What is the Schengen Visa?
The "Schengen space" is the territory constituted by the countries which are members of the Schengen
agreement. The following countries are today active members of the Schengen agreement : Austria, Belgium,
France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain & Portugal. The aim of the Schengen
agreement is to allow free circulation of people within the territory (Schengen space) of the member
countries.
A Schengen visa issued by a Schengen member State is valid for the territory of all member States. All
foreigners who are legally resident in one of the Schengen member States can make short visits without a
visa to any other member State, provided they travel with their valid passport which must be recognized by
all the Schengen States and a resident permit issued by the authorities of the country of residency.
Therefore, Since the UK is not a member of the Schengen agreement, nationals who are not exempted from
visa requirements by the Schengen member states and who reside permanently or temporarily in the UK need
a visa to enter the Schengen Space. Switzerland also requires a separate Visa.
What are rail passes?
Rail passes allow you the convenience of hopping on from one train to another, unlimited number of times in a
24 hour period. But in reality, you still have to make a reservation for a seat on the high-speed trains
(TGV in France, ESI in Italy, SBB in Switzerland). Overnight travel can be endured in a seat, with the option
of a sleeper, called a couchette costing additional money. Rail passes can be broadly classified as Eurailpass,
Europass or Interrail Pass. Others like ScanRail Pass for Scandinavian countries and Benelux Tourrail Pass for
Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg are examples of specific multinational passes.
Can you elaborate on Eurailpass, Europass and Interrail Pass?
Eurail is valid in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg,
The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, The Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. It is not valid in
the UK. The UK has the Britrail Pass the cost of which is additional. The UK no longer has a single national rail
company, although the various companies are referred under the name British Rail aka BritRail.
Eurail passes are available in 1st Class and 2nd Class options. They can be 15 days, 21 days, 1 month,
2 months or 3 months of consecutive travel or could be Flexipasses of 10 or 15 days of consecutive or
non-consecutive travel in 2 months. These are cost effective for long distances traveled less frequently.
A Saverpass provides 1st Class travel for a group of 2 to 5 people, although priced individually. Youthpasses
and Youth Flexipasses provide comparable second class options for those under 26.
Europass is a toned down version of the Eurailpass. It offers 5 to 15 days of unlimited travel in any two
month period within France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.
Interrail passes are for those who have resided for at least six months in one of the European countries where
they are valid.
What about rail passes for UK and Scandinavia?
BritRail Passes allow unlimited travel in England, Scotland and Wales costing approximately US$270 for an
8-day and US$505 for a 22-day pass. There are discounts for under 26 travelers.
Scandinavia has the ScanRail Pass which gives you unlimited travel in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.
Passes range from US$190 for a 5 out of 15 days in 2nd Class to US$350 for 21 consecutive days of travel.
Is a rail pass a pre-requisite?
Basically a rail passes has to pay itself off to be considered worthy. If your itinerary calls for a point-to-point
travel schedule a rail pass may work out to be expensive. If on the other hand your travel involves constant
rail journeys, you can save yourself the trouble of waiting in long queues, at least for day trains if they are
not the high speed variety. Moreover, even the Intercities are faster than our trains!. In the end it's a matter
of choice. Refer to the planning section for more details.
How safe is traveling alone?
Traveling with someone can be comforting in an alien land, but it can rob one of the opportunity to interact
with the locals firsthand. Companions provide additional safety, cut down on lodging and food costs. Ensure
that you and your companion(s) are on the same wavelength, otherwise you may end up disliking the entire
experience.
How much can I expect to spend on a trip?
The single biggest cost of a trip would be the return airfare. Currently, this starts from Rs.30,000/-(please
ask your travel agent for the latest prices) for an Economy class air ticket. The other major cost would be a
rail pass if you want to acquire one. This would cost anywhere between Rs.41,500/-(approx) for a 15-days in
two months, 1st Class Eurail Flexipass to Rs.18,700/- (again, approx) for a 15-day consecutive travel Eurail
Youthpass.
The other cost is that of accommodation. Youth Hostels charge between US$5 to US$20 per night for a
shared accommodation. Breakfast (unlimited in Switzerland!) is included in most, but some charge for sheets.
Showers are shared on the floor or are located inside your room. Individual and double accommodation may
cost more.
Food costs more than it does in India and tastes half as good!. Eating conservatively and buying food off
supermarket shelves one can save a lot of money. The occasional indulgence of a restaurant and maybe wine
is okay. Canned beer costs as much as bottled water. It is safe in Europe to drink from taps, but don't take
the risk. On an average expect to spend about US$50 or between Rs.2500/- to Rs.3000/- per day inclusive
of all expenses.
