How to Obtain a Schengen Visa for Your India-to-Europe Tour Package
Dreaming of sipping espresso in Italy, wandering the streets of Paris, or exploring castles in Germany? If you're an Indian traveler planning a Europe tour, your gateway to these experiences is a Schengen Visa. In this blog, Hiranya Journeys breaks down everything you need to know to secure your Schengen Visa smoothly, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.
We'll also guide you on how our Europe and domestic tour packages can make your travel planning seamless.
What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa allows you to travel freely within the 27 European countries that are part of the Schengen Area. With this single visa, you can cross borders without additional permits, making it ideal for multi-country Europe tour packages from India.
Popular countries under Schengen include:
France
Germany
Italy
Spain
Netherlands
Switzerland
Note: The UK is not part of the Schengen Area.
When Should You Apply for a Schengen Visa?
You can apply for a Schengen Visa up to 6 months before your intended travel date and no later than 15 working days prior to your trip. Ideally, apply at least 30 to 45 days before your departure to allow enough time for processing and handling any additional requests from the consulate.
Where Should You Apply?
Apply at the embassy or visa application center (VAC) of the country that is:
Your main destination (where you'll spend the most time), or
Your first point of entry, if the time spent is evenly distributed.
For example, if your Europe tour package includes France, Italy, and Switzerland, and you’ll be staying the longest in Italy, you should apply at the Italian Embassy.
Step-by-Step Schengen Visa Application Process
1. Choose the Right Visa Type
For tourism, you'll apply for a short-stay Schengen Visa (Type C). This allows you to stay in the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
2. Book Your Appointment
Visit the official embassy or authorized visa application center (like VFS Global) to schedule an appointment online.
3. Collect the Required Documents
Make sure you have the following documents ready:
A passport that is valid for at least three months after the date of return
Completed visa application form
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Cover letter explaining your travel plan
Travel itinerary (flight tickets, hotel bookings)
Travel insurance covering €30,000 in medical expenses
Proof of accommodation
Financial proof (bank statements, ITRs, salary slips)
Employment or business proof
No-objection certificate (if employed) or student ID (if studying)
Tip from Hiranya Journeys: Even if you’ve booked a Europe tour package with us, we ensure you receive all required documentation like hotel vouchers, confirmed itineraries, and travel insurance for your visa application.
4. Submit the Application
Submit your documents in person at the VFS or embassy and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
5. Pay the Visa Fee
The cost of an adult Schengen visa, payable in Indian rupees, is around €80 (approximately ₹7,000) as of 2025.
6. Track Your Application
After submission, you’ll receive a tracking ID. Most Schengen visa applications are processed within 15 working days, but it can take longer in peak seasons.
Tips to Maximize Your Visa Approval Chances
Be Honest: Provide genuine documents and never falsify information.
Demonstrate that you have the financial means to sustain yourself while there, averaging between €60 and €100 per day.
Clear Itinerary: Make sure your travel plan is consistent and not overly packed.
Cover Letter: Write a clear, concise explanation of your purpose and itinerary.
Travel Insurance: Don’t compromise—buy insurance from a reputed provider, which we at Hiranya Journeys include in all our international and domestic tour packages.
What If Your Schengen Visa Is Rejected?
While rejection is rare if documents are in order, it can happen. Common reasons include:
Insufficient funds
Incomplete documents
Unclear travel itinerary
Suspicion of intent to overstay
If rejected, you’ll receive a reason in writing. You can reapply after correcting the issues or appeal the decision.
At Hiranya Journeys, we offer visa assistance services with all our Europe tour packages from India. Our travel advisors ensure your application meets embassy standards, reducing the risk of rejection.
Schengen Visa for Minors and Senior Citizens
Minors must have:
Birth certificate
Parents' permission letter (notarized)
Passport copies of both parents
Senior travelers may need:
Medical history documents
Specific travel insurance clauses
Our curated Europe tour packages accommodate families and senior travelers with special services like wheelchair access, Indian meals, and guided support.
Combine Europe with Domestic Tour Packages
While you're planning your dream Europe trip, why not start with a local getaway to get in the travel groove? At Hiranya Journeys, we offer affordable and luxury domestic tour packages across India—from the Himalayas to Goa and Rajasthan.
Whether you're looking to warm up your travel spirit before jetting off to Europe or prefer to mix international and domestic experiences, we’ve got a package for you.
Some popular domestic tour packages include:
Himachal & Leh–Ladakh Adventure Tours
Kerala Backwaters & Beach Holidays
Char Dham Yatra Spiritual Journeys
Royal Rajasthan Heritage Tours
Ask us how we can customize both domestic and international experiences to suit your schedule and budget.
Why Book Your Europe Tour with Hiranya Journeys?
Visa documentation support
Personalized itineraries
Best deals on flights, hotels & insurance
24/7 customer support during your trip
Trusted by 1,000+ happy Indian travelers
From guiding you through the visa process to curating unforgettable experiences, Hiranya Journeys is your one-stop solution for Europe and domestic tour packages.
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