Luxembourg Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

Also known as the Luxembourg Schengen tourist visa, this permit is used to enter the country for the purpose of tourism. Being under the category of the C type Schengen, this permit is issued for a stay duration of up to 90 days in a 180-day period and can be obtained in single-entry type, double-entry, and even multiple-entries. With this, you can travel to Luxembourg and any other Schengen countries as well. 

The process of applying for a Luxembourg tourist visa from India is done offline. There is no online process for this permit. The application handling, however, is outsourced to VACs in India (Visa Application Center) by the Luxembourg embassy. Before starting your application, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel to the country as a tourist. After this, you may make the application as follows - 

• Obtain all the documents necessary for the application. 
• Visit the website of the embassy of Luxembourg in India or the website of the VAC and download the application form. The form is the same as a general Schengen application. However, you will have to mention your purpose of visit as ‘tourism’.  
• Fill in your details and take a print out of the completed Luxembourg tourist visa application form. 
• Book an appointment at one of the VACs located across India. You may do this by visiting the website of the VAC and using the online portal. You may visit the VAC without an appointment, but due to the high volume of applications, it is strongly advised to make an appointment. 
• Visit the VAC for the application and biometric submission along with your documents, duly filled and signed application form and fees. 

Please note that if you have submitted your biometrics for a Schengen visa in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. Ensure that you submit only the genuine documents and provide correct information. Providing fake documents and information can lead to visa rejection. 

To be able to apply for a tourist permit, you must meet the following conditions - 

• You must be living in a country where you are lodging the application. If you are residing in a residence permit in any foreign nation, you may apply it to the corresponding visa authority in that country.
• You must possess a valid passport as per the regulations.
• The primary purpose of your visit must be to take part in tourism activities.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover your expenses during the entire stay in the country.
• You must apply for the permit only if -

• 1. Luxembourg is your only destination, or
  2. Luxembourg is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or, 
  3. Luxembourg must be your port of entry into the Schengen region.

As per the Luxembourg tourist visa for Indian citizens, the following are the list of documents required for the application - 

• A valid passport- 

• 1. It must consist of at least 2 blank pages.
  2. It should not be older than 10 years.
  3. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country.
  4. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.
• A covering letter - 
  1. This must include the applicant's details.
  2. It should clearly mention the source of funds.
  3. It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
  4. It should be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Embassy of the Republic of Luxembourg
• Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
• Proof of occupation - 

Proof of occupation such as employment letter, Copy of business license, etc

• Financial documents -

Financial documents such as bank statements of past 3 months, Passbook copy, ITR, etc.

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time taken to process the tourist permit is dependent on several factors such as the entry type, the duration of the permit, the volume of applications at the embassy, as well as your previous travel history. Normally, it would take around 15 working days to process. However, due to the uncertainty, it is suggested that you apply for it well in advance.

The total fees for the tourist permit depend upon a few factors such as the number of entries, the biometric charges, as well as any other service charges. It can also vary upon the foreign exchange rates. As a result, it is suggested to check the exact amount before starting the application.

Once you have made the application at the VAC, the application will be sent to the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for processing. The embassy is solely responsible for the processing. The VAC is responsible for only the handling of the application and as a result, cannot influence the processing. 

While you are waiting for a response, you may perform the Luxembourg tourist visa status tracking by visiting https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track  and entering your reference number and date of birth.

Once you have this visa, you must keep in mind the following points to ensure that you have a pleasant journey. 

• Keep note of the expiry date, duration of stay, as well as the number of entries mentioned on the visa sticker. You must not stay longer than the allowed stay duration. 
• Carry all the travel documents before travelling. 
• Ensure that you travel to Luxembourg within 6 months of the issue date, or as mentioned. After this date, your permit will become invalid and you will not be able to enter the country. 
• While you are travelling within the country, carry a copy of your travel documents with you. If you are travelling to other countries within the Schengen, you will have to carry your original travel documents.
• While you are on a tourist permit, you cannot work. 
• You will not be able to extend the tourist visa in any normal conditions
• You can move freely within the Schengen zone. And depending on your entry type, you may enter or exit the Schengen as permitted.