Schengen tourist Visa Tips: Everything You Need To Know Before Applying

Author: Nationwide Visas

You've been wishing for a trip to Paris to enjoy coffee and stroll through the streets of Rome, or visit Germany's castles? A Schengen tourist visa is the key with which you'll get all of this and much more.

However, if it's your first time applying, let's face it, it can be a daunting process. Don't worry. This guide can demystify the process of applying as simply as possible, for you to do so with confidence.

So, what is a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Tourist Visas is an opportunity to enjoy travel in multiple countries in Europe with a single visa. The Schengen zone now is expanded to 29 countries so that with one visa, you can enter into almost all of Europe. A great deal for one application!

This visa applies to all sorts of trips: Solo travel, family vacations, or trips in multiple countries, you will be able to use this visa for all of them.

The Big News for Indian Travelers

You see, there's one thing that not many people talk about that is exciting. The new "cascade" visa will allow Indian nationals to apply for long-term multiple entry visas of up to 2 years or even 5 years. This entails you don't have to go through the process of applying for a visa every time you wish to travel to Europe. This is a life saver if you are traveling a lot or going more than once.

Documents You'll Need to Prepare

Here is a list of typical things to prepare for your embassy, though it may be different for you:

  • Passport that is valid for at least 6 months.

  • Completed visa application form.

  • Recent passport-size photographs

  • Itinerary and flights.

  • Accommodation proof (Hotel Reservation).

  • Tourist insurance for the whole tour

  • Bank statements with adequate money on them

  • Ensure that you have a leave letter from your employer/business confirming leave.

  • A cover letter stating your travel purpose.

Take the time to check with the embassy you are applying to as requirements may be slightly different.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

This is the area where most people go wrong; it's when they only think about gathering the documents and forget that the visa officer is reading the application. These are the steps you can take to ensure that you stand out:

1. Do not lie or mislead in your cover letter

Draft a straightforward and simple letter detailing your travel plans, why you are travelling and when you will be back. Visa officers like things to be clear.

2. Show strong ties to India

The most common visa rejection is due to lack of the officer's willingness to believe that you will return. Demonstrate a stable work, home, family or business life at home.

3. Do not over book or under book

If possible, book flights and hotel that are refundable. Having a complete solid plan can all but ruin a trip if there is a change in plans.

4. Maintain healthy finances

Ensure that your bank statements are all in line for the past three months. If you're making large deposits just prior to applying, it could be a red flag.

5. Apply to the appropriate embassy.

If you are heading to a number of countries, apply at the embassy of your primary destination or the first country that you arrive at.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Submitting incomplete documents

  • Make sure to apply at least 4-6 weeks prior to travel

  • The lack of travel insurance that complies with Schengen.

  • Not providing specific and clear answers in your application

  • Not considering previous visa history (more important than you think)

Should You Hire Immigration Consultancy?

If you are not sure what it entails, or you have been rejected a visa before, seeking the help of the best immigration consultancy in Delhi can really make a difference. A good consultancy service will check your profile and create solid documents as well as lead you through each step, making it very unlikely that you will be rejected.

If you're on the lookout for work abroad from India, there are plenty of consultancies which can assist you in tourist packages as well as long-term work visa applications. It's a good idea to discuss both with your friends.

Conclusion

The Schengen tourist visa isn't as complicated as it sounds, it simply requires the proper preparation and attention to detail. Be prepared, apply early, don't lie and Europe will greet you.