Plan a trip to and from India or more Schengen countries. Whether you go to France, Germany, Italy, or Spain, the primary thing you will require is a Schengen travel visa. In this blog, we will take you through, step by step, the Schengen visa application in India. We would also show how ZetSIM by Zetexa makes staying connected while traveling a lot easier, so that you may just enjoy your trip.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa permits free movement across 27 European countries that comprise the Schengen Area. This includes such famous tourist destinations as France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Greece among others. A Schengen visa, which is issued by any one of them, gives you freedom to visit any or all of them within the validity of your visa.
Types of Schengen Visas
Tourist Visa: The most common visa, for tourism to holidays.
Business Visa: As the name suggests, it is the visa one needs to have when going for attending meetings and conferences or for any other professional engagement.
A Student Visa is considered appropriate documentation for short-term study programs. If one is traveling through the Schengen countries en route to some other country, then the required visa is known as a Transit Visa. Tourist Visa: Indian visitors can usually stay in a Schengen country for up to 90 days in any 180-day period of time.
In any case, before initiating any kind of application process with regard to a Schengen visa, you must be certain that your documents are ready and that you are qualified.
Here is a list of what you will need:
1. Passport
It should be valid for at least 6 months after the date intended to leave the Schengen Area.
It should contain at least two free pages for stamps on entry/exit.
2. Schengen Visa Application Form
The application form for the Schengen visa is available online; this shall be properly and correctly filled with all the information needed to avoid delays in processing.
3. Passport-Sized Photos
Two recently taken passport-sized photos, which comply with the photo requirements of the Schengen visa:
The background should be light-colored.
The full face should be visible.
No headgear is allowed unless on religious grounds.
4. Travel Itinerary
Detailed travel arrangements that would include but is not limited to confirmed flight bookings, hotel reservations, and places one intends to visit.
Sometimes, you must show proof of your return flight to India.
5. Travel Insurance
Proof of travel insurance covering you for medical emergencies and also repatriation of up to 30,000 to support an application for a Schengen visa. The insurance shall be valid for all Schengen states; it shall cover the complete sojourn period.
6. Proof of Financial Stability
Bank statement for the last three months
Salary slips or Employment letter from the employer
Return of Income Tax (ITR) for the past three years
7. Cover Letter
A personal and customized letter explaining the purpose of travel and the countries to be visited/duration of stay.
8. Proof of Accommodation
Proof of accommodation shall be provided; this may come in the form of hotel reservations or simply an invitation letter if one stays over with friends/family.
9. Visa Fees
The current visa fee for Indians is approximately € 80 for adults. Reduced fees or fee exemption for children under the age of 12.
10. Additional Documents
Depending on the country/countries you are visiting and the purpose of your trip, you may have to present other additional documents – business letters or student enrollment confirmation documents.
Schengen Travel Visa Application Process for Indians
Step 1: Find Your Principal Destination
You should apply for a Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate of your country of destination, the country in the Schengen Area where you will be spending the most time. If you are going to several Schengen countries and none is a main destination from others, you should submit your application at the embassy of the first country you will enter.
Step 2: Make Your Appointment
Once you have decided through which country’s consulate you will apply, log on for an online appointment. Ensure that your appointment date allows enough time for visa processing, usually 15 days, extended to 60 days during peak travel seasons.
Step 3: Application and Biometrics Submission
In case of an application, it must be submitted along with all the required documents on the appointed day. Additional requirements in the visa process for Indian voyagers include biometric data, fingerprints, and a digital photo.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
In that regard, you can access the status of your application online once you have submitted it. The timeframe is different than the issuance of a visa, but you have the right to get the decision within 15 working days.
Step 5: Collect Your Visa
If your application is successful, the visa will be ready for collection from the consulate or mailed back to you directly. Always check the information on the visa is correct before you travel.
ZetSIM: Your Companion in Travel
While organizing your visa is one aspect, another factor that ensures you do not to leave high and dry in a foreign country staying connected abroad. That’s where ZetSIM by Zetexa can truly make a difference in making the travel experience all the more endearing. ZetSIM is an eSIM-a digital, virtual SIM card that lets you be connected to the Schengen Area without the need for a physical SIM card.
What is ZetSIM?
It is basically an eSIM solution targeted at travelers. Instead of having your regular SIMs, which most people change physically every time they travel, one could simply activate it through a QR code.
How ZetSIM Benefits Travelers:
Easy Connectivity: Enjoy the seamless connectivity of 4G and 5G networks with no hassle of switching SIM cards across all Schengen countries.
Competitive International Data Plans: Avail affordable international data through ZetSIM to avoid exorbitant international roaming charges.
Instant Activation: Immediately activate your eSIM as a QR code before leaving India. There’s no need to wait until you land in the country for which you’re buying the pack.
No Physical SIM Card Required: Never risk losing your SIM card or getting it damaged. ZetSIM has gone digital; hence, it’s safer and easier to handle for travelers.
Single eSIM for Multiple Countries: ZetSIM covers all the Schengen countries; therefore, one can easily move through them without needing different SIMs or multiple data plans.
Position of Zetexa in Enhancing Your Travel Experience
Zetexa is the provider of ZetSIM and is working its way up in innovating connectivity solutions for international travel. It offers:
Global eSIMs are intended for frequent travelers in many countries.
Flexible Plans: Chosen data plans are provided according to what the client needs in his or her travel and, simultaneously, according to his or her budget.
With ZetSIM from Zetexa, one would never have to stress about not having excellent and affordable data while traveling in Europe. Be it navigating new cities, staying in touch with loved ones back home, or doing absolutely anything, ZetSIM makes it all way more accessible with a seamless, hassle-free experience.
Final Tips for Schengen Visa Applicants
To start the visa process at least 3-4 weeks in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Double-check your documents: Complete and correct so that refusal or delay can be avoided.
Attend an interview: Some Schengen countries will call you for a personal interview. Get ready to answer questions regarding your travel plan, current financial situation, and intended stay.
Conclusion
Travel from India to the Schengen Area is a pretty smooth process for getting a visa, provided one is well-prepared for it. Once approved, complete the travel experience with ZetSIM powered by Zetexa, assuring digital convenience, reliable data plans, and instant activation for seamless connectivity throughout the Schengen adventure.
