European Union

Visa

The increasing number of tourists from India to Europe bears testimony to the fact that Europe is a preferred travel destination for Indians.

The cultural, historical and geographical diversity of Europe ensures that you, as a visitor, have an exciting range of things to do and see.

For your information, the Delegation of the European Union does not issue passports or visas. Passports and visas are issued by the Embassy and/or Consulate of each individual European Member State. Click here for the contact details of EU Member States and Consulates in India.

Short-term Schengen Visa (3 months and less)
In June 1985, seven European Union countries signed a treaty in "Schengen" a town in Luxembourg to end internal border checkpoints and controls. More countries have joined the treaty over the years. Under the Schengen Agreement, common rules regarding visas within the signatory States have been adopted. Since 15 December 2008, there are 25 Schengen countries, all in Europe, 22 are European Union members and 3 are non EU members (Iceland, Norway and Switzerland).

The 25 Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Where to apply?
It all depends on the place(s) you want to visit. If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply at the Embassy or Consulate of that particular country. You should apply at the Embassy or Consulate responsible for the Indian state where you live. If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country which is your main destination. If you intend to visit several Schengen countries but do not have a main destination, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country which is your first point of entry.

Schengen visas are issued for visits to the Schengen Area on a short term basis (meaning stays of no longer than 90 days per half year for the purpose of tourism, business or family visits) or to merely transit on the way to a non-Schengen country. If you want to stay longer than three months you still need a national long-term visa or residence permit. It is up to the individual countries to set their own requirements.

Non-Schengen countries
Non-Schengen countries, on the other hand, maintain their own immigration policies. If you wish to visit a non-Schengen country and return to the Schengen area, you will need a multiple-entry visa. It should be noted that Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania, Ireland, and the United Kingdom are EU members, but they are not part of the Schengen Area.

For more information on travel rules and documentation visit this link:
http://europa.eu/abc/travel/doc/index_en.htm

To read more about travelling in Europe visit this link:
http://europa.eu/abc/travel/index_en.htm

Visa

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