Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) — TourismVerified 2026-04-20Germany Tourist Visa (Schengen Type C — Short Stay)
The Germany Tourist Visa (Schengen Type C) is for Indian passport holders visiting Germany (and the wider Schengen area) for tourism, sightseeing, or non-business leisure. Germany is one of 29 Schengen countries with no internal border controls, and a visa issued for Germany is valid across all of them.
Jurisdiction Notice — Germany Schengen Visa
SureshotVisa handles the New Delhi jurisdiction.
All Germany Schengen visa applications accepted in India are forwarded to the German Consulate General, Mumbai, for decision — but you must apply at the VFS Application Centre that matches your place of habitual residence. Choosing the wrong jurisdiction means your appointment is cancelled and the application is refused at the counter.
Covered States (New Delhi jurisdiction)
- ✓Haryana
- ✓Himachal Pradesh
- ✓Jammu and Kashmir
- ✓Punjab
- ✓Rajasthan
- ✓Sikkim
- ✓Uttar Pradesh
- ✓Uttarakhand
Covered UTs (New Delhi jurisdiction)
- ✓Chandigarh
- ✓NCT of Delhi
- ✓Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- ✓Lakshadweep (incl. Minicoy & Amini)
Outside these states/UTs? Germany splits Schengen applications across Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru consulates by residence. We can still guide you end-to-end — document checklist, appointment slot at the right VAC, and submission support. Contact us first before booking anything.
Processing
15 working days from when the application reaches the German Consulate General, Mumbai (not counting the up to 2 working days VFS takes to transport your file)
Stay Duration
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period (Schengen-wide)
Starting Fee
€91
Apply At
14 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Germany visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1You MUST apply at the VFS Application Centre covering your place of habitual residence. New Delhi jurisdiction covers Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand + UTs of Chandigarh, NCT of Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep. Applying at the wrong VAC means your application is refused at the counter.
- 2Applications must be submitted NOT earlier than 6 months before and NOT later than 15 working days before intended travel.
- 3Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond scheduled return, issued within the last 10 years, have at least 2 blank pages, and must not have any observations on the data page.
- 4All documents, forms, and declarations must be submitted in German or English. Documents in other languages require certified German/English translation — missing translation = 'document not submitted'.
- 5Travel medical insurance must cover the ENTIRE duration of the Schengen trip, minimum €30,000 coverage, and is only accepted from approved Indian Travel Insurance companies (list at india.diplo.de/in-en/service/-/1984578).
- 6Fingerprints are collected at VFS for every in-person submission unless collected within the last 59 months for a previous Schengen visa.
- 7Photo specs: 35×45 mm, white background, face 70–80% of frame, ≤6 months old. Name-observation passports are NOT accepted.
- 8Incomplete documentation alone is grounds for refusal — the visa section is NOT obliged to request missing documents before denying your application.
- 9A booked flight ticket does NOT lead to priority processing. Do not purchase tickets until the visa is issued; reservations are enough.
Who Can Apply
- Indian citizens travelling to Germany for tourism, sightseeing, or leisure
- Multi-Schengen travellers where Germany is the main destination (most nights booked in Germany)
- Applicants with confirmed flight reservation, accommodation, and sufficient funds
- Applicants residing in New Delhi jurisdiction states (Haryana, HP, J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, UP, Uttarakhand) or UTs (Chandigarh, NCT Delhi, A&N, Lakshadweep)
Not eligible under this visa:
- Anyone intending to work in Germany (tourist visa does NOT authorise paid employment)
- Stays longer than 90 days — apply for a National Visa D / Residence Permit
- Business meetings / sales / client visits — apply for Business Visa instead
- Visiting family or friends — apply for Visit Visa (Family & Friends) instead
Previously Refused?
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Adult — Schengen Short Stay (Type C) | €91 |
| Children 6–12 years | €45 |
| Children below 6 years | FREE |
| VFS service charge | ₹2,022 |
Embassy fees are set in EUR by the German Consulate General, Mumbai — the INR charged at VFS varies with the daily exchange rate. New Visa Fee of €91 is effective from 29 January 2026 for all cities. VFS service charge of ₹2,022 (inclusive of CGST 9% + SGST 9%) is fixed. Fees are payable in Cash / Visa / Mastercard / Amex / Rupay / Demand Draft (in favour of VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd) / UPI. All visa fees, VFS service charges, and value-added service fees are non-refundable regardless of visa outcome.
Documents Required
Core Documents
- !VIDEX online application form
Filled online at videx.diplo.de — print ALL pages including barcodes and sign.
- !Signed Declaration of True and Complete Information
Mandatory §54 AufenthG declaration.
- !Signed Declaration on Travel and Health Insurance
- !Valid passport
Issued within last 10 years, valid 3 months beyond return, 2 blank pages, no observations on data page.
- !Copy of biometric & address page of passport (DIN A4)
- !Two biometric passport photos
35×45mm, white background, 70–80% face coverage, ≤6 months old.
- !Personal covering letter
Proof of intended means of transport and itinerary.
Travel & Accommodation
- !Travel agency booking certificate OR detailed travel itinerary
- !Proof of accommodation
Hotel reservations / rental of holiday home / campus residence. If staying with family/friend: sponsorship + private accommodation proof + host's address and passport/German ID copy.
- ○Accommodation proof for EACH Member State if travelling to multiple
- !Flight reservation
Do NOT purchase tickets until visa is issued — reservations only.
