According to a recent study by Schengen Visa Info, Indians lost close to INR 90 crore in 2022 due to Schengen visa denials. In 2022, applications for Schengen visas from India increased by 415 per cent, leading to more visas being issued. However, with nearly 100,000 visas rejected, India still ranked second internationally in the number of Schengen visa rejections. Also, India spent about Rs 480 crore on visa applications in 2022, but nearly INR 90 crore was lost because 121,188 were denied.
What is a Schengen Visa
The Schengen Area comprises 27 European countries, 23 of which are members of the European Union and four of which are members of the European Free Trade Association. These governments have eliminated internal border controls between member countries. Citizens of foreign countries who do not have visa-free travel arrangements must apply for a Schengen Visa to enter and travel within the area.
The 27 Schengen countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
5 Rules To Follow When Applying For A Schengen Visa
Your Research On Visa Procedures Must Be Thorough
Most foreign embassies have information about requesting and acquiring a Schengen visa on their websites. Spending time filling out an application only to have it rejected for a reason that should have been apparent before applying is the most aggravating thing that could happen. Several consulates offer online forms and instructions to help you with the application process.
Make Sure Your Passport Meets Requirements
Check that your passport is up-to-date. The EU has specific passport rules for people applying for a Schengen visa. Check that your passport is valid for six months beyond the date of your planned trip to the Schengen Area. And it must include at least two blank pages, which cannot be added afterwards. Furthermore, visitors wanting to obtain a visa with the multiple entry option for three or five years should be informed that if the validity of their passport is less than the term of validity of the required visa, they will not be able to obtain the latter.
Apply Ahead
Try to apply for your visas in advance. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days before the scheduled travel date. So, while considering the projected departure date and the average processing timeframes, submit your application as soon as possible. It is advisable to allow as much time as possible between the time of application and departure in case there are any mistakes, hiccups, or problems with completing your application&ndasheither on your end or the government's.
Make A List Of Essential Documents
Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork to submit with the properly completed application form to ensure a smooth submission procedure. Some embassies include a requirements checklist with their Schengen Visa application form, which is quite helpful for keeping track of the procedure. Although not all embassies offer this, you can create your own by ensuring you have everything you need at each stage of the application process.
Pick Up Travel Insurance
Even if you believe nothing bad will happen to you, purchasing travel insurance is important. All applicants need travel insurance with a &euro30,000 coverage limit that includes repatriation in the event of death.
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