How Much Does a Schengen Travel Visa Cost?

Planning a trip to Europe from India? Understanding the costs involved in obtaining a Schengen travel visa is essential for your travel budget. This comprehensive guide breaks down all the fees, requirements, and additional expenses you need to know before applying for your Schengen tourist visa.

What is a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Area consists of 29 European countries that have eliminated passport controls at their mutual borders. A Schengen travel visa allows you to travel freely within these countries for tourism, business, or transit purposes. The visa is typically valid for short stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.

Countries included in the Schengen Area are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia.

Standard Schengen Visa Fees for Indian Citizens

The basic application fee for a Schengen tourist visa depends on your age and specific circumstances. Here are the current standard fees applicable to Indian applicants:

• Adults (12 years and above): €80 (approximately ₹7,200 INR)

• Children (6-11 years): €40 (approximately ₹3,600 INR)

• Children under 6 years: Free of charge

These fees are set by the European Union and apply to most Indian applicants. However, specific categories of travellers may qualify for reduced fees or exemptions.

Fee Exemptions and Reductions for Indian Applicants

Several groups of Indian applicants are exempt from paying the standard Schengen travel visa fee:

Complete exemptions apply to:

• Children under 6 years old

• School groups accompanied by teachers

• Researchers travelling for scientific purposes

• Representatives of non-profit organisations aged 25 or younger attending seminars or events

Reduced fees (€35 or approximately ₹3,150 INR) apply to:

• Students, postgraduate students, and accompanying teachers on study trips

• Researchers from India are travelling for scientific research purposes

Free processing for:

• Family members of EU/EEA citizens

• Holders of diplomatic or service passports

• Students participating in exchange programmes

Additional Costs for Indian Applicants

Beyond the basic application fee for your Schengen tourist visa, several additional expenses may apply for Indian travellers:

VFS Global Service Fees

Indian applicants must submit their applications through VFS Global centres across India. VFS Global charges an additional service fee of ₹2,100 (approximately €23) on top of the standard visa fee.

Courier and Collection Services

If you cannot collect your passport in person from VFS centres, courier services within India cost approximately ₹600 to ₹800. Express courier services to remote locations may cost up to ₹1,200.

Document Translation and Certification

Documents not in English or the local European language require certified translations. In India, certified translation costs typically range from ₹500 to ₹1,500 per document, depending on the language and complexity.

Travel Insurance

All Schengen travel visa applications require mandatory travel insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation. For Indian travellers, insurance costs typically range from ₹50 to ₹200 per day of travel, depending on your age, destination, and coverage level.

Passport Photos

Standard passport photos meeting Schengen requirements cost between ₹200 to ₹500 at professional photo studios in India. VFS centres also offer photo services for approximately ₹300.

Supporting Documentation Costs

Indian applicants might need to obtain additional documents, such as:

• Bank statements (₹200-500 for certified copies from Indian banks)

• Employment letters (potential notarisation costs of ₹100-300)

• Income Tax Returns (₹50-100 for certified copies)

• Hotel reservations (booking fees if reservations need to be guaranteed)

• Flight itineraries (some Indian travel agencies charge ₹500-1,000 for detailed itineraries)

Processing Centres Across India

VFS Global operates visa application centres in major Indian cities, including:

• Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, and Goa.

Each centre charges the same service fees, but travel costs to reach these centres should be factored into your budget if you don't live in these cities.

Premium Services for Indian Applicants

Several premium services are available for Indian applicants applying for a Schengen tourist visa:

Prime Time Appointments

VFS Global offers prime time appointment slots during convenient hours for an additional fee of ₹1,770.

Express Courier Services

Door-to-door passport collection and delivery services are available for ₹800-1,200, depending on your location within India.

SMS Notifications

Optional SMS updates about your application status cost ₹160.

Keep My Passport Service

This service allows you to keep your passport during processing for an additional fee of ₹2,100. This is particularly useful if you need your passport for domestic travel or other purposes.

Multiple Entry Visas for Frequent Indian Travellers

Standard Schengen travel visa fees apply regardless of whether Indian applicants apply for single-entry or multiple-entry visas. Multiple-entry visas with more extended validity periods offer excellent value for Indian business travellers or those with family in Europe.

