Schengen Short-Stay (Type C)Verified 2026-04-28Czech Republic Cultural / Sport / Religious / Film Crew Visa (Schengen Type C)
The Czech Republic Cultural Event Visa is a Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) for Indians participating in cultural, sports, or religious events, or as a member of a film crew, for up to 90 days. The Embassy of the Czech Republic in New Delhi may WAIVE the visa fee in individual cases under (a) the India-Czech bilateral cultural cooperation agreement, (b) cultural-cooperation programs, or (c) the EU Visa Code (EC 793/2009) where the visit promotes cultural / foreign-policy / humanitarian interests. To request a fee waiver, email newdelhi@embassy.mzv.cz BEFORE applying.
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CIN U52291PB2024PTC060508
Patiala, Punjab
In-person office · Walk in any day
Processing
Up to 15 calendar days from when the Embassy receives your complete application (NOT from VFS submission)
Stay Duration
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period (entire Schengen area)
Starting Fee
₹9,700
Apply At
12 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Czech Republic visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Indian passport holders MUST apply through VFS Global India — direct walk-ins to the Embassy are not accepted, except for family members of EU / Czech Republic nationals (by prior email appointment at info.shortterm_delhi@mzv.cz between 10:00–12:30 working days).
- 2If documents are missing post-submission, email them within 3 working days to newdelhi.shortterm@mzv.gov.cz with subject 'Missing documents – Name Surname and passport number'. Emails to other Embassy addresses are disregarded.
- 3Submission of incomplete documentation, or refusal to appear for a special interview, will result in rejection.
- 4Each application is assessed independently by the Consular Section of the Czech Embassy — VFS staff have no authority to assess or decide.
- 5Possessing a valid Czech / Schengen visa does not guarantee entry — final entry decision is made by the immigration officer at the border.
Who Can Apply
- Cultural events — exhibitions, art performances, traditional festivals, dance / music events
- Sports events — competitions, training camps, exchange programmes
- Religious events — pilgrimages, religious gatherings, theological events
- Film crews — documentary or feature-film shoots, location scouting
- Academic / research cultural exchange programmes between India and the Czech Republic
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Adult visa (Schengen Short-Stay) | ₹9,700 |
| Children 6–12 years | ₹4,900 |
| Children under 6 years | FREE |
| VFS service charge | ₹2,156 |
| Courier after submission (optional) | ₹840 |
All Visa Fees and VFS service charges are non-refundable, regardless of visa outcome. Visa fees are reviewed independently for each application — no guarantee of issuance can be given. Approximate total for an adult tourist / business visa: ₹11,856 (₹9,700 + ₹2,156) plus optional courier ₹840. Family members of EU / Czech Republic nationals may be exempt from the visa fee — VFS service charge still applies. FEE WAIVER POSSIBLE — In individual cases, the Embassy may waive the visa fee under (1) the Agreement between Government of India and Government of Czech Republic on Cooperation in Culture, Education and Science (Prague, 11 October 1996), (2) the India–Czech bilateral programme of cultural cooperation, OR (3) the EU Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No. 793/2009) where the visit serves cultural, foreign-policy, development, or humanitarian interests. Email newdelhi@embassy.mzv.cz BEFORE applying to consult on eligibility.
Documents Required
Mandatory — every applicant must provide
- !Schengen Visa Application Form (Type C)
Completed in full and signed by the applicant
- !Valid passport
Issued within the last 10 years; valid 3+ months beyond return date; minimum 2 blank pages
- !Passport copies
Bio-data page + last page (Indian passports) + previous Schengen entry/exit stamps if any
- !Two recent passport-size photographs (35–40 mm, white background)
ICAO-compliant; face covers 70–80% of frame; no eyewear (Czech Embassy instruction); see photo spec section
- !Cover letter signed by applicant
State purpose of travel, duration, names + passport numbers of accompanying persons, transport + accommodation details
- ○Marriage certificate
If married and marital status not evidenced in the passport; ration card copy if applicable
- !Proof of means of transport + itinerary
Confirmed return / onward flight reservation (not ticketed)
- !Proof of lodging
Hotel reservation, holiday-home rental, or invitation + sponsorship form from host. If visiting multiple Schengen states, lodging proof for each is required
- !Travel medical insurance — minimum €30,000 cover
Valid across ALL Schengen countries; covers accident, illness, medical evacuation; covers full duration including arrival + departure
Proof of financial means — every applicant
- !Personal bank statement — last 3 months
ORIGINAL bank-stamped + signed; A4 size; every applicant submits their own (and sponsor's, if applicable)
- !Indian Income Tax Return (ITR) — last 2 assessment years
And of the sponsor if applicable
If the applicant is EMPLOYED
- !Pay slips for the last 3 months
- !Employment contract
- !Employer's NOC / approval-of-leave letter
Stating dates of approved leave + designation
If the applicant is COMPANY OWNER / SELF-EMPLOYED
- !Certificate of Registration of the company
- !GST registration certificate
- !Business bank account statement + barcode-verifiable ITR proof
If the applicant is SPONSORED
- !National sponsorship form of the Schengen state
Original official invitation, verified by the Alien Police Service in the Czech Republic
- !Notarised written consent from sponsor
If trip is sponsored by parent / guardian / any third party — public-notary attested
If the applicant is RETIRED
- !Pension statements — last 3 months
- ○Proof of regular income from property / business
Where applicable
If the applicant is a MINOR
- !Notarised consent from absent parent/guardian
If travelling with only one parent — except where one parent has sole custody (proof required)
- !Notarised consent from BOTH parents/guardians
If minor travels alone (without parents)
- !Copies of parents' passports OR birth certificate of applicant + ID copies of parents
If the applicant is a PUPIL / STUDENT
- !Enrolment certificate from school / university
- !Copy of student ID card
Cultural / Sport / Religious-specific (additional)
- !Invitation from the Czech / Schengen organising body
Confirming applicant identity, event details, dates, venue
- !Entry tickets / event registration / event programme
Print confirmations of event attendance
- ○Letter from sending Indian organisation / institution
If you're representing an Indian institution / association
Film crew (additional)
- !Letter from the film production company
Specifying film title, synopsis, and shooting locations in the Czech Republic
- !Complete list of travelling crew with roles
Names, passport numbers, and on-set role of each crew member
- !Letter from the Schengen / Czech state agency confirming film-permit arrangements
- !Certificate of registration with the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association OR Film Chamber of Commerce
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
If you might be eligible for a fee waiver — email the Embassy first
Send your case details to newdelhi@embassy.mzv.cz BEFORE applying. The Embassy will confirm if a fee waiver applies under the India-Czech cultural cooperation agreement or the EU Visa Code.
