Step by step guide to apply schengen visa

This post is going to be your, step by step guide to apply Schengen visa from India. In India, most Schengen visa applications are submitted through VFS Global, while Spain is handled by BLS International.

Before You Start

While diplomatic visas and certain special visa types are processed differently, tourist and business visas are processed through VFS or BLS only. So in this guide, we will focus on the VFS process, which applies to most countries.

Different countries may have slightly different process and slightly different documents (such as France asks 1 year ITR, Switzerland asks 3 Year ITR) required but most of the process is almost same.

Keep in mind even if you are an Indian, if you are residing out of India, process may vary, even the agent may be changed, Instead of VFS some other agent may be there to handle your application. This guide is specifically for Indian applicants applying from within India.

VFS Global and BLS International are only visa application centres. They collect your documents and biometrics, but the final decision is made by the embassy, not by VFS or BLS. If someone claims they can guarantee a visa through contacts in VFS or BLS, it is not true.

Some Schengen countries do not have a full embassy presence in India. In such cases, another country represents them. For example, Iceland visa applications are processed through Denmark.

Step 1: Visit VFS and Choose Country

First, visit the VFS Global website and select your location and destination country.

In the first dropdown, choose India, and in the second, select the country you plan to visit.

It will open a new page where you will get a few options and a link to start your application. Depending on the country, you may either need to fill the form online or download and complete it offline. Most of the information asked in these forms are similar.

We will continue with the France Visa application for this post. This form is to be filled online. When you click start your application link, It will redirect you to France Visa official page. Here you have to click on APPLY FOR A VISA button. It will ask you to create an account or if you have an account previously, you can login through this.

Step 2: Fill the Application Form

On the new page, click on “Create a New Application in a new group of applications”. If you have to apply for more than one person you can apply them in a group to be processed together.

On the first page of the application, you need to enter your nationality, location of application, and travel document details such as passport number and validity. In the plan section choose why you need the visa, for tourism or business etc. and also choose if you are going to visit any family here in Europe or not.

On next page you have to submit your identity details, such as your name, address, date of birth, nationality etc. if you previously had any other country’s nationality, you have to mention that too. There is a column which asks for National Identity number. The “National Identity Number” field is optional for Indian applicants and can usually be left blank unless specifically required.

Next you need to fill your occupation details, such as what you do and in what field and your employer’s details such as address and phone number.

Important tip: do not put fake details here, they can verify these details and if found fake, your visa can not only be rejected you may be banned from future applications also.

On next page ,they ask you to fill your travel plans. Such as when you are planning to arrive and when to leave. If you want a single entry or multiple entry visa, etc.

Next page you have to fill your host details. As you are going for tourism, you have to choose 3^rd option MY HOTEL. (If someone else is hosting you, choose that option)

On this page you also have to mention who is funding your trip. If you are the main traveler and you are going to fund your trip, choose MYSELF, if someone else is going to fund, choose “by another guarantor”. Here you also have to mention who is the sponsor and what type of funding he will do. Such as all expenses or he will provide stay only or similar.

If you are applying for multiple applicants, each form must be filled UNDER THE SAME GROUP. The sponsor details can be the same if one person is funding the trip. The “person completing the form” can be the main applicant or the person filling it on their behalf.

The form is straightforward and easy if you understand what information is required.

After you filled the form you will see a application number and a button to add 2^nd application in the group. Here you have to fill all the details you have filled in the first form and submit. Ensure that the sponsor details and “person completing the form” fields are filled correctly for each applicant. As you are filling the form for someone else. You need to mention your name here. While sponsor name can be common across the forms.

Step 3: Book Appointment

After you submit the application for all the applicants. You need to go back to vfs global website and select BOOK AN APPOINTMENT. Here choose from available dates and slots and pay the VFS fee (remember that it’s not visa fee and over and above your visa fee). Depending on the country and location, the visa fee may be paid online or at the VFS centre during your appointment booking. Some countries ask to pay at the time of appointment booking and some asks it at VFS centre.

Step 4: Visit VFS Centre

At the time of booked slot, reach VFS few minutes early and when they allow you to enter the application cabin, submit your printed copy of your application with other relevant documents such as passport etc. After submitting your application, you have to also submit your biometrics and it’s done.

You may also opt for additional services at VFS such as SMS updates, courier return of passport, or premium lounge service (optional).

After Submission

After submission, you can return home and wait for your visa decision. You can track your application status through the VFS or BLS tracking system.

Visa processing time typically ranges from 10 to 21 working days, depending on the country and application volume. For example, France may process visas within a week, while Italy can take longer, sometimes up to a month or more. If the embassy requests additional documents, processing time may increase. It is advisable to apply at least 2–3 months before your intended travel date.