First time travelling to Europe? Before you start packing, there’s an important step that can make or break your travel plans: securing your Schengen visa. From France to Italy or Switzerland, a Schengen visa is crucial to avoid application rejection and last-minute stress. Knowing the process along with how to purchase travel insurance online can help avoid the hassle.
What is a Schengen Visa?
Schengen visa for Indians is a single visa for short-term travel throughout the Schengen Area. It generally allows stays of up to 90 days within an 180-day period. You can use it for tourism, business trips, or visiting family and friends. In case Switzerland is the primary destination, the respective Swiss visa process must be used.
How to apply?
- Submit your visa application in the country where you will be staying the most.
- If you plan to spend the same amount of time in several countries, apply to the embassy or consulate of the country you will be entering first.
- Find out in the correct application centre.
- Contact the respective embassy or consulate in advance to make appointments.
Documents that You Need
Before heading to the visa centre, make sure you have the following ready:
- A valid passport, issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least three months beyond your departure date from the Schengen area.
- The applicant has submitted the visa application form.
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
- Documentation of where a person will be staying and travel plans.
- Documentation showing adequate financial support for your stay.
- Medical emergency certificate or travel insurance
Why is Travel Insurance Non-Negotiable?
The first thing many aspiring Schengen visa applicants don’t think of is the need for travel insurance. It needs a minimum of €30,000 coverage for medical costs, hospitalisation, and repatriation and be valid throughout your stay in all Schengen countries.
What to Check While Buying a Policy
- Coverage should comply with the minimum level of €30,000 as stipulated by EU guidelines
- The certificate should prominently display your full name, travel dates, and dates of birth, which are on your passport.
- The coverage should cover all the Schengen countries that you are going to visit.
Today, almost all providers are buying Schengen travel insurance online as it is quicker. They offer you the freedom to compare cover in real time and provide you with a certificate to download within minutes.
How Long Does Processing Take?
Standard processing usually takes about 15 days, but during high travel seasons it could take up to 30 and even 60 days. If you make applications well in advance, you will have a safety margin in case of delay.
What Insurers Look for in a Good Policy
As you check coverage options, make sure you’re considering which will issue your policy faster than others. Choose the one that provides medical assistance coverage around the world, and provides assistance all day. Just because the policy gets you a visa doesn’t mean it provides you with protection that you might need.
Final Thoughts
If you know the requirements well, then you won’t be overwhelmed while applying for a Schengen visa for Indian citizens. Collect documents early, select valuable travel insurance, and apply in advance to avoid hassles in the approval process.