Breakdown of Schengen Visa Charges from India for Adults, Children & Students

Dreaming of croissants in Paris, gelato in Florence, or Christmas markets in Vienna? The Schengen visa is your golden ticket to 27 European countries, but before the romance begins, there is a bit of paperwork and, yes, some fees to understand. Let’s walk through every single cost you will encounter when applying for a Schengen visa from India, whether you are an adult, travelling with children, or heading off as a student.

Do Indians Need a Schengen Visa to Enter Europe?

Yes, Indian passport holders require a Schengen visa to enter any of the 27 Schengen Area member countries. India is not part of any visa-free arrangement with the Schengen Zone, which means there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for tourism. Every Indian citizen must apply in advance through the official embassy or consulate of the destination country, or through an authorised VFS Global or BLS International application centre.

A Schengen visa is a short-stay travel permit that allows non-EU citizens to enter and move freely within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. A single visa covers all 27 member countries meaning one approval lets you travel from France to Italy to Germany without border checks between them.

According to European Commission data, Indian nationals submitted over 1.15 million Schengen visa applications in 2025, making India the third-largest source market globally, with an overall approval rate of approximately 84.2%. Among popular destinations, Denmark, Belgium, and Germany recorded some of the lowest refusal rates for Indian applicants, while Greece and Malta had significantly higher refusal rates.

Which embassy should you apply to?

• Single country visit: apply at that country's embassy or consulate

• Multiple countries: apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most days

• Equal stay in multiple countries: apply at the embassy of your first country of entry

The Official Visa Fee (the one decided by Europe)

These are the standard fees that every Schengen country follows. They were updated in June 2024 and are quoted in euros. Indian applicants pay the rupee equivalent on the day of appointment.

• Adults (12 years and above): €90

• Children aged 6 to 11 years: €45

• Children below 6 years: Completely free

As of November 2025, €90 usually converts to roughly ₹8,200 to ₹8,500 and €45 to ₹4,100 to ₹4,300, depending on the daily exchange rate used by the application centre.

The Service Fee (the one that surprises everyone)

Every single person who walks into an application centre in India, even a three-month-old baby, pays a separate service fee for appointment handling, biometric collection, and running the centre. This fee is currently between ₹2,200 and ₹2,500 per applicant (exact amount varies slightly by city and centre). It is non-refundable, even if your visa is refused.

So the real total cost per person usually looks like this:

Big Savings for Students and Researchers

If you are enrolled in a recognised college or university and your main purpose of travel is study, training, educational exchange, or research (including unpaid internships in some cases), many Schengen countries completely waive the €90 visa fee for both students and accompanying teachers. You still pay the service fee, but that one letter from your institution on official letterhead can save you more than ₹8,000 per person. Always check the exact country’s waiver list because a few nations (such as France and Germany) are particularly generous, while others are stricter.

How Do I Apply for an India Schengen Visa?

Applying for a Schengen visa from India is a structured process that requires careful document preparation. Rushing or skipping steps is one of the most common reasons for rejection. Here is the complete step-by-step process:

Step 1: Determine your visa type and the correct embassy 

Identify the purpose of your trip: tourism, business, study, or family visit — and determine which Schengen country's embassy to apply to based on the rules above. Different visa types have slightly different document requirements.

Step 2: Gather your documents and arrange travel insurance for schengen visa

Collect all required documents: a valid passport with at least two blank pages and six months' validity, recent photographs, confirmed flight tickets, hotel bookings, bank statements showing a stable balance of ₹1.5–2 lakh per traveller, and travel insurance. Crucially, your travel insurance for schengen visa must be arranged before you apply not after. Your policy must show a minimum of €30,000 medical coverage valid across all 29 Schengen countries for the entire duration of your stay. Without this, your application will be rejected outright.

Step 3: Fill in the Schengen visa application form 

Complete the official application form accurately. Errors, blank fields, or inconsistencies between your form and supporting documents are common rejection triggers. Double-check everything before submission.

Step 4: Book your visa appointment 

Book your appointment at the nearest VFS Global, BLS International, or TLScontact centre handling your destination country's applications. Appointment slots fill quickly during peak season. Book 6–8 weeks in advance. The earliest you may apply is six months before your travel date.

Step 5: Attend your in-person appointment 

Arrive on time with all original documents and photocopies. You will submit your documents, provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph), and pay the visa and service fees. A brief interview may also be conducted.

Step 6: Track your application online 

After submission, track your application status online using your reference number. Standard processing takes 15 calendar days from the date your application reaches the consulate. During peak summer (May–August), allow 25–45 days.

Step 7: Collect your passport 

Once your visa decision is communicated, collect your passport either from the application centre or via courier if you opted for that service.

