Planning your dream trip to Europe from India? Before you pack your bags and plan your itinerary, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen tourist visa — and getting your documentation right is the first step to getting approved.
This post provides a complete, updated list of documents required for a Schengen visa for Indian citizens in 2025, including helpful tips and a downloadable checklist.
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📌 What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa (Type C) allows you to travel for up to 90 days within 180 days across 26 European countries in the Schengen Area. It’s commonly issued for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends.
Schengen Countries List:
- — 25 EU Member States:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania - — 4 Non‑EU Associated Schengen States:
Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein
✅ Documents Required for Schengen Visa – Indians (Tourist & Visitor Visa)
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step checklist of documents needed to apply for your Schengen visa from India.
- Valid Indian Passport :
Your passport must:
✔ Be issued within the last 10 years
✔ Be valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date
✔ Have minimum 2 blank pages
📌 Make sure your passport isn’t damaged and matches your visa form exactly. - Schengen Visa Application Form:
✔ Fill out the form for the main destination country (where you’ll spend most time)
✔ Sign it at the end
✔ Forms are available online via the embassy or VFS Global website - Passport-Sized Photographs:
✔ Two recent photos (within last 6 months)
✔ Size: 35mm x 45mm, white background
✔ Neutral expression, no glasses - Cover Letter:
✔ Addressed to the embassy/consulate
✔ State your travel purpose (tourism/visiting family), duration, and funding details
✔ Include your day-by-day itinerary (optional but helpful) - Flight Reservation (Round-Trip):
Submit a temporary flight booking – you don’t need to purchase real tickets yet
Must show entry and exit from the Schengen Area - Proof of Accommodation:
Submit one of the following:
✔ Hotel reservations for the entire trip (can be cancellable bookings)
✔ Invitation letter + address proof if staying with family/friends - Travel Medical Insurance:
✔ Coverage of at least €30,000 (INR ~27 lakh)
✔ Must cover emergency medical, hospital, and repatriation
✔ Valid for all Schengen countries
✔ Valid for your entire travel period
✅ Trusted Indian insurers offering Schengen-compliant insurance: Tata AIG, ICICI Lombard, HDFC ERGO - Proof of Financial Means:
You must show you can afford your trip. Include:
✔ Personal bank statements (last 3–6 months), signed and stamped by the bank
✔ ITR (Income Tax Returns) – 2–3 years
✔ Payslips (last 3 months, if employed)
✔ Sponsorship letter + sponsor’s bank statements (if someone else is paying)
💰 Some embassies ask for €50–100 per day of stay as minimum funds. - Proof of Employment / Education:
If Employed: Employment letter (on company letterhead), Leave approval letter, Salary slips
If Self-Employed: Business registration (GST, MSME, etc.), Business bank statements, Company ITRs
If a Student: No Objection Certificate (NOC) from school/college, Student ID card copy - Proof of Strong Ties to India:
To show you’ll return home after your trip:
✔ Employment or business ownership documents
✔ Property documents (optional)
✔ Family ties: marriage certificate, dependent children, etc. - Visa Fee Payment:
Schengen visa fee: €80 (approx. ₹7,200) for adults
Children (6–12 years): €40 (approx. ₹3,600)
Paid during appointment at VFS Global or embassy
Keep your payment receipt - 📄 No Objection Certificate (NOC):
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is a supporting document showing that your current employer, institution, or sponsor has no objection to your travel plans.
It’s especially useful when: You are currently employed and need proof you’ll return; You are a student going on a short trip or exchange; A sponsor is funding your trip and needs to confirm that
✅ Make sure the NOC is dated and stamped. - 📝 Optional But Recommended:
Previous passports (with visa stamps)
Extra copies of key documents
Printed day-by-day travel plan
Photos with your host (if invited)
⏳ When to Apply?
- Apply at least 15–30 days before your planned departure
- You can apply up to 6 months in advance
📆 Appointments get booked quickly — plan ahead, especially in peak travel seasons (March–September)
🌍 Where to Apply?
Apply at the embassy/consulate or VFS Global center of the main country you’re visiting (or where you’ll stay the longest).
Examples:
- If staying 10 days in France and 4 in Italy → apply via French Embassy
- If staying equal days in two countries → apply to the country of first entry