The entire trip may set you back by anything between Rs.1,30,000/- to Rs.1,75,000/-, the cost including
everything from film rolls, developing costs to backpacks, return air fare, rail pass, food and accommodation.
Where are the consulates in India?
Refer to the Resources page for information.
What is the Basic Travel Quota allowed?
Resident Indian citizens are eligible under the scheme of Basic Travel Quota to avail of foreign exchange up to
US Dollars 5,000 or the equivalent for undertaking one or more private visits to any country abroad
(except Nepal and Bhutan) in any calendar year.
Foreign nationals permanently resident in India are also eligible for Basic Travel Quota.
(For details refer the Exchange Control Manual of the Reserve Bank of India.)
Quantum of exchange
Under BTQ, foreign exchange up to US$ 500 is released in the form of foreign currency notes /coins and the
balance is released in the form of Traveler’s Cheques. However if one is proceeding to Islamic Republic of Iran,
Russian Federation and other Republics of Commonwealth of Independent States, such foreign exchange can
be released in the form of foreign currency notes and coins up to their full extent if the traveler so desires.
How do I pay for the Foreign Currency?
You can pay in cash if the rupee equivalent payable does not exceed Rs.50,000/-. Otherwise the entire
amount is paid by way of crossed cheque/demand draft.
In addition to the above mentioned BTQ, an outgoing traveller can draw foreign currency up to US$ 50 or its
equivalent from an exchange bureau at an airport or seaport for his en route expenses. The traveler can also
draw this amount from a city/branch office of an Authorized Dealer a month in advance of his journey on
production of a confirmed ticket for the journey. Further, out of his exchange entitlement a traveler can send
advance remittance up to a reasonable limit through his Authorized Dealer toward his hotel accommodation,
tour arrangement etc. of the countries be visited. Travel under BTQ can be combined with visits for business,
conference, seminar, training, study tour,pilgrimage and employment.
What happens to the unspent exchange brought back to India?
The RBI has granted general permission to persons resident in India to hold foreign currency up to US$ 2000 or
its equivalent for personal purposes. So, to that extent one can retain the foreign currency with oneself and
the balance should be surrendered to the Authorized Dealer/full-fledged money-changer against the payment
in Rupees. Such exchange needs to be surrendered within 90 days from the date of return if it is in the form
of currency notes and within 180 days if it is in the form of traveler's checks.
On the same lines, in the event of cancellation of the journey, foreign exchange drawn by a traveler should be
surrendered within 60 days from the date on which one comes to know that the foreign exchange drawn
cannot be used for the travel. Here again one can, retain foreign currency up to US$ 2000 or its equivalent
for personal purposes. In case of postponement of journey, one can retain the foreign currency provided the
postponed journey commences within 60 days from the day of withdrawal of the foreign currency.
Further, Reserve Bank has granted general permission to Indian residents going abroad (other than to Nepal)
on temporary visits to take with them Indian currency up to Rs.1000/- per person and to bring back such
Indian currency up to the same monetary limit at the time of their return to India from any other country
(other than Nepal). A traveler can take out or bring in Indian currency to/from Nepal without limit, in notes of
denominations up to Rs.100/-
Documentation for issuance of Basic Travel Quota
1. Valid Passport. Old passport, if valid for part of the current calendar year, is also required
2. Ticket for travel to the country/countries for which exchange has been applied.
(Except for travelers to Pakistan, Bangladesh or Myanmar by land route, wherein the journey ticket is not
insisted upon.)
3. Basic Travel Quota Application Form
Do I need Insurance?
Yes, insurance is a definite must for overseas travel. The policies are available from Oriental Insurance
Company a subsidiary of General Insurance Company, India. Check the Resources page for details.
Where can I check for flight schedules?
The best place to look for if you don't know what flights are available, especially if your are the Internet
couch potato type is http://www.amadeus.net. You can also use other travel sites, but most use the same
Amadeus engine.
How do I obtain a Youth Hostel membership?
The International Youth Hostels Federation has an Indian chapter, YHAI. The Indian head office is located in
New Delhi. They may have chapters in your city as well. Sending an email to the Delhi chapter is a good idea
as they will forward the local contact address. Refer Resources page for contact details.
Is an Indian YH membership valid overseas?
