Picture this: you’re excited about a dream vacation or an important trip to a destination outside Europe. But there’s one crucial stopover—a layover in a Schengen country. It seems like a simple connection but it could quickly turn into a travel nightmare if you don’t have the right paperwork. Enter the Schengen transit visa, an essential travel document that ensures your journey through certain European airports goes smoothly, without cancellations or costly disruptions.
What Is A Schengen Transit Visa?
If you’re flying to a non-Schengen country with a layover in a Schengen nation, you may need a Schengen transit visa. This visa ensures that you can legally transit through certain Schengen countries, even if you don’t plan to leave the airport. It’s an essential requirement for Indian travellers to avoid issues such as flight cancellations or losing non-refundable tickets.
A Schengen transit visa allows Indian travellers to pass through Schengen countries to reach non-Schengen destinations. It’s mandatory even if you are not leaving the airport terminal. Without this visa, airlines may not allow you to board, and your entire journey could be jeopardised.
Documents Required
Here’s what you’ll need to submit when applying for a Schengen transit visa:
- A valid Indian passport with at least 3 months validity beyond your exit from the Schengen area
- A copy of the passport information page
- A completed Schengen transit visa application form
- Two passport-sized photos (35mm x 45mm) taken in the last 6 months
- Visa for the destination country
- Flight ticket confirming onward travel
- Travel insurance covering at least €30,000 (around ₹27 lakhs)
- Proof of payment of visa fees
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How To Apply For A Schengen Transit Visa
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for it from India:
- Begin by downloading the Schengen transit visa application form and filling it with your details.
- Provide accurate personal details, including name, date of birth, passport information, and purpose of transit.
- Submit the completed form to the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country where you will be transiting.
- Schedule an appointment for a visa interview and document verification.
- Collect all required documents and bring them to the scheduled interview.
- You will be asked about the purpose of your visit and may need to provide your biometrics.
- Pay the applicable fees and submit your application for processing.
Once processed, you’ll be notified to collect your visa from the embassy or application centre.
The cost of the Schengen transit visa for Indians is €80 (approx. ₹7,405) for adults and €40 (approx. ₹3,702) for children. The processing time for a Schengen transit visa usually takes around 15 days. However, it’s advisable to apply at least 30 days before your travel to avoid any delays.
Obtaining this visa is crucial for Indian travellers transiting through specific Schengen countries.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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