How to apply for a Schengen Visa in Mumbai

How and where to apply for a Schengen Visa in Mumbai - embassies and consulates

If you are traveling to the Schengen Area from Mumbai, you will need to apply for a Schengen Visa. Schengen countries have very strict and clear rules on where you should apply, but many applicants struggle to understand where they should apply. Figuring out which European embassy or consulate to submit the application to should not be too difficult, however, if you follow the correct steps.

It is important to make sure you apply at the right embassy, as applying at the wrong embassy or consulate will result in your application being refused - even if it is correctly filled out and there are no problems with you traveling to the Schengen Area.

How to figure out where to apply for a Schengen Visa

Three factors determine where you should file your Schengen Visa application - the number of countries you will be visiting, the number of days you will be spending in each, and the country you will be visiting first.

If you are planning to visit only one country, then you need to apply via their embassy, consulate or visa application center. If you are planning to visit more than one country, then where you need to apply depends on the number of days you will be spending in each state. If you are spending an equal amount of days in each state, then you need to apply to the diplomatic representation of the country where you will arrive first. If you’re spending an unequal amount of days in each, then you will need to apply at the embassy, consulate or visa where you will be spending more time.

How to apply for a Schengen Visa

After filling in a Schengen Visa application form, you will need to book your visa appointment and obtain your supporting documents. These will include two recently taken passport-style photos and a passport or other travel documents that less than 10 years old and valid for at least three months after your departure date from the Schengen Area. You will also need travel and medical insurance covering you up to costs of €30,000, a cover letter stating your itinerary and the purpose of your visit, as well as a flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of your civil status, like a marriage certificate, and proof you have means of subsistence during your stay. You will also require an invitation letter from your employer in the Schengen Area, business partner, host, or educational institution where you are planning to study.

How can AXA help?

AXA offers several insurance policies for travel in Europe, from a low-cost option, priced at as little as €22 ($24) per week of your trip, that will meet the Schengen Visa requirements, to the Europe Travel insurance, from €33 per week, which covers expenses up to €100,000, and the multi-trip insurance, which will cover you for ongoing visits. None of these policies will require you to pay an excess fee on medical costs.

Those seeking a multiple-entry visa can purchase the Multi Trip insurance from €328 per year, which again covers you for expenses up to €100,000.

Important addresses in Mumbai

Below are some key addresses to know if you are applying for a Schengen Visa in Mumbai, including the consulates of the major Schengen States and the address of the main visa application center.

• The VFS Global visa application center in Mumbai is on the First Floor, Trade Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051.
• The French consulate is situated at Wockhardt Towers East Wing, 5th floor, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400051.
• The German consulate is situated on the 9th Floor, Hoechst, 193, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400021
• The Spanish consulate is situated on the 3rd floor, Express Towers, Barrister Rajni Patel Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• The Netherlands consulate is situated on the 1st floor, Forbes Building, Charanjit Rai Marg, Azad Maidan, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
• The Italian consulate is situated in the Kanchenjunga Building, 72, G.Deshmukh Marg, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400026
• The Polish consulate in Mumbai is based in the Nirmal Building 11A, 11th Floor, 241, 242, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400021

Frequently asked questions about applying for a Schengen Visa from Mumbai

What should I do if the country I am applying to does not have a consulate in Mumbai?

Although most Schengen countries are represented in Mumbai - those without an embassy may well be represented by a third-party visa application center.

Do I have to attend my visa application interview in person?

Yes. You must in order to confirm your supporting documents and provide biometric data - unless there are exceptional circumstances that prevent this.

If I previously applied for a Schengen Visa - do I have to apply again?

Yes. Unless your Schengen Visa is a multi-trip one and still valid. If your visa application was in the past five years you may not need to submit new biometric data with your application.