Are you an Indian seafarer who wants to explore the world? Do you have seafarer employment contract (not a letter of undertaking or a guarantee) with a shipping company/ agency in India? Are you looking for Schengen visa to travel on ships? 

The primary motive of Schengen Visa For Indian Seafarers is to bring a clarification in the status of Indian seafarers working on board vessels under foreign flags.

This is a guide, which will help you get Schengen Visa For Indian Seafarers. This is general information on how to get it prepared and how will you apply.

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Schengen Visa For Indian Seafarers

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Applying for a Schengen Visa in India – EU Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Indians travelling to Europe

India is one of the most important tourist markets for Europe with over 10 million Indians travelling to Europe every year. That number is expected to grow up to 15 million in 2020.

More than 1.1M applications for Schengen visas were submitted by Indians in 2019, according to recent statistics.

In total, 1,141,705 Schengen visas were submitted by Indians in 2017. Compared to the previous year, the number of applications filed in India saw an increase of 5.5 per cent. Alongside the increase in the number of applications, the rejection rate also increased. From 9.3 per cent as it was in 2018, the rejection rate increased to 10.8 per cent in 2019, or 123,175 visas not issued.

Do Indians need a visa to enter Europe?

Yes, Indian passport holders are required to obtain a Schengen visa in order to enter any European country in the Schengen Zone.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from India?

You will have to follow a step-by-step guideline to apply for a Schengen visa in India. The application procedure to obtain a Schengen visa in India is pretty similar to that in every other country in the world.

In order to apply for a Schengen visa from India you must follow these steps:

1. Figure out which Schengen visa type you need. There are different Schengen visa types depending on your purpose of travelling from India to Europe.
2. Find out where you need to apply for a Schengen visa in India. Pay attention to the embassy/consulate / VAC of which country you need to apply at, as well as under the jurisdiction of which you fall.
3. Decide when to apply for a Schengen visa in India. The earliest time you can lodge your Schengen visa application in India is 3 months before your planned trip while the latest time to file your visa application is at least 15 working days before you intend to travel to Europe.
4. Collect the required Schengen visa documents for Indian citizens.
5. Appoint an interview at the visa application centre in India. Depending on the country, you may make an appointment online, by phone, or in person. Below in this article, you can find more information for each EU embassy/consulate located in India.
6. Attend the interview on the day of your appointment. Show up on time and try not to be nervous. Remember that the interview is a crucial part of your visa application.
7. Pay the visa fee. All Schengen states have fixed and synchronized visa fees. For more information check Schengen visa fees for Indian citizens.
8. Wait for the processing of your visa. After the interview, you will have to wait for at most 15 days, for a response on your application.

All Schengen visa applications submitted by Indians are processed by the embassies/consulates in India.

Schengen Visa Requirements for Indian Passport Holders

When applying for a Schengen visa in India, you will have to submit a number of required documents. These documents are crucial; therefore, you really need to be careful when collecting them. Make sure they all comply with the standards set by the embassy where you are applying.

To apply for a Schengen visa in India, you need to submit the following documents:

• Download the visa application form. Fill it completely and with sincerity. You can also fill the Schengen Visa application form electronically and then print a hard-copy.
• Two recently taken photos must be attached. The photos should be of passport format – a recent whole-face capture with a light background. Learn more about visa photo requirements for Indian citizens.
• A valid Indian passport or other travel documents.  No older than 10 years, with a validity of at least 3 more months beyond your planned date of leaving Europe.
• Evidence of legal residence in India. – as a national ID card, or residence permit.
• Travel Insurance for Schengen visa in India – You can book online through the Europ Assistance website or via any travel insurance company in India that meets the following requirements: Medical coverage of at least Euro 30,000. Medical evacuation/ repatriation must be covered.
• A cover letter stating the purpose of the visit and itinerary.
• Flight itinerary reservation from India to Europe and back. Including dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the specified state/states. Learn how to get a flight reservation for a visa from India.
• Proof of accommodation for the whole duration of the intended stay. Learn more about Hotel Booking for Visa application here.
• Proof of civil status. (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, ration card if applicable)
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay.

Additional Schengen Visa Requirements based on your Employment Status in India

Depending on your occupational status in India, you will need to submit the following additional documents when applying for a visa to Europe from India:

If you are employed:

• Employment contract
• Current bank statement, of latest 6 months (Online Bank statements are not acceptable).
• Leave permission from your employer
• Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary

If self-employed:

• A copy of your business license in India
• Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
• Income Tax Return (ITR)

If a student:

• Proof of enrollment
• No-objection certificate from your Indian school or university

If retired:

• Pension statement of the latest 6 months

If applicable:

• Regular income generated by property proof of the latest 6 months

*Note: The signed application form must be accompanied by the rest of the mandatory documents, then handed personally at the correct Embassy/Consulate or its representatives in India.

Other specific requirements when applying for a different Schengen visa type in India:

• Business visa requirements for Indians
• Tourist visa requirements for Indians
• Visitor visa requirements for Indians

Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa in India?

The EU countries have established their embassies, consulates and visa application centres all around India, which are responsible for the admission and procession of visa applications made by Indians. However, not everyone can apply for a Schengen visa in India.

Only the following are eligible to file their visa applications at the Schengen embassies/consulates / VACs in India

• Indian passport holders
• Nationals of third countries, which are required to obtain a visa to Europe, living in India under a permanent or temporary residence permit