Are you planning a cruise trip to Europe?
It offers the opportunity to explore a diverse landscape, serene rivers, delectable cuisines, and more. However, if you are visiting from India, you must apply for a Schengen visa.
The application procedure and other details are described below to guide you through your cruise trip to Europe.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from India?
Here is a stepwise guide to apply for a Schengen visa from India:
Step 1: First, you must book an appointment with the nearest visa application office to apply for a Schengen visa.
Step 2: You can visit the office and collect the application form or download it from the visa provider’s official website.
Step 3: Fill out the visa application form with all the required details and attach the necessary documents.
Step 4: After verifying your documents, the authorities will call you for an interview.
Step 5: You must wait for their response, which may come within 15 days or more in some cases.
Documents Required to Apply for a Schengen Visa
Tourists from India can apply for a 90-day (maximum) visa to Schengen for their cruise trip to Europe. Here are some of the essential documents required for the application process:
- Visa Application Form: To apply for a Schengen visa, you must submit a duly filled-out visa application form.
- Passport: Applicants must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the day of departure. They must also provide scanned copies of their passport’s first and last page.
- Photographs: You need to submit passport-sized photographs with a white background (minimum of two).
- Round Trip Ticket: You must produce a return ticket to ensure that you will return after the visa limitation expires.
- Travel Insurance: This is a crucial requirement to safeguard your visit to the Schengen area. Travel insurance acts as a protective cover in case of passport loss, cancellation of trips, medical emergencies, etc.
- Accommodation Proof: Applicants must provide hotel booking details or proof of their stay, as well as any letter from friends or family in the form of an invitation.
- Bank Statement: You need to submit the past three months’ bank statements to prove your eligibility to bear the expenses of your European cruise trip.
Procedures for Schengen Visa Application from India
After completing the application procedure and submitting the necessary documents, here are the next steps that you need to follow:
- Wait for the Interview Call
The embassy will send a letter or email to your registered address or email ID for the interview.
- Visit the Embassy for an Interview
You must visit the embassy on the said date and time for an interview. Make sure to carry the original copy of all the documents or any other paper as asked by the authorities.
- Attend the Interview
A visa interview is not anything to worry about. You may need to answer questions regarding your visit, travel details, itinerary, etc. They may ask you to submit the required documents and biometrics and pay the fees, and you are done.
Next, you must wait for the visa, which generally takes two weeks to get delivered to your address.
What is the Application Fee for a Schengen Visa from India?
The authorities standardise the cost of a Schengen visa. Check them out below:
| Applicant Type | Application Fee (€) | Application Fee (₹ as of 25th February 2025) |
| Adults | 80 | 7,303.76 |
| Children aged 12 to 18 | 80 | 7,303.76 |
| children between the ages of 6 and 11 | 40 | 3,651.88 |
| Children under six years old | Free | Free |
Certain groups may also be exempt from paying the visa fee under specific conditions:
- Participants in educational or cultural events who are under 25.
- Students and teachers on study trips.
- Researchers conducting scientific research.
Additionally, applicants may need to pay a processing fee depending on where they apply for their visa. If an application is rejected, it’s unlikely that the application fee will be refunded.
Guidelines to Follow While Applying for a Schengen Visa from India
Individuals looking for a seamless Schengen visa application process can follow these guidelines:
- Find a Visa Application Centre
While planning a cruise trip to Europe, one must apply for a Schengen visa through the European consulate, embassy, or visa application centre.
- Decide the Date of your Travel
You must book an appointment for visa application at least four to six weeks before your travel date. You can also book an appointment earlier than this timeline to avoid delays or unnecessary hassles.
- Identifying the Visa Type
There are four types of tourist visas for visiting the Schengen region from India: the Airport Transit Visa (Type A), Transit Visa (Type C), short-term visa (Type C), and long-term visa (Type D). If you are visiting for a cruise trip to Europe, you can apply for a Type C visa depending on the duration of your stay.
Getting a Schengen visa for a cruise trip to Europe can be hassle-free if you follow the proper application procedure. Consider applying for a Schengen visa online for an easy interview process. Following essential guidelines, such as getting travel insurance and starting the application process before 4-6 weeks, can help you receive the visa seamlessly.
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