Schengen visa guide: Everything you need to know before travelling

A Schengen visa is your gateway to exploring 29 beautiful and diverse European countries using a single travel permit. It is ideal for travelers who wish to visit multiple countries without going through the hassle of applying for separate visas.

For residents in Kolkata, navigating the complex Schengen visa process becomes significantly easier with the help of a professional visa agent. In this comprehensive blog, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the Schengen visa — what it is, how to apply, which documents are required, current visa fees, and how experienced agents in Kolkata can make the entire process seamless and efficient.

Planning a European vacation? Learn everything about the Schengen visa — from application steps to required documents and updated fees. Trusted visa consultants in Kolkata can simplify the process and make your travel preparation hassle-free.

Quick guide table

Section	Key information
What is a Schengen visa?	Visa allowing access to 29 European countries
Schengen countries	Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland
Application steps	Destination, documents, appointment, biometrics
Visa validity	90/180 rule, single, double,multi-entry options
Visa fee	Euro 80/90 (approx inr ₹11,000–₹12,500 for adult)
Where to apply	VFS / BLS visa application centre (Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai) consulate support
Agent help	Faster processing, Appointment booking to application file hanover, fewer rejections

What is a Schengen visa?

Schengen visa guide: Everything you need to know before travelling

The Schengen visa is a short-term visa that allows non-European travelers to enter and move freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is primarily intended for tourism, business, short-term study, or family visits.

The Schengen agreement eliminated internal borders among 29 European countries, enabling travelers to explore multiple destinations without additional border checks. It’s crucial to understand that the Schengen zone is distinct from the European Union—countries like Ireland and Romania are part of the EU but not members of the Schengen area.

Schengen countries list

Here’s the updated list of countries in the Schengen area that accept the Schengen visa: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Benefits:

Seamless travel between countries and easy border checking process.
Save time, effort, and money with one visa valid for multiple destinations
Ideal for tourists, business travelers, families and friends on multi-country trips

Absolutely! Here’s a clean and updated table of the 29 Schengen countries (as of 2025), including the most recent additions:

Full List of Schengen Countries (2025 Edition)

Austria – Vienna
Belgium – Brussels
Croatia – Zagreb
Czech Republic – Prague
Denmark – Copenhagen
Estonia – Tallinn
Finland – Helsinki
France – Paris
Germany – Berlin
Greece – Athens
Hungary – Budapest
Iceland – Reykjavik
Italy – Rome
Latvia – Riga
Liechtenstein – Vaduz
Lithuania – Vilnius
Luxembourg – Luxembourg City
Malta – Valletta
Netherlands – Amsterdam
Norway – Oslo
Poland – Warsaw
Portugal – Lisbon
Slovakia – Bratislava
Slovenia – Ljubljana
Spain – Madrid
Sweden – Stockholm
Switzerland – Bern
Bulgaria – Sofia
Romania – Bucharest

Note:

As of 2024, Bulgaria and Romania have joined the Schengen Area for air and sea travel. Land border entry is expected to follow soon, making travel even more seamless across Eastern and Western Europe.

Who needs a Schengen visa?

This visa applies to:

Tourists exploring Europe
Business visitors attending meetings or conferences
Students attending short-term courses
Medical travelers seeking treatment
Transit passengers with stopovers in Schengen countries

Even if your layover is brief, a visa might be required depending on your nationality, so it’s important to confirm requirements in advance.

Types of Schengen visas

Short-stay visa (Type C): For tourism, business, visiting family and friends, attending seminars, or medical treatment.
Airport transit visa (Type A): Required for travelers changing flights in a Schengen airport as per layover time.
National visa (Type D): For long-term purposes such as work, study, or residence (issued by individual countries).

Single-entry vs multiple-entry:

A single-entry visa allows you to enter the Schengen zone once. Once you leave, the visa becomes invalid.
A multiple-entry visa permits you to enter and leave the Schengen zone multiple times during the visa’s validity, which is useful for frequent travelers.

Key benefits of a Schengen visa

Enables access to 29 countries with one document
Eliminates the need for multiple visa applications
Avoid repeated immigration checks and paperwork
Useful for tourism, business, or visiting friends and family
Offers flexibility and convenience for multi-country European trips

Schengen visa validity & duration

The 90/180 rule means you can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Overstaying can result in penalties or future visa denial.

Visa validity refers to the time frame during which you can enter the Schengen zone, while permitted days indicate how long you are allowed to stay.

Frequent and credible travelers can apply for long-term, multiple-entry visas that may be valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on travel history and documentation.

Schengen visa application process (step-by-step)

Step 1: Identify your main destination or first entry point within the Schengen zone.
Step 2: Prepare a comprehensive set of required documents.
Step 3: Schedule an appointment with VFS Global or the respective consulate.
Step 4: Attend the appointment, submit biometrics, and participate in an interview if requested.
Step 5: Track the progress of your application online using the reference number provided.
Step 6: Receive your visa and thoroughly verify all details for accuracy.

