Is waiting for a Schengen visa too long? Visit these fast processing countries instead (2023)

If you are planning a trip from India to Europe, getting a Schengen visa can be a daunting task due to the long waiting time. However, some European countries process visas within a few days, making them a good option for those looking for a quick visa.

According to industry clippings, bookings for the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland are only available between April and May, while Italy currently has few or no bookings available.

However, countries such as Greece, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Budapest offer appointments as early as March and April, with processing times ranging from four to eight weeks.

In this article, we highlight six European countries that offer fast-track visas for Indian nationals, along with visa processing times, documents required, visa costs and access to other European countries.

1. Spain

Spain: Below are details on visa processing times, documents required, cost, flights and access to the rest of the EU

Visa processing time:According to travel agencies, Spain has a shorter visa processing time compared to other European countries. The BLS website showed vacancies in Mumbai as early as Tuesday, March 14. According to travel agents, the visa processing time in the country is only 2-3 days. Requesting an appointment now means you can travel as early as this month.

Required documents:To apply for a Schengen visa to Spain, you need to submit a completed Schengen visa application form, a recent color passport photo, your passport with a validity period of at least 3 months and two blank pages, proof of travel means, documents that can prove the reason for your visit and your intention to leave the Schengen area before your visa expires, proof of residence at the consular destination and travel health insurance.

Visa price:Cost of Schengen visa for Spain is Rs 7035.

Flights to Spain:Saudia, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways are offering flights from Mumbai to Barcelona at Rs 34,748.

Access to the rest of the EU:Holders of a Schengen visa for Spain can travel within the Schengen area. However, the country where you spend the most time has to be Spain.

2. Sweden

Sweden is a popular tourist destination for Indian nationals, and although a visa is required, the processing time is relatively quick. Here's what you need to know:

Visa processing time:According to travel agencies, the Swedish visa processing time is much shorter than in other European countries. However, the VFS website states a processing time of 20 days. However, you can get your visa in just two weeks. Visa application schedules are available on the VFS website.

Required documents:You will need to complete a Schengen visa application and provide a passport photo. Your passport, along with all previous passports, must still have at least 3 months of validity and two blank pages. You will also need to provide proof of accommodation such as hotel bookings, travel agency confirmation confirming your package booking or travel itinerary. In addition, you will need to show return air tickets, proof of travel funds and overseas health insurance.

Visa price:The cost of the Swedish Schengen visa is 6900 rupees.

Flights to Sweden:LOT Polish Airlines and Qatar Airways are the two airlines that fly from Mumbai to Stockholm with fares starting from Rs 36,000.

Access to the rest of the EU:The visa allows access to other European countries, but in order to apply for a visa, you will need to prove a maximum stay in Sweden.

3. Finnish

A physical short-term visa is required for Indian nationals visiting Finland, but the processing time is relatively shorter compared to other European countries, according to travel agencies.

Visa processing time:According to the VFS website, the processing time is about 15 days. When we checked the VFS website on Monday evening, the first available slot was March 14 in Mumbai and March 23 in Bengaluru and New Delhi.

Required documents:To obtain a visa, applicants must complete a Schengen visa application form, have a passport valid for three months, travel health insurance, proof of itinerary and accommodation, proof of employment/study, proof of sufficient funds and a valid authorized stay in India.

Visa price:The cost of the visa is Rs 7,000.

Flights to Finland:Lufthansa and Vistara offer flights from Mumbai to Helsinki, with fares starting from Rs 28,000.

Access to the rest of the EU:The visa allows access to other European countries, but applicants must provide proof of a maximum stay in Sweden in order to apply for a visa.

4. Georgia

Citizens of India traveling to Georgia can apply for an e-visa that allows a 30-day stay in the country.

Visa processing time:The official website estimates that the processing time will be around five business days.

Required documents:To apply for an e-Visa, you will need a passport valid for at least six months, a personal cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit, proof of accommodation, a return ticket, two recent color photographs, an itinerary and a bank statement proving sufficient financial funds.

Visa price:The cost of e-Visa is Rs 2,700.

Flights to Georgia:Several airlines like IndiGo, Air Arabia, British Airways and Gulf Air operate flights from Mumbai to Tbilisi with fares starting from Rs 27,500.

Access to the rest of the EU:E-visa does not allow access to other European countries. If you want to travel to other countries, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa.

5. Azerbaijan

An electronic visa valid for 30 days is required for Indian nationals visiting Azerbaijan.

Visa processing time:Currently, the processing time for an Azerbaijan e-visa is about three days. However, in some cases it may take longer.

Required documents:To apply for an e-visa, you need to present a passport with at least six months validity, two color photographs, a personal letter of introduction, return air tickets, proof of sufficient funds, proof of accommodation and a completed visa application form.

Visa price:The cost of e-Visa is Rs 1644.

Flights to Azerbaijan:Etihad Airways, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and Vistara offer flights from Mumbai to Baku at prices starting from Rs 15,000.

Access to the rest of the EU:This visa does not allow access to other European countries.

6. Armenia

Citizens of India can apply for an electronic visa to visit Armenia, which is valid for 21 days.

Visa processing time:On the official website, it is stated that the processing time is about three working days.

Required documents:To apply for an e-visa, you need a passport, a completed visa application and a color photograph. Although not required, it is recommended that you submit airline tickets, hotel reservations, an invitation letter, proof of financial resources, travel health insurance and passport pages containing other visas.

Visa price:The price of Armenian e-Visa for citizens of India is Rs.1599.

Flights to Armenia:Air Arabia, Vistara and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi offer flights from Mumbai to Yerevan. Ticket prices start at HRK 16,400.

Access to the rest of the EU:Armenian e-visa does not allow access to other European countries.

(Source and contributions: Condé Nast Traveler India)