Luxembourg Visitor Visa - Definitive Guide

The visitor permit is issued for individuals seeking entry into Luxembourg to meet their relatives or friends who are living in the country. Also known as the Luxembourg Schengen visitor visa, this Schengen category permit is issued for a stay duration of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. The visa is issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry type and can be used to travel across the Schengen region. 

The application for this category is done offline as there is no online process for the Luxembourg visitor permit application from India. Before starting the application, it is necessary to ensure that you are eligible to apply for a visitor permit. After this, you may proceed to make the application as follows -

• Obtain all the documents necessary for the visitor application. 
• Visit the website of the Luxembourg embassy in India or the website of the VAC and download the application form. The form is the same as a Schengen application form for all other types. However, you will have to mention your purpose of visit as ‘visiting family/friends’.
• Fill the required details and take a print out of the completed application form. 
• Book an appointment at one of the VACs located across the major cities in India. You may do this by visiting the website of the VAC or by using the online portal available. 
• 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 to the Schengen VIS (Visa Information System) in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. Also, ensure that you submit only the original documents and the correct information. Failure to do so can lead to visa rejection. 

To be able to apply for the visitor permit, you must be eligible to travel to the country as a visitor. For this, you will have to meet the following conditions. 

• You must be within the country you are making the application in. If you are residing in a residence permit in a foreign country, you can apply it to the respective embassy.
• You must possess a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
• Your primary motive of the visit must be to meet your friends and family living in Luxembourg and you must be invited by them.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover your expenses during the stay in Luxembourg.
• 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 is your port of entry. 

The following are the list of documents you must provide to apply for the visitor permit. 

• A valid passport- 

• 1. It must contain at least 2 blank pages.
  2. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
  3. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.

• A covering letter - 

• 1. This must include the applicant's details as well as that of the visit.
  2. It must 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 Luxembourg.

• Travel itinerary/documents - 

• 1. A detailed travel itinerary 
  2. Round trip flight booking
  3. Proof of accommodation 

• Medical travel insurance coverage of at least 30000 Euros
• Invitation letter from the relative/friend living in Luxembourg including all the details of the visit. They should match the details on the covering letter
• Proof of occupation - 

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

• Financial documents -

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

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

The time taken to process the visitor permit application is dependent on a few factors such as the number of entries, the stay duration, the validity, the volume of applications at the embassy, your previous travel history, and so on. Normally, it takes around 15 working days to process. However, due to the uncertainty, it is suggested that you apply well in advance, but no more than 3 months before the intended date of travel. 

The total fees for the permit depending on the number of entries, the biometric service charges, as well as any other service charges by the VAC. It can also be dependent upon the currency exchange rates. As a result, it is advised that you check the exact amount before starting the application. 

Once you have submitted the application, the VAC will forward them to the embassy. Depending upon the location of the VAC, it may take a few days. After this, the embassy will start processing. Please note that the VAC to no degree can influence the processing. The VAC is only in charge of the administrative process. The processing is the sole responsibility of the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in New Delhi. 

Once your visa is approved, you can collect your stamped passport directly from the VAC, or you can have it delivered to you for an additional charge. 

After successful submission, you can check the status of your application by simply visiting https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track  and entering your reference number and date of birth. Alternately, you may contact your travel agency to have them track it for you.

Once you get this permit, you must keep in mind the following points to ensure a hassle-free and pleasant journey - 

• Do not forget to carry all the necessary travel documents. You will be denied entry without these. 
• Keep a note of the expiry date, stay duration, as well as the number of entries mentioned on the sticker. You must not stay back in the country beyond this period.
• Always carry a copy of your travel documents while you are travelling within the country.
• While you are on a visit visa, you cannot take part in any work activities. Engaging in work will make your visa void and will lead to deportation.
• You cannot extend the permit in normal conditions.
• You can visit any of the Schengen nations with this permit.