Checklist: Applying for a Schengen visa in India for tourism

Bring: original document

You will need a completed and signed Schengen visa application form. Print the form and submit it with your other documents.

Complete the application form

Complete your own application form online. Only then will you receive a form with a unique code. Forms without this code may cause issues while processing your application. For that reason, do not use someone else’s form.

Bring: original document

You need a valid travel document, for example a passport. Your travel document must meet the following requirements:

• your travel document must not be more than 10 years old
• your travel document must have at least 2 blank (visa) pages
• your travel document must still be valid for at least 3 months after your departure from the Schengen area
• your travel document must have your signature

Bring: colour copy of the document

• the page in your current travel document with the biometric personal data
• the last page of the travel document (for Indian nationals)
• any Schengen area entry and exit stamps from previous travel documents (if you have them)

Bring: original document

You will need to submit a photo that meets Dutch requirements:

• colour photo
• no more than 6 months old
• 3.5cm by 4.5cm
• white or light-coloured background

Find out where you can have a photo that meets Dutch requirements taken in India

If you are applying for a visa through an external service provider, you do not need to submit a photo. A digital photo will be taken at your appointment.

Bring: the original document and a colour copy

You will need valid proof of legal residence in the country where you are applying for a visa. You can show that you are legally resident in the country where you submit your visa application using, for instance:

• a passport or other travel document
• an Indian residence permit which is valid for at least 3 months after your departure from the Schengen area
• a visa
• a work permit

If you are not a resident of the country where you are submitting your application, you must show why you cannot apply in your country of residence.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You must be able to prove that you have social or economic ties to the country where you live. What you can use for this depends on your situation:

I am an employee

If you are employed, bring the following documents:

• your employment contract and a recent letter from your employer approving your leave
• your payslips from the past 3 months

I am self-employed or a company owner

If you are self-employed or a company owner, bring the following documents:

• The company’s registration certificate. If your company is registered in India, you must show the GST registration number.
• Bank statements from your business account.
• Your income tax return with a verified barcode.

I am retired

If you are retired, bring the following documents:

• your pension statements from the past 3 months
• other documents showing that you have money or property, for example proof of income if you own a business, a house, or land

I am a student

If you are a student, you need to bring a statement from the educational institution where you are enrolled.

None of these situations apply to me

If none of the above situations apply to you, you can show that you have social or economic ties using, for instance:

• a document proving that you are a caregiver in your country of residence
• a document showing that you own a house or other real estate in your country of residence
• a document showing that you have children who attend school in your country of residence

Bring: colour copy of the document

You must bring a cover letter. This cover letter must include the following:

• the reason for your visit
• the duration of your stay
• the names of fellow travelers (if applicable)
• information about your transportation and accommodation

Bring: colour copy of the document

You need documents that show where you will be staying during your visit.

• Are you staying in a hotel, holiday rental, rented accommodation, or a campus? Then you need a reservation for the entire duration of your trip.
• Are you travelling to multiple Schengen countries? Then bring proof of accommodation for each country.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You need documents that show you have sufficient financial means to cover your stay. You can prove this by bringing one of the following documents:

• your personal bank statements from the past 3 months, stamped and signed by the bank
• proof of Indian income tax returns from the last 2 tax years

Bring: colour copy of the document

You will need a reservation in your name for your travel to and from the Schengen area. You do not need a paid travel ticket. You will also need to show your travel plans. 

If you will be participating in an organised tour in the Netherlands or the Schengen area, you will need to show a booking or reservation for this.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You will need proof of travel medical insurance in your name. If you have a diplomatic passport, you are not required to show proof of travel medical insurance coverage.

The document must state that:

• the insurance provides cover in all Schengen area countries for the entire duration of your stay
• the insurance covers at least €30,000 in medical expenses. This includes the costs of a hospital stay and treatment, emergency care, prescription medication and repatriation to your country of residence (including in the event of death).

Find out what requirements your travel medical insurance must meet

Are you applying for a visa for a child under 18 years old (a minor) who is travelling alone or with one parent/guardian? Then you need the following documents:

Bring: original document and colour copy

Basic documents:

• a recent extract of the child’s birth certificate

Consent from the parent(s) or guardian(s):

• If the child is travelling with one parent/guardian: bring a written consent statement notarised by a public notary from the parent/guardian who is not travelling. If the travelling parent/guardian has sole custody or guardianship, bring a copy of the court ruling or other official proof of custody or guardianship.
• If the child is travelling alone: bring a written consent statement notarised by a public notary from both parents/guardians.
• Proof of identity of the parent(s) or guardian(s) with photo and signature.

Bring: colour copy of the document

• a colour copy of a valid travel document (for example, a passport) with the signature and photo of the parent(s)/guardian(s) who have custody or guardianship
• if 1 of the parents/guardians already has a valid Schengen visa: a colour copy of the passport holder’s page and the valid Schengen visa of the parent/guardian. The holder’s page is the page with the photo and personal details.
• if 1 of the parents/guardians is deceased: a copy of the death certificate of the deceased parent/guardian
• if a guardian has been appointed: a copy of the official proof of guardianship
• if there is a court ruling: a copy of the court permission allowing the child to travel