How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Pune - Easy Process
Applying for a Schengen visa from Pune is a meticulous process, but with the right information, you can significantly improve your chances of success.
In 2023, India saw over 600,000 Schengen visa applications, with a national approval rate of 87%. Pune, as one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in India, contributes a significant portion to this number.
At BTW Visa Services, we take pride in our 99% success rate for Schengen visa applications, ensuring that our clients experience a smooth and seamless visa process.
If you’re planning to visit Europe for leisure, business, education, or family reasons, obtaining a Schengen visa is a must. With access to 27 Schengen countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, Indian travellers enjoy the convenience of travelling across borders with a single visa. Here’s a simple step for applying for a Schengen visa from Pune, designed to help you succeed and avoid common pitfalls.
Step 1: Choose the Right Visa Type
Schengen visas allow stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period, depending on the type of visa you require. The most common visa types applied for in Pune are:
- Tourist Visa (accounting for over 60% of applications in India).
- Business Visa (comprising around 25% of applications).
- Student Visa for short-term courses or research programs.
BTW Visa Services helps you identify the correct visa type based on your travel plans, ensuring all documentation aligns with the purpose of your trip.
Step 2: Identify the Correct Consulate
In Pune, the Schengen visa application process is often routed through consulates in Mumbai or via visa application centers like VFS Global. The consulates of France, Germany, and Italy handle the bulk of Schengen visa applications in Maharashtra, with processing times averaging around 15 working days.
Our expertise at BTW Visa Services ensures that your application is submitted to the correct consulate, improving your chances of faster, smoother approval.
Step 3: Gather Essential Documents
To successfully apply for a Schengen visa from Pune, ensure you have all the required documents:
- Filled application form (available online).
- Valid passport (issued in the last 10 years, valid for 3 months after your planned return).
- Passport-sized photos (meeting Schengen standards).
- Flight and accommodation bookings (showing your travel itinerary).
- Travel insurance covers at least EUR 30,000.
- Proof of financial stability, with bank statements reflecting a balance of at least INR 4-5 lakhs.
- Cover letter detailing the purpose of your visit.
Inadequate or incomplete documents are a leading cause of visa rejections in India, with 30% of rejections related to insufficient financial proof or improper travel insurance. BTW Visa Services rigorously checks every document to ensure nothing is missing, minimizing any risk of rejection.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fees
As of 2024, the Schengen visa fee for Indian citizens is €80 (approx. INR 7,000) for adults. For children aged 6-12 years, the fee is €40 (approx. INR 3,500). Certain nationalities or applicants (like students or researchers) may qualify for fee waivers.
BTW Visa Services guides you through the payment process, ensuring all payments and receipts are correctly filed, so there are no surprises later on.
Step 5: Schedule an Appointment
Booking an appointment at a VFS Global Centre in Pune is crucial for submitting your application and biometrics. Appointment availability can vary based on the time of year, and during peak travel seasons (April-June, September-December), the wait time can extend to 30 days.
BTW Visa Services helps you schedule appointments as soon as possible, leveraging our deep industry knowledge to avoid long waiting periods.
Step 6: Attend the Interview
Most applicants are required to attend a visa interview at the consulate or visa application centre. Consular officers evaluate the authenticity of your trip, financial stability, and reason for travel. Having the right answers and documents can dramatically impact your visa approval chances.
Our visa consultants at BTW Visa Services provide mock interviews, ensuring you are well-prepared to face any questions that might arise.
Step 7: Visa Processing and Collection
Once your application is submitted, the average processing time for a Schengen visa in Pune is 15 working days, although it may extend during peak travel periods. Schengen visa approval rates for Indian applicants vary, with France and Germany having higher approval rates, while some other countries are slightly more stringent.
BTW Visa Services tracks your application process and provides timely updates, reducing any stress related to delays or additional requirements. Once approved, you can collect your passport from the visa centre or have it delivered to your home.
Why Choose BTW Visa Services for Your Schengen Visa Application in Pune?
At BTW Visa Services, we specialize in making the visa process hassle-free for travellers from Pune. Here’s why over 50,000 satisfied clients trust us with their visa needs:
- 14+ years of experience in handling Schengen visa applications.
- A 99% success rate, higher than the national average for Schengen visa approvals.
- India’s most-reviewed visa consultancy with thousands of 5-star reviews.
- Dedicated assistance with documentation, interview preparation, and appointment scheduling.
- Transparent and affordable service packages are designed to fit all kinds of travellers.
How to contact BTW Visa Services?
There are three ways by which you can reach out to us.
- Directly calling on- 020-49027000 / 020-25550000 [ Most recommended- To get a quick response and avoid delay ]
- Send your enquiry to us by email at inquiry@btwvisas. com
- By visiting our Contact Us page and filling out the application form.