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Schengen Visa Requirements: Photo, Travel Insurance and Bank Balance

Last Update: 04-09-2024

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Table of Contents

  1. What is a Schengen Visa?
  2. Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa in India?
  3. Documents Required for a Schengen Visa
  4. Additional Schengen Visa Requirements by Applicant Type
  5. Financial Requirements for a Schengen Visa
  6. Schengen Visa Photo Requirements
  7. Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Requirement
  8. Biometrics Requirements for a Schengen Visa
  9. FAQs

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa is a short-term visa that allows travelers to visit any of the 29 Schengen visa countries within the Schengen Area for tourism, business, or transit purposes. The Schengen Area comprises most European countries, which have abolished internal borders, allowing free movement across member states.


With a Schengen Visa, you can stay within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The visa can be issued for single, double, or multiple entries, depending on the purpose of your visit and your travel plans.

Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa in India?

Indian nationals and foreign nationals who are legally residing in India are eligible to apply for a Schengen visa.


Individuals who do not reside in India can also apply, provided they are legally present in India and can justify why they are applying from India rather than their country of residence.

Documents Required for a Schengen Visa

Schengen Tourist Visa Requirements

Following are the Schengen visa requirements for Indian nationals applying for a tourist short-stay visa:


DocumentsDetails

Vaild Passport

  • Valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
  • Contains at least two blank pages.
  • Issued within the last 10 years.

Visa Application Form

Completed and signed visa application form.

Passport-Size Photo

Recent photo that complies with ICAO standards.

Flight Bookings

Confirmation of round-trip bookings, including internal transfers within Schengen States (flight itinerary, train itinerary, or car rental details).

Hotel Bookings

Proof of hotel bookings for your entire stay in the country where you are applying.

Cover Letter

Letter stating the purpose and dates of your trip, including your passport number.

Travel Medical Insurance

Coverage of at least EUR 30,000, valid throughout the Schengen Area.

Appointment Slip

Appointment letter showing your name, appointment date, time, and location.

Bank Statement

Copy of bank statement for the last 3 to 6 months, no older than 15 days on the day of your appointment.

Income Tax Return (ITR)

Personal Income Tax Returns for the past 1-2 financial years, depending on the consulate’s requirements.

Other Supporting Documents

Additional documents as required by the respective consulate.

Schengen Business Visa Requirements

Following are the additional requirements for a Schengen visa if you are applying for a short-stay visa for business purposes:


DocumentsDetails

Invitation Letter

An invitation from a business partner or company in the Schengen Area detailing the purpose of the visit, dates, and contact information.

Business Registration

A copy of the business registration certificate or proof of business activity from your home country.

Letter from Employer

A letter from your employer stating your position, the purpose of your visit, and confirming that you will return to your job after the trip.

Company Bank Statement

Recent bank statements of the company for the last 3 to 6 months, showing financial stability.

Proof of Trade Relations

Documents proving trade relations between your company and the Schengen-based company (e.g., contracts, invoices).

Conference or Event Registration

If attending a conference or event, provide proof of registration or an invitation letter from the event organizer.

Travel Itinerary

Detailed travel itinerary including meetings, conferences, and other business-related activities in the Schengen Area.

Additional Schengen Visa Requirements by Applicant Type

For Minors

  • Parental Consent: Notarized consent letter from both parents or legal guardians.
  • Birth Certificate: Copy showing the names of the parents.
  • Parental ID Copies: Copies of the passports or IDs of both parents or legal guardians.

For Students

  • School Enrollment Letter: Proof of enrollment in a school or university.
  • Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements or scholarship letter, parental support.

For Employed Individuals

  • Employment Letter: Letter from employer stating position, salary, and employment status.
  • Recent Payslips: Payslips for the last 3 to 6 months.

For Self-Employed Individuals

  • Business Registration: Proof of business registration or ownership.
  • Tax Returns: Personal and business tax returns for the last 1 to 2 years.
  • Bank Statements: Recent bank statements of personal and business accounts for the last 3 to 6 months.

For Sponsored Applicants

  • Sponsor's Invitation Letter: Invitation letter detailing the purpose of the visit and sponsorship.
  • Sponsor’s Proof of Financial Means: Evidence of sponsor's financial means (e.g., bank statements).
  • Sponsor’s ID and Address Proof: Copy of sponsor's passport or ID, and proof of address.

Financial Requirements for a Schengen Visa

1. Minimum Bank Balance Required:

  • Bank Statement: The general minimum bank balance required for a Schengen visa is approximately INR 3,00,000 for the entire trip. Bank statements should generally cover the last 3 to 6 months.
  • Daily Expense Estimate: Generally, you should have a bank balance that supports around Euro 50 to 150 per day per applicant. This amount should cover accommodation, food, and other daily expenses during your stay.

2. Income Tax Returns (ITR)

  • ITR Requirement: Provide your Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the past 1 to 2 years. 

Make sure to review these financial requirements carefully and ensure you meet or exceed the minimum balance and documentation.

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements

Following are the photo requirements for a Schengen visa application: 


Photograph Quality:

  • Recent: Taken within the last 6 months.
  • Schengen visa photo size: 35mm x 45mm wide.
  • Focus: Sharp and clear, with no ink marks or creases.
  • Face: Your face should cover 70-80% of the photo.
  • Resolution: High quality, printed on photo-quality paper.