Gather event documentation
Invitation from the Czech organising body, entry tickets, event programme. For film crews: production-company letter, crew list, film-permit confirmation, and IMPPA / Film Chamber of Commerce registration.
Download and complete the Schengen Type C form
From the VFS Global Czech Republic website. Sign each page.
Gather all mandatory documents
Use the common checklist above. Bank statements A4 + original stamps. ITR last 2 years. Travel insurance €30,000 minimum.
Get ICAO-compliant photographs
35–40 mm wide, white background, NO eyewear (Czech Embassy instruction). Face covers 70–80% of frame.
Book a VFS appointment online
Visit visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/cze. Pay the ₹2,156 service charge to confirm.
Submit at VFS on appointment day
Carry originals + A4 photocopies. If a fee waiver was approved by the Embassy, present the email confirmation; the visa fee will not be charged. The VFS service charge still applies.
Track and collect
Up to 15 calendar days. Outside Delhi VFS, add 3 working days for forwarding.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
VFS Application Centres
Schengen Tourist Visa Eligibility Check
Answer 10 quick questions to see your likelihood of approval. This is not a guarantee — final decision is always with the Embassy — but it flags common weak spots so you can address them before applying.
What's the primary purpose of your trip?
How long do you plan to stay?
Have you previously visited any Schengen country?
Have you ever been refused a Schengen (or any country's) visa?
Past refusals must be disclosed — they show up in VIS database across Schengen countries.
Do you have confirmed travel bookings?
Reservations are enough — don't buy tickets until visa approval.
What's your current employment status?
What's your typical 3-month bank balance?
Schengen needs ~₹700/day covered. For a 10-day trip, minimum ₹70,000 stable balance.
How many years of Income Tax Returns (ITR) can you show?
What are your strongest ties to India (return-intent)?
Embassies want evidence you'll come back — not overstay.
Who are you travelling with?
Indicative only — final decision is always with the Embassy.
💡 Pro Tips
- Travel medical insurance must cover MINIMUM €30,000 across ALL Schengen states — without it your application will be rejected outright.
- Personal bank statements MUST be on A4 paper with original bank stamp and signature — photocopies and online printouts without stamps are rejected.
- Photographs with EYEWEAR are NOT accepted at Czech VFS centres — remove glasses before submission.
- Apply at least 15 days before travel for Tourist visas (mandatory minimum) — and 4–6 weeks for safety. Embassy will not process Tourist applications submitted with less than 15 days to travel.
- Indian passports issued AFTER 01 April 2010 with handwritten observations / manual entries (name, DOB, place of birth, sex, spouse, parents, address) are NOT accepted.
- If your passport has 'previously known as' observation, carry the previous passport (or photocopy of its data page) OR a copy of the name-change advertisement from a local daily newspaper as proof.
- Submit at the VFS centre nearest to you — if outside Delhi, your file is forwarded to the Embassy within 3 working days, so plan extra time.
- Cultural / sports applicants representing an Indian institution should try the fee-waiver route — email newdelhi@embassy.mzv.cz with full event details before applying. Approval is case-by-case but routinely granted for genuine cultural exchange.
- Film-crew applicants must register with IMPPA or the Film Chamber of Commerce BEFORE applying — this is a fixed requirement.
- — PHOTO SPECIFICATIONS —
- Two recent (not older than 6 months) high-definition passport-size colour photos.
- Width 35–40 mm, white / light-coloured plain background.
- Face must cover at least 70–80% of the photograph (per ICAO).
- Sharp focus, in colour, no ink marks, no creases, photo-quality paper.
- Looking directly at the camera, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible — no hair across eyes.
- Even lighting, natural skin tones, no shadows on face / behind head, no flash reflection, no red-eye.
- EYEWEAR is NOT acceptable for applicants submitting at VFS centres (per Czech Embassy instruction). Remove glasses.
- Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons — chin to top of forehead and both edges of face must be clearly visible.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Event invitation lacks dates / venue / applicant identity
- 2.Film-crew applications without IMPPA / Film Chamber of Commerce registration
- 3.Insufficient evidence of genuine cultural / sport / religious purpose
- 4.Travel insurance below €30,000 minimum
- 5.Photo with eyewear or wrong dimensions
- 6.Bank statements without original stamps
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the visa fee waived for the Cultural Event category?+
Does the VFS service charge get waived too?+
I'm part of a film crew — what's special about my application?+
How long does processing take?+
Can I extend the visa from inside the Czech Republic?+
How does SureshotVisa help with cultural / film applications?+
Let us prepare your Czech Republic Cultural / Sport / Religious / Film Crew Visa — (Schengen Type C) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other Czech Republic Visa Types
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Czech Republic Airport Transit Visa (Schengen Short-Stay)
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Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Czech Republic website and Embassy of Czech Republic. Last verified 2026-04-28. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.