Visa - The Key to the Beckoning Gates

Obtaining a Tourist Visa for Europe is a reasonably simple process. Since they want more tourists to come to their countries, the procedures are not designed to discourage and hinder you.

Schengen Visa

When travelling to Western Europe, you will, in all likelihood, need the Schengen Visa, which covers 26 countries. In addition, some non-member countries like Croatia permit entry, as long as you have a valid Schengen visa. However, the United Kingdom is not a part of the Schengen treaty and you will need a UK visa for entry.

We did not plan to travel to the UK and hence needed a Schengen visa only. If you need any info on the UK Visa, please visit the website here.

Which Country?.   The decision about which country to apply for the visa will depend on the following conditions :-

"A Schengen visa has to be obtained from the Embassy/Consulate of the country where the main purpose of travel lies. Therefore, please check your travel plans before making your application. In case of travel to multiple Schengen countries, please make your application to the Consulate where you will be staying for the maximum number of days, and from the Point of First Entry into the Schengen Countries, if the duration of stay is the same in more than one Schengen Country."

In short - Country with maximum stay or Point of first entry. In our case, that was Italy.

When Can I Apply?   You should apply for a Visa at least 15 working days prior to the date of departure and not more than 90 days before departure. You can apply at a shorter notice, but will have to give an application stating that you will not hold the embassy responsible if you do not get the visa in time.

VFS-Global.   Most western countries, including the US, UK and Schengen countries have outsourced the paperwork to a private partner, VFS-Global. One you have decided which country you want the visa for, go here and choose the country from the drop down list on the bottom left corner. This should take you to the page for that specific country.

Here onwards, the process would generally be similar, but with minor differences depending on the country. I will be covering my experience with Italy.

Visa Process for Italy

Once you have chosen the consulate based on your location, you will be redirected here, with a clear step by step process.

First Step - Check if you need a Visa. If you are from india, Yes.

Second Step - Choose your Visa Type. If your trip is less than 90 days, and purpose is tourism, Schengen Type 'C'.

Third Step - Prepare your application. Download the application form from here. Fill up one copy for each applicant, including children.Ensure you have all the relevant documents according to the requirements given here. The main requirements are :-

• Passport - Ensure that your passport has 3 months of validity beyond the visa dates, and it has at least two blank pages.

• Photos - As per specifications given here. They are very strict about this. In case your photos don't match their requirements, you have to take an overpriced photo inside the application center.

• Travel insurance - Here is a list of approved travel insurance schemes.

• Your itinerary with travel dates. Below is the itinerary I submitted.

• Return air tickets.

• Cover letter giving purpose of trip or employers leave authorization.

• Proof of adequate financial means including salary slips, bank statements, or income tax challans/Form 16.

• Proof of accomodation which may either be hotel bookings or invitation letter from sponsor in Italy. Tip - If you are not sure about your stay, you can book on bookings.com, selecting hotels giving the 'Free Cancellation - Pay Later' option. You can use he printouts of these confirmations for your visa, and subsequently cancel or change you bookings. There is no process of checking where you actually stay. I am assuming that this step is only to ensure that you know how to book a place and take care of yourself. Here is a sample booking printout I enclosed.

• For minors, the application has to be signed by both parents. Else, an affidavit has to be provided.

Fourth Step - Schedule an appointment here. A slot is generally available within a day or two. You cannot choose the date, so keep the next few days free when scheduling the appointment.You can reschedule the appointment, but only twice, after which you have to pay the visa charges again.

Fifth Step - Visit the Visa Application Center (VAC). Carry your passport and all the above-mentioned documents to the VAC. The center for some of the countries, including Italy, has recently moved to the Shivaji Stadium Metro Station near Connaught Place from its earlier location at Nehru Place. The VAC visit is for collection of biometric data, checking and submission of application with supporting documents and payment of fees. The visa fee is Rs.4330 for adults, Rs.2530 for minors between 6 and 12 yrs and a VFS service charge of Rs.1010. If everything is in order, your passport and papers would be submitted and an acknowledgement receipt will be issued. 

Sixth Step - Post submission process. This is the step when you wait and track your application as the embassy decides if you are welcome to their country. During your VAC visit, you will be asked if you want to receive application status updates by SMS, for a charge of course. In my experience, neither did I receive any updates, nor is it required. You can always track the status here.

Seventh Step - Collection of Passports. Once the passport with visa is ready, you can either collect it yourself from the VAC counter by showing the acknowledgment receipt or by courier if you opted for this service during submission of application.

With that ends the process of getting your visa. 
Congratulation! You now hold the keys to enter the gates, which have been beckoning you with the promise of wonderful times ahead.






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Other posts in this series......

Eurotrip 2015 - Our Grand Tour

Eurotrip 2015 Episode 1- Genesis

Plan a European Holiday in 5 Easy Steps

How to Fly to Europe on a Budget

Hassle-free Bookings to Stay Within Budget

Planes, Trains and Automobiles - How to Travel Across Europe on the Cheap

Low Cost Airlines in Europe : A Budget Travelers Guide

Places to Visit - A Guide to Creating your Own Local Itinerary

How to Move Around Town Like a Local

Golden Tickets, Magic Passes and Hidden Entrances