You will be surprised to know that in 2017, more than 900,000 applications for Schengen visas were submitted by Indians alone! Indian citizens seem to have discovered a new love for Europe, with travel agencies reporting a 25%-30% rise in travel bookings for Eastern Europe in 2018, says an article on The Economic Times. India accounts for among the highest numbers of tourists to Europe and about 15 million Indians are expected to visit the continent in 2020.
Indian passport holders wanting to enter Europe and the Schengen countries need to first apply for a Schengen visa. The application procedure begins with filling up the Uniform Schengen Visa Application Form. This is the most important document required to complete the visa application process.
Schengen Visa Application Form from India
The Visa Form has 37 questions in total that need to be answered with accurate and complete information. Keep in mind that any misrepresentation of data or missing information could lead to the rejection of the application. Along with the information, you will also need to attach one recent photo, adhering to the parameters mentioned for the Schengen visa.
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Filling the Visa Application Form
Here’s a look at the key sections to be filled with accurate data:
- Surname:
Mention the surname, as per your passport and include hyphens, if any. - Maiden Name:
This is meant for women who might have taken on their husband’s surname after marriage. - First Name:
This is your legal name, as per your passport. - DOB:
Fill this in DD-MM-YYYY order. - Birthplace:
Enter your home country, where you were born. - Nationality (Current):
Write the name of the country where you reside currently. - National Identity Number:
This could be in the form of your Aadhar number. - Travel Document Type:
This refers to your passport, residential permits, etc., and any other document that proves your nationality. - Issued By:
This is the name of the authority and the place where the passport has been issued. - Current Occupation:
Mention the occupation mentioned in your passport. - Employer or Educational Institution:
Mention the name, address and contact details of your institution. If it is an office, mention whether it is public, academic or private. - Destination Member State:
This is the country where you will be staying the longest during your entire visit to the Schengen area. - Arrival Date:
The date when you enter the first Schengen country. - Departure Date:
The date when you exit the last Schengen country. - Signature:
Sign the form and make sure it is exactly like your signature on the passport.Â
Ways to Fill the Schengen Visa Application Form
You can fill the form either offline or online. However, you will need to print it out and submit a hard copy. In both cases, remember to put your signature, exactly as it appears on your passport. Don’t forget to bring the form, along with other documents, to the visa interview.
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