Planning a Europe trip is exciting, but the Schengen visa process can feel confusing at first. Questions about documents, bank balance, embassy rules, and appointment slots often create stress.
This guide by Clubtravalet is written in simple words, so you clearly understand how the Schengen visa works and how to apply correctly without confusion. Whether this is your first Europe visit or you are applying again, this blog helps you move forward with confidence.
With one Schengen visa, you can visit 29 European countries using a single visa.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Schengen Visa?
- The 29 Schengen Countries You Can Visit
- Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa in India?
- Where Should You Submit Your Application?
- When Is the Right Time to Apply?
- Why Do Schengen Visa Rejections Happen?
- How to Apply for a Schengen Visa Step by Step
- Why Choose Clubtravalet for Your Schengen Visa
- Get Personal Visa Support from Clubtravalet
1. What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a short stay visa that allows you to enter multiple European countries with a single visa.
What This Means for You
- You can stay up to 90 days within a 180 day period
- You can move between Schengen countries without repeated border checks
- The visa is commonly used for holidays, visiting family or friends, and short business visits
2025 Important Update
From January 1, 2025, Bulgaria and Romania fully joined the Schengen Area. You can now travel to these countries from other Schengen nations by road or train without additional passport checks.
90 Day Rule Explained Simply
At any point, look back at the previous 180 days. Your total stay across all Schengen countries together should not exceed 90 days.
The final number of days always depends on the visa validity granted by the embassy.
2. The 29 Schengen Countries You Can Visit
With a valid Schengen visa, you can enter all the countries listed below.
Central & Western Europe
Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Switzerland
Northern Europe
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden
Southern Europe
Croatia, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain
Eastern Europe
Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia
You can move freely between these countries during your approved stay without applying for separate visas.
3. Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa in India?
Indian Passport Holders
You can apply if:
- Your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return
- Your passport has minimum 2 blank pages
- Your passport is in good condition
Foreign Nationals Living in India
- Must hold a valid Residence Permit or Registration Certificate
- Must apply from India only if legal stay is clearly proven
Children Below 18 Years
- Each child needs a separate application
- Consent form signed by both parents is required
- Notarized No Objection Certificate is required if traveling with one parent
4. Where Should You Submit Your Application?
You must apply at the visa center of the country that is your main destination.
How to Decide the Correct Country
- Apply to the country where you will stay the longest
- If the stay duration is equal, apply to the country you enter first
Simple Example
- 7 days in Germany and 3 days in Italy: apply at Germany
- 5 days in France and 5 days in Spain: apply at France if France is your first entry
Visa centers are available in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Cochin, and other major cities based on jurisdiction.
5. When Is the Right Time to Apply?
- You can apply up to 6 months before travel
- Best time to apply is 4 to 8 weeks before departure
Applying early helps you get better appointment availability and avoids last minute stress. Processing time usually ranges between 15 and 45 days, depending on the country and season.
6. Why Do Schengen Visa Rejections Happen?
The embassy mainly checks whether you will return to India after your trip.
Common reasons include:
- Weak proof of job, business, or family connection in India
- Copy pasted or unclear cover letter
- Sudden large deposits in bank statements
- Travel insurance not meeting Schengen rules
- Poor or unclear travel plan
Most rejections can be avoided with proper planning and clear documentation.
👉 Need expert help to avoid mistakes? Chat with Clubtravalet on WhatsApp for complete Schengen visa support:
WhatsApp: +917592921130
7. How to Apply for a Schengen Visa Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
- Passport with required validity and blank pages
- One page cover letter explaining travel plan and expenses
- Last 6 months bank statement with bank seal
- Last 3 years Income Tax Returns
- Employer leave approval letter on company letterhead
Step 2: Appointment and Submission
- Book appointment through VFS Global or BLS International
- Biometrics are mandatory every time
- Visa fee is €90, approximately ₹9,500 to ₹10,000 depending on exchange rate
Visa fee details as per age group:
- Adults (above 12 years): €90
- Children (6 to 12 years): €45
- Children below 6 years: No visa fee
8. Why Choose Clubtravalet for Your Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa application is not just about documents, it is about presenting your profile clearly and correctly. Clubtravalet ensures every detail is handled properly.
How Clubtravalet Helps
- Reviews bank statements and financial flow
- Drafts a clear and professional cover letter
- Assists with VFS appointment booking
- Verifies documents to avoid mistakes
- Guides you from start to submission
With Clubtravalet, the visa process becomes simple, structured, and stress free.
9. Ready to Apply for Your Schengen Visa with Clubtravalet?
If you want expert guidance and a smoother approval process, Clubtravalet is ready to assist you.
👉 Click here to connect with Clubtravalet on WhatsApp for complete Schengen visa assistance: WhatsApp
👉 Visit our Contact Page and book Schengen visa support with Clubtravalet: Contact Us
Plan your Europe trip with confidence. Clubtravalet takes care of the visa process while you focus on your travel plans.