Indian citizens will now be able to apply for Schengen visas from some countries as VFS Global has decided to open a joint visa application center in the city of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.
People can now apply for Schengen visa from Lucknow without going to New Delhi. There are currently 27 European countries in the Schengen Area, 22 of which are Member States of the European Union, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Spain , Sweden, Switzerland, Croatia.
On February 4, CM Yogi Adityanath from Uttar Pradesh inaugurated the VFS Global Visa Application Center in Lucknow. Officials told PTI that this VFX Visa Application Center is meant for the convenience of people applying for a visa. This Visa Application Center will begin accepting visa applications from countries such as Austria, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Croatia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Hungary, and Germany from February 9.
What is a Schengen Visa?
Schengen refers to the EU passport-free zone that covers most European countries. It is the largest free travel area in the world. A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows a person to travel to any member of the Schengen Area, for a stay of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
It is the most common visa for Europe. It enables its holder to enter, circulate freely and leave the Schengen area from any of the Schengen member countries. There are no border controls within the Schengen Zone.
According to the Schengen visa website, if someone plans to study, work or live in one of the Schengen countries for more than 90 days, they must apply for a national visa from that European country and not a Schengen visa.
How long does it take to wait for a Schengen Visa appointment in India?
Schengen embassies/consulates in India usually require you to make an appointment for your visa application 4-6 weeks in advance. Therefore, start the application process before your next trip, keeping in mind that it will take another two weeks for the embassy to make a decision. Again, remember that appointments can be booked before summer or winter break, so start early. You can request up to six months in advance.
When should you apply for the Schengen Visa?
Anyone who is an Indian citizen and has a valid Indian passport can apply for a Schengen visa. Schengen embassies/consulates in India usually require you to make an appointment for your visa application 4-6 weeks in advance. It is important to note that appointments can be booked prior to summer or winter break. Submit your Schengen visa application at least 15 days before your planned trip and no earlier than six months.
How to apply for a Schengen visa from India?
Find out what type of visa you need.
Determine where to apply.
Book an appointment.
Prepare your visa documents.
Submit your request.
Pay the visa fee.
Get your visa back.