German Tourist, National Visas Get Cheaper for Indians: Check New Prices, Other Updates

Travellers to Germany here’s some good news: you’ll have to pay less for a German tourist and national visa now that the German Consulate in Mumbai has announced changes to the visa fees for Schengen and national visa applicants in India.

Not only that, but the Consulate has announced that new visa appointments will be available soon. This means that visitors to Germany will have to pay less and wait for less for their trips.

Germany’s New Visa Fees for Indians

According to a statement issued by the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany Mumbai “The visa fees have changed. The Schengen visa fee amounts to 6,400 INR; the reduced Schengen visa fee for minors to 3,200 INR. The national visa fee amounts to 6,000 INR; the reduced national visa fee for minors to 3,000 INR.”

Individuals are granted German visas based on the length and purpose of their stay. Short-term Schengen visas are available for stays of up to 90 days, and German national visas are issued for stays of more than 90 days.

German Visa Processing Times

According to the official website, it currently takes about 15 days to process a Schengen visa. They warned everyone to make plans in advance because they cannot speed up the process.

A statement issued by the German Missions in India reads…

“Due to the peak season, at some German Missions, it currently takes an average time of at least 15 days to process your Schengen visa application. Please take this into account before filing your application.”

“If your travel date is imminent or lies within two weeks of the application date, please check if you can postpone your trip. In general, neither the German Mission nor the Service Provider can expedite the process.”

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Students Must Submit APS Certificates

In another important update for Students, the German Embassy introduces the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS), which is attached to the Science Section of this Embassy, in order to accelerate student admission and visa processing.

From November 1st onwards, APS certificates will be a mandatory part of the documents to be submitted with your visa application. This means: Applicants need an APS certificate before filing a visa application. APS will be open for applications beginning October 1st, 2022. For more detailed information, please consult www.aps-india.de.

Germany National Visa

The German national visa will be most beneficial to students, as many Indian students choose to study in Germany. The national visa allows the holder to enter Germany for a specific purpose, usually work or study, and is valid for more than 90 days.

Schengen Visa

The Schengen Visa, on the other hand, is a European short-stay visa that allows the holder to travel anywhere within the Schengen Area. Travellers can visit any Schengen country for up to 90 days in total within 180 days.

Countries In Schengen Area?

The Schengen area includes a total of 26 countries namely;

Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Documents Required for Germany Visa

Applicants must submit an application form, a declaration, two passport photos, copies of previous visas, a round-trip itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of financial funds, a cover letter, proof of civil status, and Germany travel health insurance to obtain a Schengen visa.

Additional documents, such as the employment contract, current bank statement, and leave permission, among others, may be required depending on the employment status.