Yes, once you get yourself a YH membership, it is valid for all overseas stay in all Youth Hostels. It basically
entitles you to a discount on the hostel tariff and allows you to stay at Hostelling International's Youth
Hostels aka Hostelling International Hostels.
Where can I buy a good backpack?
A backpack is a necessity for a comfortable journey. There a few Indian companies that market backpacks.
Wildcraft is a good India brand that is based in Bangalore. Jansport and other American / European brands are
available, but they cost a lot of money. Typically a good backpack should cost between Rs.2000/- Rs.3000/-.
Is a backpack necessary?
No. If you plan on staying put at a place most of the time and travel out from there then you can go the old-
fashioned suitcase way. On the other hand, if your itinerary calls for constant travel, a backpack is ideal,
since lugging a suitcase around can be a pain in the proverbial!
Traveler's checks or cash or credit cards?
Really a personal choice. TC's offer the most security, only if you note down the converted serial numbers
and the place of conversion. Also the loss liability is zero, since the issuer would reimburse you of the same.
Credit cards are great since they are accepted almost everywhere, withdrawals in local currency are possible
at major bank ATM's. However there is a service charge of between US$1 to US$5 on these withdrawals, so
make sure you read the fine print. Cash is the most desirable, but the least safe of all options, thieves love
it!.
ATM network in Europe?
Europe has a wide network of Automatic Teller Machines. Find out if your credit / debit card supports the
standard. The major international money networks are CIrrus and PLUS. European ATM's have the similar
4-digit Indian PIN number mechanism. Citibank has a huge presence along with AmEx. Refer to Resources
for more information.
What is the best time to travel?
Summer obviously, if you can afford it though!. Otherwise September to November or June is ideal. Since it is
the off-season, the crowds are manageable. Airfares are cheaper, and so is the accommodation. Though
some famous attractions that are part of a season may be missed, hey you can still guzzle beer at the
Oktoberfest!.
General safety and precaution to be exercised at all times
Safety and precaution hold good for any country, even for the developed ones. Remember you are a
foreigner on their soil and there can be a threat to your safety if you are not cautious. Don't advertise your
purse or money belt in public. Avoid carrying all your money on you. It is okay to drink, but some countries
find it offensive, if oyu get drunk in public. Also, countries like Holland have 'dope cafe's', where dope
(marijuana) is sold in biscuits and other forms, it is not okay to get stoned in public!
Keep your people back home informed about you day to day whereabouts. If you are harassed go to the
Police. Pickpockets and conmen are part of every country so don't reveal that you are alone if you plan on
traveling without company. Always keep 3 sets of photocopies of your passport, air ticket, insurance policy,
traveler's checks, credit / ATM cards in different locations. Keep one on your person in case of emergencies
with a list of phone numbers of family members to be contacted in the event of an emergency. It is a good
idea to leave one set of all documents and your itinerary back at home, where someone can access it for
you in case you ever need it.
EURAIL
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: On Monday I intend to travel from Brussels to Nice by night train. So I will arrive at Nice on Tuesday. I am
traveling on a Europass Youth. Will this cost me 2 "flexidays"?
A: No, it won’t. It will cost one travel day only. The train leaves Brussels after 7 pm. If an overnight trip
starts in a direct overnight train leaving after 7 pm, you should enter the date of the next day. This implies
that travel between 7 pm and the midnight of the previous day is included.
Q: What is the actual validity of a one-month pass?
A: One-month pass has a validity of one calendar month. If the first day of validity is 11 June, the pass will
be valid for 30 days. However, if the travel starts on 15 October, then the final day of validity will be 14
November. In that case the pass will be valid for 31 days.
Q: I intend to travel to Prague on my Eurailpass. Is this possible?
A: The Czech Republic is not included in your pass. Your pass is valid until you arrive at the Czech border.At
the stations in Germany and Austria,from where trains for Prague depart, you can buy a ticket for the Czech
part of your journey. If you should intend to commence a European tour in Prague,you can buy a ticket there
for trains that go as far as the German or Austrian border. Your travel agent can also supply you with a
Eurailticket for the Czech part.
Q: I will be 26 when in Europe. Am I still entitled to buy a Youth Pass?
A: If you are under 26 on the first day of validity of your pass, you are free to buy a Youth Pass. If your
birthday takes place during your journey you will still be entitled to use it.
Q: We are four friends who are going to travel through Europe for two months and we intend to buy a Saver
Pass. However, Jimmy will have to go back home 4 days earlier. Will that be a problem ?
A: Not at all. On a pass for 4 persons you are also entitled to travel by the 3 of you.
