If you are planning a trip to Europe from India, getting a Schengen visa can be a daunting task due to long waiting times. However, some European countries are processing visas within a few days, making them a good option for those seeking a quick visa.
As per the industry excerpts, appointments for the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland are only available between April and May, while Italy currently has few or no available appointments.
However, countries like Greece, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Budapest offer appointments as early as March and April, with processing times ranging from four to eight weeks.
In this article, we highlight six European countries that offer quick visas for Indian nationals, along with the visa processing time, required documents, visa costs, and access to other European countries.
1. Spain
Spain: Below is the details of Visa Processing Time, Required Documents, Cost, Flights, and Access to the Rest of the EU
Visa Processing Time: According to travel agents, Spain has lower visa processing times compared to other European countries. The BLS website showed available appointments in Mumbai as early as Tuesday, 14 March. As per travel agents, the country’s visa processing time is just 2-3 days. Applying for an appointment now means you can travel as early as this month.
Documents Required: To apply for a Schengen visa to Spain, you need to submit a completed Schengen visa application form, a recent passport-size colour photo, your passport with at least 3 months validity and two blank pages, proof of funds for the trip, documents that can prove the reason for your visit and your intention to leave the Schengen area before the expiry of your visa, proof of residence in the consular demarcation and travel medical insurance.
Cost of Visa: The cost of a Schengen visa to Spain is Rs 7,035.
Flights to Spain: Saudia, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways offer flights from Mumbai to Barcelona, with ticket prices starting at Rs34,748.
Access to the Rest of the EU: Holders of a Schengen visa to Spain can travel within the Schengen area. However, the country you spend the maximum time in should be Spain.
2. Sweden
Sweden is a popular tourist destination for Indian nationals, and while a visa is required, the processing time is relatively quick. Here’s what you need to know:
Visa Processing Time: As per travel agents, the processing time for Swedish visas is much lower than in other European countries. However, the VFS website states a processing time of 20 days. Nonetheless, you can get your visa in as little as two weeks. Appointments for visa applications are available on the VFS website.
Documents Required: You will need to fill out a Schengen visa application and provide a passport-size photograph. Your passport, along with any previous passports, should have at least 3 months of validity remaining and two blank pages. You will also need to provide proof of accommodation such as hotel bookings, a certificate from a travel agency confirming the booking of an organized trip, or your travel itinerary. Additionally, you will need to show return flight tickets, proof of funds for the trip, and overseas medical insurance.
Cost of Visa: The cost of a Swedish Schengen visa is Rs 6,900.
Flights to Sweden: LOT Polish Airlines and Qatar Airways are two airlines that fly from Mumbai to Stockholm, with ticket prices starting from Rs36,000.
Access to the Rest of the EU: The visa allows you access to other European countries, but to apply for the visa, you will need to show proof of a maximum stay in Sweden.
3. Finland
For Indian nationals visiting Finland, a short-term physical visa is required, but the processing time is relatively shorter compared to other European countries according to travel agents.
Visa Processing Time: As per the VFS website, the processing time is about 15 days. When we checked the VFS website on Monday evening, the earliest available appointment was on 14th March in Mumbai and 23rd March in Bengaluru and New Delhi.
Documents Required: To obtain the visa, applicants must complete a Schengen visa application form, have a passport that is valid for three months, travel medical insurance, proof of itinerary and accommodation, proof of employment/studies, proof of sufficient funds, and a valid Indian residence permit.
Cost of Visa: The cost of the visa is Rs 7,000.
Flights to Finland: Lufthansa and Vistara offer flights from Mumbai to Helsinki, with ticket prices starting at Rs 28,000.
Access to the rest of the EU: The visa allows access to other European countries, but applicants must provide proof of their maximum stay in Sweden to apply for the visa.
4. Georgia
Indian nationals travelling to Georgia can apply for an e-visa, which permits a 30-day stay in the country.
Visa Processing Time: The official website estimates a processing time of about five working days.
Documents Required: To apply for the e-visa, you will need a passport that’s valid for at least six months, a personal cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit, proof of accommodation, a return ticket, two recent colour photos, your travel itinerary, and a bank statement proving sufficient finances.
Cost of Visa: The cost of the e-visa is Rs2,700.
Flights to Georgia: Several airlines such as IndiGo, Air Arabia, British Airways, and Gulf Air operate flights from Mumbai to Tbilisi, with ticket prices starting from Rs27,500.
Access to the rest of the EU: The e-visa does not grant access to other European countries. If you wish to travel to other countries, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa.
5. Azerbaijan
For Indian nationals visiting Azerbaijan, an e-visa that’s valid for 30 days is required.
Visa Processing Time: The processing time for the Azerbaijan e-Visa is currently about three days. However, in some cases, it may take longer.
Documents Required: To apply for the e-visa, you need to submit a passport with at least six months validity, two colour photos, a personal cover letter, return flight tickets, proof of sufficient funds, proof of accommodation, and a completed visa application form.
Cost of Visa: The cost for the e-visa is Rs 1,644.
Flights to Azerbaijan: Etihad Airways, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, and Vistara offer flights from Mumbai to Baku with tickets starting at Rs 15,000.
Access to the rest of the EU: This visa does not provide access to other European countries.
6. Armenia
Indian nationals can apply for an e-visa to visit Armenia, which is valid for 21 days.
Visa Processing Time: The official website states that the processing time is about three working days.
Documents Required: To apply for the e-visa, you need a passport, a completed visa application, and a colour photo. Although not mandatory, it is strongly recommended that you provide air tickets, hotel reservations, an invitation letter, proof of financial means, travel health insurance, and passport pages containing other visas.
Cost of Visa: The cost of an Armenian e-visa for Indian nationals is Rs1,599.
Flights to Armenia: Air Arabia, Vistara, and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi offer flights from Mumbai to Yerevan. Ticket prices start at Rs16,400.
Access to the rest of the EU: The Armenian e-visa does not provide access to other European countries.
(Source & Inputs From: Condé Nast Traveller India)
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