Style and Lighting:

  • Color: Photographs must be in color and show natural skin tones.
  • Brightness: Appropriate brightness and contrast with no shadows or flash reflections.
  • Background: Plain, light-colored background.
  • Lighting: Uniform lighting without shadows or flash reflections.

Position and Expression:

  • Pose: Face the camera squarely, with both edges of your face visible. No tilting or looking over one shoulder.
  • Eyes: Open and clearly visible; avoid hair covering your eyes.
  • Expression: Neutral expression with mouth closed.

Glasses and Head Covers:

  • Glasses: Eyes must be clearly visible with no flash reflections or tinted lenses. Opt for lighter frames if possible.
  • Head Covers: Allowed only for religious reasons. Your facial features from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead and both edges of your face must be visible.

Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Requirement


When applying for a Schengen visa, one crucial aspect of your application is meeting the Schengen visa insurance requirements. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen visa applicants and must meet specific criteria to ensure your coverage throughout your stay. Here’s what you need to know about the insurance requirements for a Schengen visa:


  1. Minimum Coverage: Your travel insurance must cover a minimum of €30,000 for medical expenses and emergencies.
  2. Medical Expenses: Includes coverage for medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency medical evacuation.
  3. Duration: Insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.
  4. Valid: Coverage should be valid in all Schengen countries you plan to visit.
  5. Proof of Insurance: You will need to provide a certificate or policy document as proof of insurance with your visa application.

Ensure your travel insurance policy meets these requirements to avoid any issues with your Schengen visa application.

Biometrics Requirements for a Schengen Visa

Biometrics Collection

All Schengen visa applicants in India are required to provide biometric data, which includes fingerprints and a digital photograph. Here’s what you need to know about the process:


  • Photograph: The photograph can either be taken digitally at the time of application or scanned from a recent one, provided it meets ICAO standards.
  • Fingerprints: For repeat applications within 5 years, your fingerprints may be reused from your previous application file in the Visa Information System (VIS). However, if there is any doubt about your identity, or if it cannot be confirmed that your fingerprints were collected within the past 5 years, you may be required to provide new fingerprints.
  • Collection: Biometric data must be collected by Schengen consulates or authorized external service providers, not by commercial intermediaries like travel agencies.

Who Is Exempt from Schengen Visa Biometrics?

Some individuals are exempt from fingerprints, but still need to appear in person at a consulate or external service provider:

  • Children: Applicants under the age of 12.
  • Physically Unable: Individuals for whom fingerprinting is physically impossible. If fingerprinting is possible for fewer than 10 fingers, the maximum number of fingerprints should be taken. If the impossibility is temporary, you will need to provide fingerprints at your next application.
  • Heads of State and Official Delegations: Heads of State or government, national government members (such as Ministers), and their official delegations invited by Schengen Member States or international organizations for official purposes,

Note

Holders of diplomatic passports are not exempt from fingerprinting unless they are part of an official delegation invited for an official purpose.

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Conclusion

In summary, knowing Schengen visa requirements is key to a stress free European trip. Follow the guidelines for documents, financial proof and travel insurance and you’ll have a complete application and meet all the requirements. Whether you’re visiting family, attending an event or studying abroad, knowing what you need will make the process so much easier. Safe travels and good luck with your application!

FAQs

How much money do I need to visit the Schengen Area?

To visit the Schengen Area, you typically need to show a bank balance of around €50 to €150 per day of your stay. For a more precise amount, you should check with the specific consulate as requirements can vary. Generally, a minimum bank balance of INR 3,00,000 for the entire trip in the Schengen area is recommended.

What additional Schengen Visa requirements are there if I'm visiting family or friends?

When visiting family or friends, you will need:

  • An invitation letter from your host, detailing their address and your relationship.
  • Proof of their legal status in the Schengen country.
  • Your host's address and contact details.
What are the additional Schengen Visa requirements if I'm traveling as an employee?

As an employee, you will need to provide:

  • A letter from your employer stating your position, salary, and the purpose of your visit.
  • Recent payslips and bank statements to prove financial stability.
  • A no-objection certificate from your employer.
What are the additional Schengen Visa requirements if I'm traveling to study?

If you're traveling to study, you must provide:

  • An acceptance letter or proof of enrollment from the educational institution.
  • Evidence of financial means to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
  • Proof of accommodation during your stay.
What extra Schengen Visa requirements are there if I'm attending an event?

For attending an event, you will need:

  • An invitation or registration confirmation from the event organizer.
  • Details about the event, including dates and location.
  • Proof of accommodation and travel arrangements.
What are the additional Schengen Visa requirements for retirees?

Retirees should provide a Proof of retirement, such as a pension statement for a Schengen visa.

What is the validity period for the travel insurance required for a Schengen Visa?

The travel insurance must cover the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area. Ensure the insurance is valid across all the Schengen countries you plan to visit and includes a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses and emergencies.

How long does it take to process a Schengen Visa application?

The processing time for a Schengen Visa application typically takes around 15 calendar days from the date of your appointment. However, this can vary depending on the specific consulate or embassy and the time of year. It's advisable to apply at least 3 to 6 months before your planned travel date to allow for any potential delays.

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