For Indians with a good travel history, consulates may issue:

• One-year multiple-entry visas

• Two-year multiple-entry visas

• Five-year multiple-entry visas (for exceptional cases)

The same fee applies to all these visa types, making long-term multiple-entry visas highly cost-effective.

Processing Times and Rush Services

Standard processing time for Indian applications is 15 calendar days from the date of biometric submission. During peak season (April to August), processing might take up to 30 days.

Some European consulates in India offer expedited processing:

• Express service (7-10 days): Additional ₹3,000-4,500

• Premium service (3-5 days): Available only for urgent situations with proof

Rush fees are non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected.

Payment Methods at Indian Centres

VFS Global centres in India accept various payment methods:

• Cash payments in Indian Rupees

• Credit and debit cards (additional processing fee of 2.5%)

• Demand drafts in favour of VFS Global

Important payment notes for Indian applicants:

• Visa fees are generally non-refundable, regardless of outcome

• Service centre fees are never refundable

• Keep all payment receipts for tracking purposes

Special Considerations for Indian Passport Holders

Indian applicants should be aware of these specific requirements:

Financial Documentation

Indian applicants must provide stronger financial documentation, typically including:

• Bank statements for the last 3 months showing healthy balances

• Income Tax Returns for 2-3 years

• Salary certificates from employers

• Property documents or investment proofs

Travel History

Having a clean travel history with previous visas to developed countries significantly improves approval chances and may lead to more extended validity visas.

Purpose Documentation

Clear documentation of travel purpose is crucial for Indian applicants. This includes detailed itineraries, hotel bookings, and invitation letters if applicable.

Budget Planning for Indian Travelers

For a typical Indian adult applicant, here's a realistic budget breakdown:

• Basic visa fee: €80 (₹7,200)

• VFS Global service fee: ₹2,100

• Travel insurance (15 days): ₹2,000

• Passport photos: ₹300

• Document copies and translations: ₹1,500

• Bank statement charges: ₹500

• Travel to VFS centre: ₹1,000

• Total estimated cost: ₹14,600 (approximately €162)

This estimate can vary based on your city, specific requirements, and chosen premium services.

Money-Saving Tips for Indian Applicants

Here are practical ways to reduce your visa expenses:

• Apply during off-peak season: Avoid summer months when processing takes longer and premium services become necessary.

• Complete applications meticulously: Indian rejection rates are higher due to incomplete applications. Double-check all requirements.

• Use online appointment booking: Book appointments online to avoid agent fees charged by local travel agencies.

• Prepare documents in advance: Having all documents ready prevents multiple visits to VFS centres.

• Choose appropriate insurance: Select travel insurance that meets minimum requirements without unnecessary add-ons.

• Group family applications: Families can submit applications together, sharing some documentation costs.

Also Read : A Complete Guide on the Types of Schengen Area Visas

Common Mistakes That Increase Costs

Indian applicants often make costly mistakes:

• Insufficient bank balance: Inadequate funds lead to rejection and reapplication costs.

• Incomplete travel history: Not providing a complete visa history can cause delays or rejection.

• Poor quality photos: Non-compliant photos require retaking at the centre.

• Missing translations: Forgetting to translate documents into regional languages.

• Inadequate insurance coverage: Purchasing insurance that falls short of the minimum requirements.

End Note

Applying for a Schengen travel visa from India involves more than just the basic application fee. From VFS Global service charges to travel insurance and supporting documentation, the total cost can add up quickly. Careful planning and budgeting will ensure you’re well-prepared for the process and avoid unnecessary expenses.

While managing visa costs is important, securing the proper travel protection is equally essential. That’s why we offer comprehensive travel insurance solutions that meet Schengen requirements, covering medical emergencies, trip delays, and more. With the right coverage, you can focus on enjoying Europe’s wonders without worrying about unexpected setbacks.

FAQs

How much does a Schengen travel visa cost for Indian adults?

The standard fee is €80 (around ₹7,200) for applicants aged 12 years and above.

Is travel insurance mandatory for a Schengen tourist visa?

Yes, applicants must have travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies.

How long does it take to process a Schengen travel visa in India?

Standard processing takes about 15 days, though it may extend up to 30 days during peak season.