Schengen visa from Kolkata — the step-by-step file that gets approved
Country choice, documents, VFS timeline and the mistakes that cause refusals.
By Vaanya Travels Editorial Desk · Updated 2026-07-12
How do I get a Schengen visa from Kolkata?
Apply through VFS Global Kolkata for the country where you'll spend the most nights: fill that country's form, book a VFS appointment, appear with documents and biometrics, and wait roughly 15 calendar days. Fee ≈ €90 (₹8,500) plus VFS service charges. One visa covers all 29 Schengen countries.
Document checklist (tourist)
- Passport — 10-year validity book, 3+ months validity beyond return, 2 blank pages
- Schengen form + 2 photos (35×45mm, white background)
- Confirmed round-trip flight reservation
- Hotel bookings / day-wise itinerary for the whole stay
- Travel insurance with €30,000 medical cover for all Schengen days
- Last 3–6 months bank statements (healthy, steady balance), 3 years ITR/Form 16
- Employment proof: leave letter / business registration / student ID
- Cover letter explaining trip, funding and ties to India
Timeline that works
| When | Action |
|---|
| 10–12 weeks before | Freeze itinerary; book refundable flights & hotels |
| 8–10 weeks | Book VFS appointment (summer slots vanish fast) |
| 6–8 weeks | Appear for biometrics; submit file |
| 2–4 weeks | Decision typically returns; passports back via VFS |
Which Schengen country is easiest from Kolkata?
There is no officially 'easy' country — approval depends on your file, not the flag. Practically, applicants from Kolkata report smooth processing with France and Switzerland, which run high-volume, well-staffed operations at VFS Kolkata. Apply where you genuinely stay longest; consulates cross-check itineraries.
Search live fares on Vaanya →
Frequently asked questions
Can I use dummy bookings for the visa?
Risky — consulates verify PNRs and hotel reservations, and cancellations before decision can trigger refusal. Use genuinely refundable bookings instead; Vaanya structures visa-stage bookings exactly this way.
How much bank balance should I show?
No official figure; a working guideline is ₹1–1.5 lakh per traveller for a 10-day trip, in an account with normal salary/business activity — sudden large deposits raise questions.
Is travel insurance really checked?
Always — it is a legal Schengen requirement: minimum €30,000 medical cover, valid for all countries and all days of the trip. Vaanya adds compliant policies at checkout.
Also read
Fares, prices, visa fees and rules shown are indicative as of July 2026 and change without notice — always verify the live fare on Vaanya and the latest visa rules on the official government site before travelling.
