Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa to visit any of the Schengen area countries (including France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, and most of the rest of the EU) for short stays — this is confirmed by the European Commission, which lists India among the nationalities requiring a visa under EU Regulation 2018/1806. Unlike some of the e-Visa systems in this guide series, there is no single online Schengen e-Visa application: you apply in person (with biometrics) through the embassy, consulate, or visa application centre (commonly VFS Global) of the specific Schengen country that's your main destination, or your first point of entry if you're visiting several.
What the official EU source confirms
- Permitted stay: up to 90 days within any 180-day period, across all Schengen countries combined — the 180-day window starts from your first entry.
- Where it's valid: a Schengen visa is generally valid for every Schengen area country, not just the one that issued it.
- Who needs one: non-EU nationals from the list in EU Regulation 2018/1806 Annex I, which includes India.
Source: European Commission — Schengen short-stay visa policy, last checked for this guide on 5 August 2026. This page does NOT state specific fees, exact document checklists, or appointment booking details — those are set and published by each country's own embassy/consulate/VFS Global page, since the application itself is handled per-country, not centrally by the EU.
Which country's embassy do I apply through?
As a general EU rule, you apply through the embassy/consulate of the country that is your main destination (where you'll spend the most nights), or your first point of entry if your time is split evenly across countries. Confirm this with the specific country's visa page or VFS Global appointment system before booking flights, since getting this wrong can delay your application.
What to have ready (typical — confirm the exact list with your consulate)
- Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area, with at least two blank pages.
- Travel/health insurance meeting Schengen's minimum coverage requirement (confirm the exact figure with your consulate).
- Proof of accommodation and a day-by-day itinerary.
- Proof of sufficient funds and, often, proof of employment or business ties to India.
- A booked biometrics appointment, typically via VFS Global or the relevant consulate's visa centre.
Planning your trip
See our France, Italy, and Switzerland itineraries from India, all requiring the same Schengen visa — apply through whichever country's embassy matches your main destination or first entry point.