By Shyamu Maurya

Copyright informalnewz

Schengen Visa: Schengen visa holders can use their visas for tourism, business, visiting family, medical treatment, education, training placements, voluntary activities lasting less than three months, or other non-profit activities. A Schengen visa allows holders to stay for up to 90 days (in any 180-day period). Let’s learn about the complete process for obtaining this visa.

Schengen Visa: You may often plan to travel abroad, but without a visa, your trip remains a mere dream. However, visas are useful not only for traveling abroad but also for many other areas, including business, medical treatment, education, training, and employment. Visas are also in the news these days. The recent increase in H-1B visa fees by the US has Indians particularly concerned. Last week, US President Donald Trump’s administration announced a one-time fee of US$100,000 for H-1B visas, which has increased the concern of Indian citizens. This concern was specific to H-1B visas, but it has also come as a shock to those dreaming of traveling to European countries. Yes, Schengen visas have also become more expensive. So, let’s find out what a Schengen visa is and how much will the increased surcharge impact their pockets?

In fact, Schengen visa holders can travel to 29 European countries or commute to other work areas. Tourists will not need a new visa to travel to these 29 countries, meaning holders can travel to the respective countries (subject to certain conditions) using a single visa. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The Schengen visa is very popular among Indian students, professionals, and tourists because it allows entry to 29 European countries. This visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period. However, recent changes to the documents have significantly increased the overall application cost.

Schengen visa applications have become more expensive for Indians.

Schengen visa applications for Indians have become more expensive, increasing the cost of travel to European countries. According to media reports, this increase is due to VFS Global, the private agency that processes visa applications for most European countries, increasing its service fees. However, this is the first revision since 2023. The base fee for a Schengen visa is currently around ₹8,000-₹10,000 for adults, but VFS charges an additional mandatory fee, increasing the total cost. A service charge, determined by individual countries, is also mandatory. This new revision, effective July 2025, has caused concern among agents and applicants.

What are the new rates?

₹1933 for Germany ₹2234 for France ₹2274 for Austria ₹2690 for Switzerland ₹3111 for Portugal

Media reports cite travelers as saying that while other costs, such as airfare, hotel bookings, and insurance, are already high, the increased cost of the visa process will put an additional burden on Indians. This concern is particularly acute among students and researchers. They also say that the documentation required for the visa process can be challenging at times. Applicants must submit documents such as travel plans, medical insurance, and bank statements. Since the application process is lengthy and rigorous, travelers expect service providers to take care of their needs.

This is where VFS Global’s role becomes crucial. Most embassies no longer accept walk-in applications directly, requiring the entire process to be completed through VFS Global. In such circumstances, travelers have no choice but to pay additional service charges. The company states that these fees are determined with the approval of the government agencies of the respective countries. VFS claims that these fees include security measures, additional resources, and costs based on the number of applications. However, travelers believe there should be more transparency regarding these increased charges so they know how much they are spending on each item.

Additionally, there are separate charges for optional amenities like courier services, SMS updates, and premium lounges. Travelers say that if VFS makes these services more accessible and transparent, the process could be simplified. Currently, with the rising value of the Euro, VFS’s service charges are proving to be a major challenge for Indian students and tourists.

Overall, a Schengen visa allows you to travel freely to 29 European countries. These countries have signed the Schengen Agreement and have abolished their national borders in favor of a common border. If a person is not a citizen of these 29 countries, they can apply for a visa from their home country. Visas are granted only if the person intends to leave the Schengen area before the visa expires. In addition, he or she must have sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of the stay and submit relevant supporting documents. A Schengen visa does not automatically grant its holder entry into the Schengen Area.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

Confirmed flight reservations for the visa application.Travel insurance for the visa application.Hotel booking for the visa application.Proof of funds (minimum bank balance for Schengen visas)No objection letter.Purpose letter (if any)Invitation letter (if any)Hospital report (for medical visas)

How long does a Schengen visa take?

The processing time for a Schengen visa depends on the type of visa and the application process, ranging from a few days to several weeks. However, tourist visas typically take anywhere from 3-4 days (for e-visas) to 15 days or more, while other visas may take longer.

How much bank balance is required for a Schengen visa?

The individual must share their bank details or their ITR (Income Tax Return) for the past three years. If students wish to apply, they must share their family members’ bank statements. Furthermore, they must also provide a breakdown of their expected spending during the travel period. For a 15-day trip to Europe, a person should ideally show a bank balance of ₹100,000 or more. This requires personal bank statements from the past three months, three salary slips (if any), credit/debit card statements, and traveler’s notes.

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