🇪🇺Schengen Visa — Documentation & Application Support
- Processing
- 15 calendar days standard, up to 30–45 in some cases
- Visa Fee
- €90 approx. for adults (check live rate; consulate-specific)
- Stay Duration
- Up to 90 days within any 180-day period
- VFS Centre
- VFS Global, Kochi (country-specific centre/counter)
Schengen Visa — Guidance for Europe Travel & Family Visits
The Schengen visa covers visiting family or touring across most of mainland Europe — Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and 20+ other countries under one visa. We help applicants get this right, starting with the one decision that trips up most first-time applicants: which country’s consulate to actually apply to.
Who this visa is for
The Schengen “C” visa covers tourism, family visits, and short business trips of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. It is a single visa that unlocks 29 countries, which is why it’s a popular choice both for pure tourism and for visiting relatives who’ve settled somewhere in mainland Europe.
Choosing the right country to apply to
This is a strict Schengen rule, not a preference: you apply to the consulate of your main destination (where you spend the most nights), or your first point of entry if your trip is split evenly across countries. Getting this wrong is one of the most common — and most avoidable — reasons applications are rejected or delayed. We map out your itinerary with you before deciding which VFS counter to book.
The process, step by step
- Itinerary planning — Deciding the main destination country and a realistic day-by-day plan.
- Document preparation — Insurance, accommodation proof, flight reservation (not a paid ticket — a reservation, until the visa is approved), and financial documents.
- VFS Kochi appointment — Biometrics and document submission at the relevant country’s counter at VFS Global Kochi.
- Decision — Most Schengen states target a 15-calendar-day standard processing time, though this can extend to 30–45 days in complex cases or peak season.
What you need to prepare
Beyond the standard passport and bank statements, Schengen applications specifically require travel insurance with at least €30,000 medical coverage valid across the whole Schengen Area, a round-trip flight reservation, and confirmed accommodation for every night of the trip. If you’re visiting family, their invitation letter and residence proof should also be included.
Common reasons Schengen applications are refused or delayed
Applying to the wrong country’s consulate, incomplete travel insurance, and an itinerary that doesn’t clearly match the visa applied for are the most frequent issues. We check all three before your VFS Kochi appointment is even booked.
WhatsApp us to plan your Schengen visa application, or call us for a free consultation.
Documents Checklist
- Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years
- Two recent Schengen-visa-compliant photographs
- Completed Schengen visa application form
- Travel/medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage, valid across all Schengen states
- Confirmed round-trip flight reservation
- Proof of accommodation for the full stay (hotel booking or host's invitation)
- Sponsor's invitation letter, if visiting family
- Applicant's bank statements for the last 6 months
- Proof of ties to India — employment, property, pension
- Cover letter explaining the itinerary and main destination country