Whenever you want to visit a country for holidays or other purposes, you will want the visa process to be a smooth as possible. However, if you intend to go to the Schengen region then filling Schengen visa application for Indians can get pretty frustrating and humiliating too. In fact, getting a tourist visa to other countries is much easier compared to getting a Schengen tourist visa. But, why is this the case with Indians? What are the reasons behind it? Read on to know all about it. Make your online Schengen Visa process as easy as possible!
Schengen Visa Application for Indians – Why Humiliating?
In a recent post, a popular economist wrote an article which talks about the impact of Indians on the world. In this, the person talks about the atmosphere for Indians in the western countries.
It says that in such countries, Indians feel unwelcomed. That is because the fees of a visa tend to be a lot higher. Also, getting a Schengen visa to explore the Schengen region needs a lot of things. These include hordes of paperwork, proof of financials and return travel. This is why many of the travellers from India find it humiliating to undergo the entire process.
1). Exorbitant Schengen Visa Fees
One of the biggest reasons for Indians feeling humiliated is the high Schengen visa fees.
If you want to travel to this area for multiple times in a year (say 10 times) in the next 10 years, you will to shell out a lot of fees. This can range anywhere between €800 (INR 70,000) to €900 (INR 80,000).
On the contrary, getting a US tourist visa for the same duration tends to be more affordable. This is why many Indians back out of visiting the area. Some also reduce their number of visits because it is a taxing thing on the pocket.
2). Schengen Visa Validity Depends on Your Passport Validity
The European Union will introduce new rules from the upcoming February. These regulations will allow you to get Schengen visa from UK with longer validity. The validity can range anywhere between one to around five years.
But, the validity or the duration of your visa is connected to the passport validity. Therefore, you may be eligible to get a long-validity visa. However, if your passport is valid for only one year, then you will get a short-term visa.
Therefore, while applying for the visa, make sure to have a long-validity passport. This will ensure that you easily get a Schengen visa that has a longer validity!
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3). The Schengen Visa Requirements are Extensive
While filling Schengen visa application for Indians, you will need to furnish a lot of documents. This is the case for travellers from all the countries but for Indians tends to be more.
You will need to submit documents like bank statements that show good financial health. Then there is the intent of the proof to return from the Schengen region. Apart from this, you may need to furnish additional documents. These include proof of travel (flight tickets, ferry tickets etc.), proof of accommodations, cover letter and many more.
Collecting all of these and submitting in order is a tedious task. And the thought of getting Schengen visa rejected adds to your stress.
4). Different Schengen Tourist Visa Rules in Different Cities
When it comes to the cities in India, you will come across different rules. If you apply for Schengen visa from Mumbai, only those get preference who have travelled to the Europe. These are the travellers who went to visit in the last two or three years.
But, if you apply Schengen visa in Delhi, you will not find any such rule or priority. All of the travellers are given preference and only those applications are accepted which meet the guidelines.
5). You Need to Apply for Schengen Visa in Certain Durations
Usually, the citizens of the non-schengen countries can apply for the visa a minimum of 15 days before the travel. Also, they need to submit the application not later than six months in advance.
This will help you to get a short-term Schengen visa. This visa will allow you to travel to any Schengen country and stay for up to 90 days. However, you must not exceed the 180-day period.
However, if you are applying for a long-term visa then you should apply in advance for a hassle-free process.
6). Submit Schengen Visa Application for Indians only to Country Consulate Where You Stay Longest
While travelling to the Schengen area, you may plan your stay in different Schengen countries. However, when you submit the application, you must follow an important rule.
You need to determine in which country you intend to stay the longest. Then, you need to furnish the application to the consulate of that country.
Now, here comes the kicker. Oftentimes, Indians find that these consulates do not have a free Schengen visa appointment slot. On the other hand, consulate of other Schengen country has the appointments available. They might also provide shorter visa wait times.
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This is where it gets really tricky. Many times, Indians will need to change their travel plans or even cancel them. This not only gets frustrating but humiliating as well!
7). Authorities may ask Proof of Hotel Reservations if they want to
When you apply online Schengen visa, one of the main document requirements is the hotel reservations.
Most of the applicants receive their Schengen visa after verifying that they have made hotel reservations. But, this is where, an issue might crop up for travellers especially from India.
When you go to the Schengen region, you will need to cross the airport checks. Or you might have to go from one Schengen country to another. During these times, the authorities will check your documents. Although, they know that you have the visa on the basis of the hotel reservations they will still ask you to display them.
Conclusion
The process of Schengen visa application for Indians is a daunting and demoralizing experience for travelers. Visa fees that cost a staggering sum as well extensive documentation required create a huge barrier. Its complexity is increased by different rules in different Schengen countries and the strict guidelines on application submission.
Beyond the financial pain, these are very complicated processes of Indian travellers. This turns their supposed excitement of travelling to international destinations into a harrowing story of bureaucracy, which appears regressive and unwelcoming in nature.
But you can overcome all these challenges and many others by applying through a trusted partner. Benefit from expedited Schengen visa appointments, professional expertise and so much more. Apply now for a smooth trip for the Schengen area!
FAQs
After submitting the Schengen visa application, you can expect to get the visa anywhere between 10 to 15 days . However, in special circumstances or due to any other document requirements, this can extend further.
A short-stay Schengen visa allows the holder to stay in the Schengen region for around 90 days in a 180-day 6-month This means, you can stay in any of the Schengen countries for up to 3 months within a 6-month duration.
Yes, you can appeal with the relevant authorities if your Schengen visa application gets rejected.
Indians can apply for a Schengen visa a minimum of 15 days before the intended dates of the travel. However, if you want to go the Schengen region next year, maybe after 6-8 months, you can apply now and get an appointment slot booked in advance near your travel dates.
Yes, you will need to mandatorily submit proof of hotel reservations. It is one of the most important documents and authorities usually verify this document and give the visas on the basis of this.