At SFTC (Starfish Travel Corporation), we have the expertise to provide you with the best and most efficient Schengen Visa consultation services for travelers who want to discover Europe without any hassles. The Schengen Visa enables you to travel to various European countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland with only one visa, making it the most convenient visa option for travelers. Our consultants at SFTC will guide you through the entire process, from checking your eligibility to reviewing your application, and ensure that your application is accepted by the embassy. At SFTC, we are dedicated to providing you with the most accurate, transparent, and personalized service to make your Schengen travel experience smooth, hassle-free, and fully organized.
If you’re planning a trip to Europe — and especially if you’ve already been — there’s a fair chance you’ve heard the term “Schengen.” Meanwhile, if you were fortunate enough to explore the lush countryside of Luxembourg, there’s even a chance that you’ve been to Schengen itself. Very much off the beaten path, the quaint little village of Schengen has a land mass of just over 30 square kilometers and is home to a little over 5,000 people. And Schengen the town is famous for its wine production, being the geographical point where the borders of France, Germany, and Luxembourg meet, and — well, changing the way we travel forever.
That’s because Schengen, Luxembourg was the cradle of what would grow to be known today as the Schengen Zone — an area of Europe (and beyond) covering over 4 million square kilometers and home to almost 420 million people. And while we hope you can discover the historical, game-changing commune of Schengen for yourself one day, AXA has all you need to know about the Schengen Zone below.
- What is the Schengen Agreement?
- Which countries are part of the Schengen Zone?
- Do I need a visa to travel to a Schengen country?
- How do I get a visa to travel to a Schengen country?
- How can AXA help me get to the Schengen Zone?
- Work permit
What is the Schengen Agreement?
The Schengen town first appeared in world history on June 14, 1985. This is when, and where, the delegates of five out of the ten member states of the European Economic Community, also known as the EEC, would meet to sign a certain treaty.
The five EEC member states in question were Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The treaty they signed, on the other hand, was the Schengen Agreement, named after the town, of course. The purpose of this treaty was to make these five countries above into one single area where people could travel without having to go through border checks.
On June 19, 1990, this initial agreement would be supplemented by what’s known as the Schengen Convention. And — signed by the same five nations — the Schengen Convention proposed to not just reduce but completely abolish separate internal border controls between them. It also aimed to introduce a common, unifying visa policy for said nations.
As per the Schengen agreement, the Schengen Area — since 1995 and to this day — basically operates like a single state when it comes to international travel within its many borders. In other words, external border controls are still imposed on travelers entering and exiting the area. However, there are zero (or, rather, minimal) internal border controls for Schengen member state citizens — negating the need for a visa, for example.
What countries are part of the Schengen Zone?
Since its humble beginnings some three decades ago, the Schengen has expanded to comprise a cumulative total of 29 nations (that is, as of mid-2024).
These comprise 25 out of the 27 member states of the European Union*, namely:
Austria | Belgium | Bulgaria |
Croatia | The Czech Republic | Denmark |
Estonia | Estonia | Estonia |
France | Germany | Greece |
Hungary | Italy | Latvia |
Lithuania | Luxembourg | Malta |
The Netherlands | Poland | Portugal |
Romania | Romania | Slovakia |
Spain | Sweden |
Documents Needed for Schengen Tourist Visa Requirements from India
It is crucial to meet specific requirements to be able to apply to be eligible for the Schengen Tourist Visa. These are required to be certain that your Schengen Tourist visa is a temporary one, and you are in compliance with the requirements which are established by the country you’re applying to.
- The applicant should have an travel document that has a validity of at least three months after the date on which they intend to depart from the Schengen zone.
- This Schengen visa application form is available at the consulate or embassy of the country to visit. The form should be filled in with precision and be completed. If the applicant intends to visit several countries, the application must be submitted through the main destination.
- Recent passport-sized photos that meet the specifications of the consulate or embassy.
- Another important requirement for a Schengen tourism visa is a the travel plan. It must include flights tickets, hotel reservations and an agenda for specific dates of the travel.
- It is essential to have an insurance policy for travel to protect against medical emergencies that may occur during your trip. It could be due to accidents or health concerns. The travel insurance must have a the limit to Euro 30000 in every Schengen countries.
- Documentation of financial sources to support your participation in all Schengen regions. This could be evidence of income, like payslips or bank statements.
- Professional introduction letter detailing the purpose of your visiting, the destinations you plan to visit, and dates of your travel.
- Proof of accommodation indicating where you’ll be staying during your travels. This includes hotel reservations as well as any other information about accommodation.
- The visa fee for application for the Schengen tourism visa costs about EUR80. The cost of these fees is usually based on the country you’re applying to.
How do I apply for an Schengen Tourist Visa from India
A detailed description on the Schengen Tourist is given as there are many steps when applying for the visa.
1. Choose Your Visa Type
Be sure to select the correct Schengen visa. If you are a tourist who wants to visit all Schengen zones, the Schengen tourist visa is the ideal choice.
2. Take Notes and Documents
All of the documents previously mentioned must be collected and verified all documents are in good order. The required documents must be in compliance with the requirements of the embassy and consulate.
3. Complete the Application Form
The application form should be filled out with care and precisely. Minor mistakes could result in rejection of the visa application or delayed. If the application is not processed, it may require additional documentation to verify the application.
4. Make an appointment to schedule an appointment
An appointment must be made for the submission of the application at the consulate or embassy of the country that you’re applying for. There are many countries with visa applications centers where applications can be made.
5. Submit Your Application
Attend the appointment and then submit your application with the necessary documents. In certain instances, you might be required to submit biometric data as part of the application procedure.
6. Wait For Processing
The time to process the processing time for a Schengen tourist visa can take between 10 and 15 days, based on the nation that you are applying for. To avoid delays and to reduce waiting time, the application should be submitted earlier.
7. Get Your Visa
After the visa has been approved, you will be given a passport signed with the Schengen Tourist Visa. It is now time to start your European journey.
How SFTC Immigration Can Help
In SFTC (Starfish Travel Corporation) Immigration, we simplify your Schengen Tourist Visa journey with professional guidance and personalized assistance each step of the way.
- We provide individualized visa assistance by reviewing your profile to ensure the most efficient and speediest approval.
- We offer complete support for documentation We ensure that every form and document meets the embassy standards.
- We will schedule appointments and follow-ups up until the visa has been approved.
- We help you arrange appropriate travel insurance as well as creating accurate financial sources.
- With an 85% success rate and the distinction of being India’s Most Trusted brand, SFTC Immigration ensures a smooth, easy and hassle-free Schengen visa procedure for all travelers.