- Schengen Visa Application Form: You must complete and sign the Schengen visa application form. You can usually download this form from the website of the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you plan to visit.
- Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area. It should also have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Passport-sized Photos: Generally, you need two recent passport-sized photos that meet Schengen visa photo requirements.
- Travel Itinerary: Provide a detailed travel itinerary, including your flight reservations, hotel bookings, and a rough outline of your travel plans within the Schengen area.
- Travel Insurance: You must have travel insurance that covers medical expenses up to a specified minimum amount (usually around 30,000 euros) and includes repatriation. Ensure the insurance is valid for the entire duration of your intended stay.
- Proof of Accommodation: Provide proof of your hotel reservations or a letter of invitation if you’re staying with friends or relatives.
- Proof of Financial Means: You need to show that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the Schengen area. This can include bank statements, a letter from your employer, or other financial documents.
- Biometric Data: You must provide biometric data (fingerprints and digital photography) at the time of your visa application.
Additional Documents:
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): If you are employed, you may need an NOC from your employer stating that they have no objections to your travel.
- Income Tax Returns: Some embassies may request your income tax returns for the past few years to verify your financial stability.
- Proof of Ties to India: To demonstrate that you intend to return to India after your trip, you can provide documents such as property deeds, family ties, or any commitments that require your presence in India.
- Other Documents: Depending on your specific travel purpose (tourism, business, study, etc.) and the Schengen country you are applying to, you may be asked for additional documents. For example, if you are visiting for business purposes, you may need an invitation letter from a business partner in the Schengen country.