General Tourist Visa Rules for Schengen Countries

Introduction

Schengen area is comprised of 26 countries like Switzerland, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands, Spain, Estonia and Greece etc. Over the last few years more and more tourist’s visas are being applied by Indians for the Schengen countries for tourism and Leisure.Applying a Schengen visa can be a little tormenting for the applicants as there are certain requirements which are needed to be fulfilled by the applicant to attain the Schengen Tourist visa. Every country has its own document requirements however here you can find information regarding the documents that are needed by almost all the Schengen countries to issue a visa from India. At present you can apply for a Schengen visa 3 months ahead of your purposed travel (which is expected to change in near future) and you should apply to the country where you intend to stay for maximum days.

Type of Visas:

Schengen Visa, type C: for entry and a stay of up to 90 days within a period of 180 days, for example in the context of tourism, a visit, short-term language studies, etc.

·        For a stay involving gainful employment a work permit is also required.

·        National visa, also known as type D: for longer term stays. (More than 90 days). 

1. Country Specific Visa Application form

 Every applicant needs to fill his/her own visa application form. If a family of 4 is applying for Switzerland tourist visa then they will need to fill and sign 4 visa application forms. If there are minor children travelling with the parents then the parents need to sign the visa application forms for the children. Country specific visa application forms are available on the VFS website of the country you are applying to.

2. Photograph for Visa

Every visa applicant including minor children needs to furnish at least two identical photographs with the visa application. Generally one photograph is pasted on the visa application form and one is clipped on the passport with the application. The photograph must be:

·        Not older than 6 months

·        35*45 mm 

·        The head should take 70-80 % of the photograph.

·        Color photo with neutral expressions and white back ground.

3. Passport/s

A passport which is valid for 6 months or more and all the previous passports bound together with rubber bands.

4. Covering letter

A covering letter should state the purpose and duration of your visit in the Schengen area. A covering letter should include the details of the co-applicant, countries you will be staying in and who will be funding the trip. Covering letter should ideally be written on a letter.

5. Travel Insurance

A document that proves you have travel health insurance for the whole Schengen territory, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros in case of any medical emergency as illnesses, accidents and even repatriation in case of death.

6. Purpose of Travel/Stay

If the trip is a package tour, attach detailed itinerary or an air ticket reservation displaying your return to India.

7. Funds

Applicant should produce documents showing enough money to support yourself and your family financially throughout your stay in the Schengen area. This can be the following:

·        A Bank account statement that shows you have enough money in your account for the trip. Try to produce latest bank statement from the bank with seal and sign from the bank official. Some countries require 3 months bank statement and some require 6 months bank statement.

·        Bank account balance certificate with seal and sign of the bank.

·        Sponsorship letter by another person that confirms they will be financially supporting your trip to the Schengen. In order for this letter to be valid, it must be accompanied by a bank statement of the sponsor, no older than three months (some countries require attestation of sponsorship letter from local authorities).

·        A combination of your bank account statement and a letter of sponsorship.

8. Socio-professional situation

·        Income Tax returns of last 3 years.

·        Salary slips in case of employees.

·        Appointment letter.

·        Leave letter/No objection letter from the employer.

·        Profession certificate of registration.

·        Certification of registration of Company.

·        Gst registration.

·        Leave letter from school in case of students.

·        Any other document demonstrating the applicant’s personal links to the country of residence (e.g marriage certificate etc.).

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