The key benefit of a Schengen Visa is less paperwork and hassle-free travel through neighbouring countries that fall in the Schengen zone. Schengen Visa makes intra-zone travel from one country to another easy, as one does not need to apply for multiple visas. Hence, backpackers wanting to explore Europe need to apply for a single visa, which allows them to visit all the countries within the Schengen zone.
Insuring health and travel risks is one of the pre-requisites for obtaining a Schengen Visa. Whether one travels for business, study, or leisure, the European Council mandates adequate medical insurance for all.
The specific requirements for Schengen Visa Insurance are:
- Medical insurance coverage
- Physical presence of the insurance provider in the Schengen zone
- Valid travel insurance policy for the traveller’s entire duration of stay
- Emergency Medical Treatment
- Emergency Medical Evacuation to India
- Repatriation of Remains to India
To apply for a French/Schengen Visa, you need to fill and submit the visa application form. The form can be availed through French online portal (www.vfs-france.co.in/)or through third party vendors like Travel Visa Services (www.vfsglobal.com/india/france/english/).
To apply for visa, keep the following information handy:
- Original passport valid for a minimum period of three months after the expiry date of the visa
- One application form with all columns filled in, two signatures and contact number is mandatory and two recent photographs not older than six months. (Size 35mm x 45mm)
- Original covering letter
- Copy of confirmed hotel reservation
- Copy of last 3 years personal IT Returns
- Copy of last 3 months’ updated personal bank statements
- Copy of last 3 months’ salary slips
- Copy of overseas medical insurance policy with repatriation and evacuation cover
- Copy of return air ticket or PNR
The current visa application charges for Indian residents can also be availed through the online portal. The same portal can be referred for all other visa related queries. For further details and queries, you can also reach out to the French Embassy and Consulates in India.
|
Embassy/ Consulate
|
Address
|
Contact Details
|
Working Hours
|
Website
|
|
Embassy of France in India
|
Address: 2/50-E Shantipath Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110 021
|
91 11 4319 6100
|
-
|
www.www.ambafrance-in.org
|
|
Consulate General of France in Bangalore
|
21, Palace Road, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560052
|
080 2214 1200
|
Monday - Friday
(9 AM - 5.15 PM)
Saturday - Closed Sunday - Closed
|
www.ambafrance-in.org/-Consulate-in-Bangalore-
|
|
Consulate General of France in Mumbai
|
Wockhardt Towers, East Wing, 5th floor Bandra - Kurla Complex 400051 Mumbai
|
0091 22 66 69 40 00
|
-
|
www.ambafrance-in.org/-Consulate-in-Bombay-
|
|
Consulate General of France in Calcutta
|
21C, Raja Santosh Road, Alipore, Kolkata - 700 027
|
91 0 33 40 16 32 00
|
-
|
www.ambafrance-in.org/-Calcutta,952-
|
|
Consulate General of France in Pondichery
|
2, Marine Street - 605001 Pondichery
|
0091 413 223 10 00
|
-
|
www.ambafrance-in.org/-Consulate-in-Pondichery-
|