Schengen Visa for Spain, Germany, France, and Italy

NOTE: (It is different from the earlier blog as it deals with application process in detail, Biometric details and talks about the various VFS, BLS centers available in India for application and jurisdiction range)

Traveling to Spain, Germany, France, or Italy promises a memorable experience filled with diverse cultures, historic landmarks, and stunning landscapes. To explore these European treasures, Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa. This visa grants the ability to travel across the 27 Schengen Zone countries, which include Spain, Germany, France, and Italy, allowing for tourism and short-term stays up to 90 days within a 180day period.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the Schengen visa application process specifically for France, Spain, Germany, and Italy. It will help you understand the requirements and steps involved in securing your visa and preparing for an enriching European adventure.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Complete the Online Application Form:

Fill Out the Application Form: Begin by accurately completing the Schengen visa application form available on the official website.

Create an Account: If needed, create a personal account with your email address to save your progress and keep track of required documents.

Submit the Form: After filling out the form, submit it online.

2. Book a Biometrics Appointment and Visa Interview:

For First-Time Applicants:

Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment for biometrics and a visa interview. This can be done via phone, online through the visa application center (VAC) website, or in person at the VAC or embassy/consulate.

Biometrics Appointment: For first-time applicants, biometrics (photo and fingerprints) are required. This step is essential for processing your visa application.

In-Person Submission: Applicants aged 12 and older must attend in person to submit their visa applications. If you have had a Schengen visa issued in the past 59 months, your previous biometric data may be reused.

3. Submit Physical Copies of Required Documents:

Gather Necessary Documents: Collect all required documents as per the visa application guidelines.

Submit Documents: Present these physical copies at your scheduled appointment at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center (VAC). Ensure that documents meet all specified requirements and formats.

4. Track Your Application and Collect Your Passport:

• After submitting your application, you can monitor its progress through the visa center where you applied.
• You will receive a notification when your passport is ready for collection at the visa center. Typically, visa applications are processed within 15 days. 
• However, in certain cases, this processing time may be extended up to 45 days if a more thorough examination is required.

Required Documents for a Schengen Visa Application:

1. Completed and Signed Application Form: Ensure the form is fully filled out and signed.

2. Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure and have at least two blank pages.

3. Recent Passport Photos: Two passport-sized photos taken within the last 3 months.

4. Round-Trip Reservation or Itinerary: Provide flight details for your travel.

5. Proof of Accommodation: Documentation showing where you will be staying during your Schengen visit.

6. Proof of Financial Means: Evidence demonstrating that you can financially support yourself during your stay.

Additional Documents for Minors:

When applying for a Schengen visa for a minor, additional documents are required:

1. Minor’s Birth Certificate: A copy of the birth certificate.

2. Signed Application Form by Both Parents: Both parents must sign the application form.

3. Family Court Order: If one parent has sole custody, include the relevant court order.

4. Certified Copies of ID/Passport for Both Parents: Provide copies of IDs or passports for both parents.

5. Notarized Parental Authorization: If the minor is traveling alone, a notarized authorization signed by both parents or guardians is required.

Visa Fees for Schengen Visa (France, Germany, Italy, Spain):

1. Adults: €80 (approximately Rs. 6,620)
2. Children (12 to 18 years old): €80
3. Children (6 to under 12 years old): €40 (approximately Rs. 3,515)
4. Children under 6 years: Free

Please be aware that the visa fee in INR is subject to fluctuations based on the current exchange rate and may change at any time. Additionally, the fee is nonrefundable, regardless of whether your visa application is approved or denied.

Where Do I Apply Being In India?

VFS Global Centers for Schengen Visa Application in India for France, Italy, Germany:

Mumbai

Pune

Puducherry

Chennai

Jalandhar

Jaipur

Hyderabad

Goa

New Delhi

Kochi

Chandigarh

Ahmedabad

Kolkata

Coimbatore

Gurugram

Thiruvananthapuram

Bengaluru

Applying for a Spanish Visa in India:

In India, you can apply for a Spanish visa through two Spanish authorities:

1. Spanish Embassy in New Delhi: This embassy has jurisdiction over the following regions:

Bhutan

Maldives

Nepal

and Sri Lanka

Indian Territory:

Jammu and Kashmir

Uttar Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh

Nagaland

Punjab

Bihar

Meghalaya

Chandigarh

Jharkhand

Manipur

Uttarakhand

West Bengal

Tripura

Haryana

Odisha

Mizoram

Delhi NCR

Sikkim

Lakshadweep Island

Rajasthan

Ladakh

Assam

Andaman and Nicobar archipelagos.

2. Consulate General in Mumbai: This consulate serves the following areas:

Andhra Pradesh

Chhattisgarh

Goa

Gujarat

Karnataka

Kerala

Maharashtra

Tamil Nadu

Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Daman and Diu

Puducherry

Telangana

Additionally, Spain Schengen visa applications for Indian nationals are processed through BLS International, which is authorized by the Spanish authorities.

Conclusion:

In summary, the visa application process can be straightforward with our interactive guide, designed to simplify each step and provide you with a complete Do-It-Yourself experience.

But if you are looking for a hassle-free application process, consider choosing Documitra. Our expert team will handle all aspects of your application and offer personalized guidance, enhancing your chances of success.