Schengen Visa Complete Guide 2026: Requirements, Fees & Application Process
Visa facts checked against official sources on 7 October 2026.
A Schengen visa lets you visit 29 European countries on one visa, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It costs €90 for adults and is normally decided within 15 days. Indian passport holders need one, and you apply to the country that is your main destination.
Key facts
Fee: €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6 to 11, free under 6. Decision: usually 15 days, up to 45 if more checks are needed. Apply between 6 months and 15 days before your trip.
Schengen countries in 2026
The 29 Schengen countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Required documents
- Passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area
- Completed and signed application form
- Recent photo that meets the Schengen specifications
- Travel medical insurance valid across the Schengen area for the whole stay
- Documents showing the purpose of the trip, where you will stay, that you can pay for the stay, and that you intend to return
- Fingerprints, collected when you submit the application
Each consulate publishes its own checklist for India on top of these, so follow the list of the country you are applying to.
Schengen visa fees
| Applicant | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | €90 |
| Children aged 6 to 11 | €45 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
The fee is paid in rupees at the rate set by the consulate. A visa application centre adds its own service charge, which differs by country.
Application process
- Work out which country to apply to: your only or main destination, or your first point of entry if you spend equal time in several countries.
- Follow that country’s instructions for India and book an appointment at its consulate or visa application centre.
- Submit the form, passport, photo and supporting documents in person and give your fingerprints.
- Pay the visa fee and any service charge.
- Wait for the decision and collect your passport.
Processing time
A decision normally takes 15 days. It can be extended to up to 45 days when the consulate needs to examine the application further. You can apply from 6 months before the trip and no later than 15 days before it, so in busy months apply well ahead.
Tips for approval
- Apply to the correct country; an application sent to the wrong consulate can be refused.
- Make your itinerary, bookings and insurance dates match.
- Show clearly how the trip is paid for and what brings you back to India.
- Give the same information everywhere on the form and in your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
29 countries in 2026, including Bulgaria and Romania.
€90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6 to 11 and free for children under 6, plus the service charge of the visa application centre.
Usually 15 days. It can take up to 45 days if the consulate needs to examine the application further.
No. A short-stay Schengen visa is for visits. Paid work needs a national visa from the country concerned.
Official sources
Need help with a Schengen visa?
See the full Schengen guide, or contact us to have your documents checked.
Read the Schengen visa guide