly by embassy and country, so always check the latest details before applying.
- New systems like the Biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) are being rolled out across Europe by 2026, aiming to modernize border checks.
Why Custom Itineraries Matter in 2026
- With the EU moving toward a Digital Schengen Visa, the consistency of your travel plan is being scrutinized by AI-assisted systems. A mismatched hotel booking or an unrealistic "city-hopping" schedule can lead to rejection.
- For families and couples planning special occasions, a custom-built itinerary doesn't just make for a better vacation, but it provides a coherent, professional narrative to the visa officer, significantly increasing your approval chances.
Why the Right Guidance Matters for a Schengen Visa
A Schengen visa may look straightforward, but many applications face delays or refusals due to small gaps like incorrect embassy selection, weak itineraries, mismatched documents, or unclear travel intent.
For families, couples, and experienced travelers planning multi-country Europe trips, these details matter even more. A well-planned application not only improves approval chances but also helps secure better validity and smoother travel.
How Winny Helps with Your Schengen Visa
At Winny, Schengen visa support goes beyond just filling forms. The focus is on clarity, strategy, and experience.
Correct Embassy & Visa Strategy
Strong, Customised Travel Itineraries
Document Accuracy & Financial Alignment
Support for First-Time & Repeat Travellers
- First-time Europe travellers
- Families travelling together
- Professionals with multiple international trips
- Applicants with previous Schengen history
Each case is handled with a clear understanding of risk points.
End-to-End Assistance
From appointment booking and biometrics to submission tracking and updates, the process is managed with attention to detail and timelines, especially during peak travel seasons.
