Europe has simplified this problem by providing the Schengen Visa. Unless you want to specifically travel
to Eastern Europe, this makes tremendous sense. Since it is accepted in the Schengen Space, you do not
have to apply for multiple visas. Make sure you get a multiple entry visa for whatever period you intend to
tour.
Schengen Visa (refer FAQ's for details)
With a Schengen visa , you may travel in 15 European countries
Countries empowered to issue Schengen visas :
· France
· Germany
· Netherlands
· Belgium
· Luxemburg
· Italy
· Spain
· Portugal
· Greece
· Austria
· Norway
· Sweden
· Iceland
· Denmark
· Finland
Compulsory documents to be submitted to the respective consulate
* One application form, completed and signed
* One photograph
* Proof of profession (covering letter of the company mentioning the salary)
* Letter from the company granting you leave for the duration of your tour
* Return Airline ticket
* Insurance
* Hotel / Hostel reservation
* 4 passport size photographs
IMPORTANT
THE PASSPORT MUST BE VALID FOR AT LEAST 3 MONTHS AFTER THE EXPIRY DATE OF THE VISA
Additional documents (to be presented depending on the purpose of the travel)
Family Visit, Private Visit, Tourist Visa
* sponsorship letter, hotel reservation
* foreign exchange, credit card, travelers checks
* Applicant's financial status (last 3 months' salary slips or last 3 years' income tax papers of Form 16A
Business Travel
* Covering letter from the company mentioning name and designation of the applicant and that
of the signatory of managerial or executive level giving brief sketch of applicant's itinerary or visit,
name and address of the company to be visited.
* Invitation from the company and previous business correspondences, if any.
* Applicant's financial status (last 3 month's salary slips or last 3 year's income-tax papers or Form 16A)
* Return ticket to India
* Overseas Mediclaim Policy
Students
* A letter of registration/admission from an academic Institution.
* Proof of recourses for the living expenses for the period of stay
* Proof of accommodation for the period of stay
* Two Passport size photographs
* A Valid passport for the entire period of stay in Europe
* A short Bio-data
* Copy of degree, diploma and/or certificate
Tour
* Airline tickets, list of the persons traveling
* Itinerary prepared by the travel agency
* Applicant's financial status (last 3 months' salary slips or last 3 years' income tax papers of Form 16A)
Fee
Please shoot your queries on this to your travel agent. Since prices change all the time, I cannot give you
the information.
When you cross the border, you may be asked by passport control to provide documents concerning your
stay in any Schengen State and proof that you intend to return to your usual country of residence.
You can apply for visa three months before your departure. You just have to mention the period of validity
that you require on the visa application form.
The fee to be charged is payable in Indian rupees at the consular exchange rate in cash only.
Which mission to choose ?
You must apply for your visa at the mission (Embassy/Consulate) of the country where you plan to go and
stay the longest.
If you plan to stay, for example, for 10 days in France and 10 days in Germany, then you must apply for a
visa at the mission of the country which you will enter first (first point of entry).
If your main destination is Greece, you can apply for Schengen visa either at the Embassy of Greece in New
Delhi or at the Consulate General of France in Bombay.
Switzerland requires that you apply for a separate visa. Once you obtain a Schengen visa, your travel agent
can help you secure the Swiss visa. The same applies for Eastern Europe.