Required documents checklist

Here is a checklist, which will help you to apply for your visa

Mandatory documents:

A valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the return date
Completed visa application form and duly signed by the applicant
2 Photos 35*45 mm with matt finish, 75% face exposure, white background, hair should be tied and no hair in the front of the face, no spectacles
Proof of flight and hotel bookings
Financial documents (bank statements, IT returns, etc)
Valid travel insurance covering at least €30,000
Cover letter explaining travel intent
Proof of employment or student status

Optional but recommended:

Invitation letters from family/friends or business contacts
Sponsorship letters if someone else is funding your trip
Property documents or other financial assets for strong financial backing

Where and how to apply in India (Kolkata focus)

You can apply through VFS Global centers in Kolkata, located at Salt Lake and Park Street. These centers cater to most Schengen countries.

For certain nations, applications may be submitted directly to the respective consulates.

Popular consulates include:

France (French consulate in Kolkata)
Italy (via VFS submission)
Germany (direct consulate or VFS)

Visa agents in Kolkata assist with:

Securing appointment slots
Document review and compilation
Mock interviews and guidance to reduce the chances of rejection

Schengen visa fees

Applicant	Visa fee	VFS charges	Total approx cost
Adult	₹9,000	₹2,000–₹3,000	₹11,000–₹12,000
Child (6–12)	₹4,400	₹2,000–₹3,000	₹6,400-₹7,400
Under 6	Free	₹2,000	₹2,000

Payment methods: Credit/debit cards, UPI, or bank transfer.
Important: All fees are non-refundable regardless of approval.

Travel insurance requirement

It is mandatory to have travel insurance covering at least €30,000. This ensures financial coverage for:

Emergency medical expenses
Hospital admissions
Medical evacuation and repatriation

Top Indian providers:

ICICI Lombard
Tata AIG
HDFC Ergo
Reliance General Insurance

Purchase insurance from a reputable provider and ensure it’s valid for all countries you intend to visit.

Role of a Schengen visa agent

Applying for a Schengen visa can be overwhelming — from navigating complex paperwork to scheduling embassy appointments and meeting financial documentation standards. This is where experienced visa consultants like Flying Squirrel Holidays truly shine.

With thousands of successful visa applications handled and an exceptional approval rate, Flying Squirrel Holidays ensures that your visa journey is smooth, stress-free, and efficient.

What Flying Squirrel Holidays Offers:

Expert Documentation Support: Avoid costly mistakes in forms, financials, or itinerary documents.
Swift Appointment Bookings: Get timely VFS/embassy slots, even in high-demand seasons.
Strong Visa File Building: Our team helps craft a compelling application with proper cover letters, financial proofs, and travel plans.
Assistance After Submission: We follow up with VFS and keep you informed at every stage — from tracking to passport collection.
End-to-End Travel Support: Combine visa processing with Europe trip planning for better chances of approval and a seamless journey.

Ideal For:

Families and group applicants
Senior citizens who need extra assistance
Anyone with a history of visa rejection or a limited travel history

Real Testimonials

We believe in keeping things simple, transparent, and reliable — and our travellers appreciate that. Here’s what a few of them had to say about their experience with Flying Squirrel Holidays:

Talk to a trusted visa agent in Kolkata today!

Common reasons for visa rejection

Missing or incorrect documentation
Insufficient financial balance
Contradictions between documents and itinerary
Lack of travel history
Nervous or vague interview answers

Avoid rejection by:

Using a professionally written cover letter
Submitting genuine and updated documents
Taking expert help for documentation and interview tips

After your visa is approved

Once your visa is granted:

Check for accuracy in dates, name, and number of entries
Plan your trip including currency exchange, SIM card, local transport
Keep digital and physical copies of your visa with you during travel
Abide by the visa terms and avoid overstaying to maintain future eligibility

Final tips for a successful application

Apply 30 to 45 days in advance to avoid delays
Use accurate and verifiable documents
Clearly define your travel purpose in your cover letter
Consult expert agents to increase approval chances

Conclusion

A Schengen visa opens doors to the most iconic destinations in Europe. Whether you’re visiting France, Germany, Italy, or Spain, this visa simplifies your journey and enhances your travel experience.

Apply wisely, submit the right documents, and consider expert support if needed.

Need help with your Schengen visa? Connect with our experts in Kolkata today!

For consultation and end-to-end support, reach out to our trusted visa advisors now.

Book your Schengen visa consultation with Flying Squirrel Holidays today — before peak travel slots fill up.

📞 Call us at +91 33 40525777 / +91 833 697 8737
📧 Email us at connect@flyingsquirrelholidays.com

FAQs

1.When should I apply?
Apply at least 30 days before your travel date to allow sufficient processing time.

2.Can I apply multiple times?
Yes. You can apply as many times as needed based on your travel plans.

3.What if my visa is rejected?
You can reapply with better documents or submit an appeal depending on the reason.

4.Is an interview always needed?
Not always. It depends on your travel history, purpose, and consulate requirements.

5.Can I work on a tourist visa?
No. Schengen tourist visas do not permit any kind of employment.