To start, a brief historical overview. In 1985, five European countries signed the Schengen Agreement (named after Schengen, Luxembourg), which was mainly designed to facilitate travel across Europe for millions of its residents.
Over the subsequent decades, an increasing number of European nations became members — to the extent that much of Europe today can be categorized into two groups: Schengen countries and non-Schengen countries. Nationals of the Schengen Zone and the European Union can travel freely to, from, and within all Schengen member nations without a visa, but most travelers who are not citizens of the Schengen Area (and/or the EU) require a Schengen visa to enter and/or cross its numerous borders.
As of March 31st, 2024, there are 29 nations included in the Schengen area.
Fortunately, the unique aspect of the Schengen visa compared to most conventional travel visas is that it permits you to travel not just to one but to all countries in the Schengen Area (and among them) with a single authorization. In the meantime, whether a Schengen visa is required depends largely on your country of origin when traveling to Europe.
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Types of Schengen visa for short stays in the Schengen area
The Schengen visa permits non-EU citizens to move freely within the Schengen Area, which includes most European nations, for brief visits. It is often called the Uniform Schengen Visa (or USV) — and typically pertains to visits lasting up to 90 days in any 180-day timeframe.
The Uniform Schengen Visa encompasses the Type A visa (commonly referred to as “Airport Transit” visa, or ATV) and the Type C visa (known as “short-stay” or “tourist” visa).
Note: If you wish to remain in the Schengen area for more than 90 days, you will need to choose a Type D (also known as “long-stay” or national) visa from an individual Schengen nation.
In summary, Type A is intended for travelers passing through Schengen airports, whereas Type C is for short stays (up to 90 days) in the Schengen area, including tourism or business trips (for durations exceeding 90 days—like work, study, or living—Type D is required).
- Schengen visit Visa: Type A
The Type A Schengen visa (also known as Airport Transit Visa or ATV) is intended for numerous travelers passing through the international area of a Schengen airport — heading towards a non-Schengen location, specifically, without actually entering the Schengen Zone.
In simpler terms, an ATV is required for millions of passengers with layovers in Schengen nations — even if they remain in the airport’s international transit zone. This is beneficial for maintaining security and efficiently handling immigration at Schengen airports, as stated by the European Commission.
- Which country’s citizens require a Schengen Airport Transit visa?
By late 2024, nationals from these 12 countries* must obtain a Type A Schengen Airport Transit visa when transferring flights within the Schengen Zone:
- Sri Lanka
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Congo (Democratic Republic)
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Iran
- Iraq
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Somalia
- Schengen Visa: Type C
Currently, the Type C (also known as “short-stay” or “Schengen visit Visa”) Schengen tourist Visa is the most frequently issued visa for Europe globally.
And it’s easy to see why. The Type C Schengen visa permits holders to travel and reside in one or multiple Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day timeframe.
It is utilized for various purposes, including quick European escapes, multi-country backpacking journeys, road trips, short business travels, and visiting family and friends within the Schengen Zone.
Simultaneously, the Type C Schengen Visa is occasionally categorized into two main subcategories*, which include:
- Visa with Limited Territorial Validity (LTV), which limits travel to certain Schengen nations — indicating that the holder cannot travel freely throughout the entire Schengen area — and is typically issued for humanitarian purposes or in urgent situations.
- Visa Granted at the External Border, which is provided directly at border points for unexpected, pressing circumstances, usually valid for a brief period, and pertains solely to the issuing nation.
What are the documents required to apply for a Schengen Visa?
Regarding documentation, those seeking to apply for any of the Schengen visa categories mentioned must typically submit the following:
- Evidence of adequate funds (if relevant)
- Your passport (issued in the past 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen area)
- Your residency permit and/or resident identification card (if relevant)
- A properly filled out and signed Schengen visa application form (with assistance from Armonia resources)
- Two recent passport-style photos (Armonia resources can inform you regarding the specific photo requirements for a Schengen visa as well);
- Your travel plan
What is the price of a Schengen Visa in India?
The costs of the Schengen Visa are also the same everywhere.
- For children under 6 years of age, the Schengen Visa is issued at no cost.
- A Schengen Visa for one adult from India costs €80, which is approximately ₹7,080. The identical rate is applicable for kids aged 12 to 18 years.
- For kids aged 6 to 11 years, the price is €40.
In specific instances, the Schengen visa charge may be exempt for attendees (25 years or younger) participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural, or educational activities, as well as students and educators on study or training excursions, and researchers traveling for scientific inquiry. Consider that—based on the location and method of your visa application—you will typically need to pay specific administrative charges. These charges are usually not refunded if your visa application is denied.
What is the processing time for my Schengen visit visa application from India?
Schengen embassies in India generally ask you to book an appointment 4-6 weeks ahead of time. The processing of applications typically takes about two weeks. Nonetheless, in more hectic times (and based on your specific circumstances), it may take as long as one to two months. Therefore, it’s advisable to submit your application promptly. You may submit an application up to 6 months beforehand.
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