Processing Time: How Long Should You Really Wait?

The official Schengen visa from India processing time is 15 calendar days from the moment your application reaches the consulate or embassy. In real life, here is what most applicants experience in 2025:

• Off-season (January to April, September to November): 12 to 20 days

• Shoulder season: 15 to 25 days

• Peak summer (May to August) and Christmas/New Year period: 25 to 45 days

• Very rare complicated cases: up to 60 days

To stay stress-free, submit your application six to eight weeks before departure. The earliest you may apply is six months before your intended travel date.

Those Tempting “Extra” Services

When you book your appointment, you will see options for courier delivery of your passport (₹400–₹800), SMS alerts (₹100–₹200), premium lounge access (₹2,000–₹3,500), photocopy services, photograph booth, and form-filling assistance. They are genuinely convenient if you value comfort and time, but none of them are compulsory. A family of four can easily save ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 by skipping everything except the basic appointment.

The One Thing You Must Never Forget

Every applicant, regardless of age, must show valid travel insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 for emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and repatriation. Policies start from as little as ₹400–₹600 for a two-week trip, yet they are mandatory. Buying a proper policy is far cheaper than the risk of paying hospital bills in Europe out of your own pocket.

Family of Four Example (Tourist Trip, Peak Season)

• Father (adult): ₹10,800

• Mother (adult): ₹10,800

• Child 9 years: ₹6,500

• Child 3 years: ₹2,300 Total Schengen visa charges from India: ≈ ₹30,400 (plus insurance and any optional services)

Which is the Cheapest Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa from India?

The travel insurance for Schengen visa cost depends on factors such as age, trip duration, destination countries, and coverage amount. For short trips, basic Schengen-compliant plans can start from approximately ₹400–₹600.

When comparing the cheapest travel insurance for Schengen visa, travellers should not focus only on price. Ensure the policy includes:

• Minimum €30,000 medical coverage

• Emergency hospitalisation

• Medical evacuation and repatriation

• Coverage across all Schengen countries

• Validity for the entire duration of travel

Today, many insurers offer travel online insurance and online holiday insurance plans that can be purchased within minutes and used immediately for visa applications. The overall travel insurance for Schengen visa cost remains a small expense compared to potential medical costs in Europe.

Before submitting your visa application, ensure you purchase valid travel insurance for Schengen visa requirements. A suitable travel policy insurance plan not only helps meet embassy requirements but also provides financial protection during your trip. Whether you are looking for insurance for a trip, insurance for travelling abroad, or comparing travel insurance online options, choosing the right coverage can make your European holiday more secure and stress-free.

Also Read : How Much Does a Schengen Travel Visa Cost?

Conclusion

Yes, Schengen visa charges from India have increased in the last couple of years, and the universal service fee means even toddlers contribute to the bill. Yet when you consider that a single visa grants you access to 27 fascinating countries with no internal border checks, the cost per destination becomes remarkably reasonable.

Prepare your documents carefully, apply early enough to account for the Schengen visa from India processing time, attach proof if you qualify for a student waiver, and soon you will be sipping hot chocolate under the Eiffel Tower or cycling along Amsterdam’s canals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When did the latest Schengen visa fee increase happen? 

   The increase from €80 to €90 for adults (and €40 to €45 for children aged 6–11) took effect worldwide in June 2024.

2. Is the service fee the same in every Indian city? 

   It is almost identical, but minor differences of ₹100–₹300 can exist between centres.

3. Do I pay Schengen visa charges from India in cash or online? 

   Payment is made online at the time of booking the appointment or at the centre via card; cash is rarely accepted now.

4. My child is 5 years and 11 months old. Does he/she pay anything? 

   No. As long as the child is below 6 years on the date of application, the visa fee is zero. Only the service fee applies.

5. How strict is the student fee waiver? 

   Very generous for most countries if you have an official enrolment certificate and proof that the trip is educational. Always check the specific embassy website.

6. What is the current average Schengen visa from India processing time in peak summer? 

   Between 25 and 45 days in May–August 2025, so apply early.

7. Can I get a refund if my visa is refused? 

   Neither the visa fee nor the service fee is refunded, regardless of the decision.

8. Is travel insurance checked thoroughly? 

   Yes. The policy must clearly state €30,000 minimum coverage, be valid for the entire Schengen stay, and cover repatriation. Many refusals happen because of inadequate insurance.

9. What are the requirements for travel insurance for a Schengen visa?

   Schengen visa applicants must have travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000. The policy should cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and repatriation, and remain valid throughout the Schengen stay.

10. How much does travel insurance for Schengen visa cost from India?

    The travel insurance for Schengen visa cost generally starts from around ₹400–₹600 for short trips and increases based on age, trip duration, and coverage selected.