Total Cost of a Schengen Visa: Everything You Need to Know
Planning a trip to Europe? If you’re an Indian citizen and wish to explore such famous cities as Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, or Berlin, you’ll first require a Schengen visa — your official passport to 27 European nations.
But how much really? In this blog, Davesar Consultants lays out all the actual costs involved, from visa charges to travel insurance, biometrics, documentation, and so on. Under the supervision of Mr. Hardesh Davesar – Managing Director and Founder of Davesar Consultants, we provide you with a full picture with no surprises.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa allows non-EU nationals, including Indians, to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes countries like France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and many more. It’s typically valid for up to 90 days within 180 days and is ideal for:
- Tourism
- Visiting family or friends
- Business trips
- Attending events or short-term courses
Breakdown of the Total Cost of a Schengen Visa (from India)
Let’s break down all possible expenses one by one.
1. Visa Application Fee
- For adults (12+ years): €80 (around ₹7,200)
- For children (6–11 years): €40 (around ₹3,600)
- Children under 6: Free
This is a non-refundable fee, even if your visa application is rejected.
2. VFS Service Charges
Most Schengen visas in India are applied for through VFS Global, who charge a service fee of between ₹1,800 to ₹2,500, depending on the destination country.
3. Travel Insurance (Compulsory)
You need to provide evidence of travel insurance covering at least €30,000 (approximately ₹27 lakh) for a medical emergency.
Cost: ₹600 to ₹1,500 (for a 10–20 day trip)
Leading providers: Tata AIG, HDFC Ergo, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz
4. Flight Bookings (Tentative or Real)
Dummy/hold tickets are accepted in some embassies, but actual booked tickets in others.
- Dummy ticket (for visa): ₹500 to ₹1,000
- Real flight booking (return journey to Europe): ₹45,000 to ₹90,000 approx.
Davesar Consultants can assist you in selecting the most suitable option based on the embassy and type of visa.
5. Hotel Bookings
Embassies require proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay.
Dummy hotel reservations (for visa intent): ₹500 to ₹1,000
Real bookings: Depending on the destination, ₹5,000–₹10,000 per night (mid-scale hotels)
6. Courier Fees / SMS Notifications (Optional)
VFS provides premium services such as SMS tracking, document courier, or premium lounge access.
Price: ₹400 to ₹1,200 (optional)
7. Documentation Support & Visa Consultancy
To prevent rejection, numerous applicants seek expert assistance for:
- Preparing covering letters
- Arranging travel insurance
- Financial proof formatting
- Appointment booking & biometrics
- Visa interview training
Davesar Consultants, with the expert guidance of Mr. Hardesh Davesar, provides full Schengen visa assistance packages from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 based on the level of service you need.
Approximate Total Cost Summary
Item\tEstimated Cost (INR)
- Visa Fee= ₹7,200
- VFS Service Charge= ₹2,000
- Travel Insurance= ₹1,200
- Flight Ticket (Dummy or Actual)= ₹500 – ₹90,000
- Hotel Bookings = ₹500 – ₹20,000
- Documentation / Consultant Fee = ₹2,000 – ₹5,000
- Courier & SMS Services (optional)= ₹400 – ₹1,200
- Total Estimated Cost = ₹15,000 – ₹1,20,000+
Schengen Visa Money Saving Tips
Book hotels and flights via Daddy Flights, the travel division of Davesar Consultants, at discounted prices.
- Book well in advance to prevent last-minute charges.
- Take combined travel insurance rather than per-trip insurance
- Select legitimate and experienced visa consultants such as Davesar Consultants to prevent rejections and additional expenses in the future.
Why Davesar Consultants?
At Davesar Consultants, we have assisted numerous clients in getting Schengen visas with the correct documents, quick appointment bookings, and professional advice. With Mr. Hardesh Davesar – Managing Director and Founder of Davesar Consultants at the helm, our team provides a hassle-free and smooth visa experience.
Ready to Discover Europe?
Let Davesar Consultants do it all for you from start to stamp. Whether you are looking at a holiday trip to Italy as an individual or a family vacation to France, we will look after your visa, tickets, and itinerary – all in one place.
Call us today and let’s start your European holiday!
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube