How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Pune - Easy Process
Summary: Applying for a Schengen Visa in Pune
Purpose:
Travel to 29 European countries with a single visa for tourism, business, study, work, or medical purposes.
Key Steps in Pune:
- Choose the Right Embassy/Consulate based on your destination country.
- Gather Required Documents (passport, application form, photos, travel itinerary, insurance, financial means proof, etc.).
- Book an Appointment at VFS Global (e.g., for France, Germany) or BLS International (e.g., for Italy) in Pune.
- Submit Application with all documents at the appointed time.
- Pay Application Fee (€80 for adults, with possible additional service fees).
Post-Application:
- Processing Time: Typically 15 days, up to 60 days.
- Track Your Application through the service provider's website.
- Collect Passport in person or via courier (if opted).
Pune-Specific Tips:
- Apply early to avoid delays.
- Ensure document accuracy to prevent rejection.
- Check official websites for the latest information.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Schengen Visas
- Choosing the Right Embassy/Consulate in Pune
- Gathering Required Documents (with Pune-specific tips)
- Booking an Appointment (Step-by-Step for Pune Centers)
- Submitting Your Application in Pune
- Paying the Application Fee (Payment Methods in Pune)
- Waiting for the Decision (Tracking Options)
- Collecting Your Passport in Pune
- Troubleshooting and FAQs (Pune-specific)
- Additional Tips for Pune Applicants
- How to contact BTW Visa Services?
1. Understanding Schengen Visas
What is a Schengen Visa?:
Schengen Visas are short-stay visas that allow Indian passport holders to travel within and to the Schengen Area, which consists of 29 countries that have abolished internal border controls.
Types of Schengen Visas:
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- Tourism/Visiting
- Business
- Transit
- Study
- Work
- Medical
Validity: Typically up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
2. Choosing the Right Embassy/Consulate in Pune
Given Pune's location, you'll likely interact with application centres or consulates in Pune or Mumbai. Main Embassies/Consulates with Jurisdiction over Pune:
French Embassy/Consulate (Mumbai): For France, Monaco.
- Pune Applicants: Use the VFS Global center in Pune for application submission.
German Embassy/Consulate (Mumbai): For Germany.
- Pune Applicants: Submit applications through the VFS Global center in Pune.
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Italian Embassy (New Delhi), Consulate (Mumbai): For Italy, San Marino, Vatican City.
- Pune Applicants: Apply through the BLS International center in Pune for Italy.
Other Countries (e.g., Spain, Sweden, Netherlands): Check the specific embassy/consulate requirements, as some may have application centers in Pune or require application submission in Mumbai or New Delhi.
3. Gathering Required Documents (with Pune-specific tips)
Common Documents:
- Valid Passport: Ensure it's issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date.
- Filled Application Form: Download from the embassy/consulate’s website, sign it, and ensure it's completely filled out.
- Recent Photos: As per Schengen requirements (35x45 mm, white background).
- Travel Itinerary: Book flights or provide a detailed travel plan.
- Travel Insurance: Covering at least €30,000, available from Indian insurance providers like Tata AIG, Bajaj Allianz.
- Proof of Financial Means: Bank statement showing sufficient funds (approximately €45 per day for the stay).
- Accommodation Details: Hotel booking, rental agreement, or a host’s letter.
- Proof of Social/Professional Ties:
- Employed: Salary slips, employment contract from your Pune-based employer.
- Student: Enrollment proof from a Pune university/college.
- Business Owner: Business registration documents, tax returns.
Pune-specific Tips:
- Bank Statements: Ensure they are attested by the bank manager, especially if applying from a local Pune bank.
- Employment/Student Verification: Letters from Pune-based employers/universities should be on official letterheads.
Additional Documents Based on Your Purpose:
- Business: Invitation letter, business license.
- Study: University admission letter.
- Work: Work permit, contract.
4. Booking an Appointment (Step-by-Step for Pune Centers)
For VFS Global (France, Germany, etc.):
- Visit www.vfsglobal.com.
- Select the Country (e.g., France, Germany).
- Choose India, then Pune as your application center.
- Click on “Book an Appointment” and follow the prompts.
- Login/Register and fill in the required details.
- Select a Date and Time Slot.
- Confirm Your Appointment.
For BLS International (Italy, etc.):
- Visit www.blsindia.it (for Italy) or the respective country’s BLS website.
- Click on “Book an Appointment”.
- Fill in the Online Form with your details.
- Choose Pune as Your Application Center.
- Select Date and Time.
- Receive Your Appointment Confirmation.
5. Submitting Your Application in Pune
- Attend Your Appointment at the designated VFS Global or BLS International center in Pune.
- Bring All Documents in the required format.
- Ensure Application is Complete to avoid re-submission.
Pune Application Centers:
- VFS Global:
- Address: 401, 4th Floor, Amanora Chambers, Magarpatta City, Hadapsar, Pune - 411028
- Contact: +91 22 67866003 (Helpline)
- BLS International (for Italy):
- Address: BLS International Services Pvt. Ltd., 802, 8th Floor, Tower – ‘B', World Trade Centre, Sayajigunj, Vadodara – 390005 (Note: As of last update, BLS for Italy in Pune was not listed; applicants might need to go to Mumbai or contact BLS directly for the latest information)
6. Paying the Application Fee (Payment Methods in Pune)
- Schengen Visa Fee: €80 (adults), €40 (children 6-12 years), free for children under 6.
- Service Fee (VFS/BLS): Additional, varies by service provider.
- Payment in Pune:
- Cash at the application center.
- Credit/Debit Card (if accepted by the center).
7. Waiting for the Decision (Tracking Options)
- Processing Time: Typically 15 calendar days, but can take up to 60 days.
- Track Your Application:
- VFS Global: Use the reference number and your date of birth on the VFS website.
- BLS International: Utilize the tracking service on the BLS website with your receipt number.
8. Collecting Your Passport in Pune
- In Person: Visit the application center with the receipt.
- Courier Service (if opted): Your passport will be sent to you.
9. Troubleshooting and FAQs (Pune-specific)
Q: What if I miss my appointment?
A: Contact the application center immediately to reschedule, if possible.
Q: Can I submit my application in Pune for any Schengen country?
A: Check the specific country’s requirements. Some may require applications to be submitted in Mumbai or New Delhi.
Q: How do I contact the VFS/BLS center in Pune for queries?
A: Refer to the contact information provided in Section 5.
10. Additional Tips for Pune Applicants
- Apply Early: To avoid last-minute hassles and potential delays.
- Double-Check Documents: Ensure all are as per the requirements to avoid rejection.
- Stay Updated: Check the official embassy/consulate and application center websites for the latest information.
- Consider Appointing a Representative: If you cannot attend the appointment yourself, ensure your representative has all necessary documents and authorization.
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
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By visiting our Contact Us page and filling out the application form.