- !Overseas travel medical insurance
€30,000 min coverage, valid all Schengen countries, covers entire stay. Only approved Indian insurers accepted.
Financial Documents
- ○Sponsor documentation (if trip is sponsored)
Sponsor letter + passport copy + bank statements (last 3 months, stamped by bank) + relationship proof (marriage/birth certificate).
- ○If employed: Pay slips (3 months) + employment contract + leave sanction letter + bank statements (3 months) + ITR (last 2 years) or Form 16
- ○If self-employed / company owner: GST registration certificate + ITR (2 years) + bank statements (3 months)
- ○If retired: Pension statements (3 months) + income proof + bank statements
- ○If student: Enrolment certificate + NOC from school/university + bank statements
- ○If unemployed: Bank statements (last 3 months) stamped by bank
Civil Status & Family
- ○Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- ○Divorce decree / custody decree (if applicable)
- ○Birth certificate of children (if applicable)
- ○Death certificate of spouse (if applicable)
For Minor Applicants
- ○Both parents must sign the application form + declarations
- ○Birth certificate of minor
- ○Passport copies of both parents (biometric + address page)
- ○If only one parent submits: Proof of single custody OR notarized consent letter from the non-present parent with passport copy
- ○If minor travels alone: Notarized written consent of BOTH parents/guardians
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Fill VIDEX online
Complete the Schengen visa application form online at videx.diplo.de. Print ALL pages including barcodes and sign.
Prepare documents + sign declarations
Print and sign the Declaration of True and Complete Information + Declaration on Travel and Health Insurance. Gather all checklist items.
Book VFS appointment
Book biometrics appointment at visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/deu — pick the VFS centre matching your jurisdiction (New Delhi VAC for Haryana/Punjab/UP/HP/J&K/Rajasthan/Sikkim/Uttarakhand + UTs).
Submit at VFS
Attend in person — give fingerprints (biometrics), submit documents, pay €91 + ₹2,022 VFS fee. Choose optional services (courier, SMS, premium lounge) if needed.
VFS forwards to Mumbai
All Indian Schengen applications for Germany are forwarded to the German Consulate General, Mumbai for decision. Add 2 working days transit.
Decision + passport return
15 working days standard processing. Collect passport at VFS or via courier. Refusal letter (if any) will state grounds.
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
Schengen Visa Application Form (VIDEX online)
MUST be filled online on the VIDEX website. Print ALL pages including the barcodes and sign. Paper-only forms are not accepted.
Declaration of True and Complete Information (§54 AufenthG)
Signed declaration confirming all application information is true. Mandatory for all categories.
Declaration on Travel and Health Insurance
Signed declaration confirming €30,000 minimum travel health insurance for the full duration of stay.
Power of Attorney — Annexure A
Only if the application is submitted via a representative or travel agent.
VFS Germany Downloads & Checklists
Per-category checklists (Tourism, Business, Visit, Airport Transit, Trade Fair, Culture/Sport, Medical, Student, Internship, Seamen).
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
- Fill your VIDEX application online BEFORE visiting VFS — most VFS centres have limited PCs and on-site filling creates long queues.
- Apply 3–4 weeks before travel as the sweet spot — early enough to handle extended processing, not so early that bookings expire.
- Book travel health insurance ONLY from the approved Indian insurers list — VFS rejects insurance from non-approved providers even if coverage exceeds €30,000.
- Carry ALL previous passports with old Schengen stamps — the consulate wants to see full travel history.
- Your cover letter should match the trip: matching hotel nights, matching itinerary, and matching financial strength.
- If travelling across multiple Schengen countries, make sure Germany is your MAIN destination (most nights) — otherwise apply to the country where you spend the most nights.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Wrong VFS jurisdiction — applicant's residence address doesn't match the VAC's coverage area
- 2.Insufficient funds — bank balance doesn't match declared trip cost
- 3.Weak ties to India — no clear return intent (job / property / family)
- 4.Travel insurance not from approved Indian insurer OR below €30,000 OR not covering full duration
- 5.Inconsistent itinerary — Germany marked as main destination but more nights booked in another Schengen country
- 6.Incomplete VIDEX form or missing barcode pages
- 7.Recent Schengen refusal not addressed with new supporting evidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter other Schengen countries on a Germany tourist visa?+
How long does Germany tourist visa processing take?+
How far in advance can I apply?+
Why must my application go to Mumbai?+
Do I need to buy insurance from an Indian company?+
Can a representative submit my Germany visa application?+
What happens if I'm refused?+
Let us prepare your Germany Tourist Visa — (Schengen Type C — Short Stay) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other Germany Visa Types
Germany Business Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay business visa for Indian professionals attending meetings, negotiations, conferences, or contracts in Germany — up to 90 days.
Germany Visit Visa — Family & Friends (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian citizens visiting family members, relatives, or friends in Germany — up to 90 days.
Germany Airport Transit Visa (Schengen Type A)
Schengen airport transit visa for Indian citizens transiting through a German airport's international zone without leaving it.
Germany Trade Fair / Exhibition Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian exhibitors and visitors of German trade fairs (Hannover Messe, IFA, Drupa, Automechanika, etc.).
Germany Medical Treatment Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen visa for Indian citizens seeking specific medical treatment at a German hospital / clinic — up to 90 days.
Germany Culture / Sport / Religious Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian artists, sportspeople, film crews, cultural performers, and religious workers invited to Germany.
Germany Seamen Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian seafarers joining ships at German ports — requires CDC, shipping company invitation, and Indian agent documentation.
Germany Guest Scientist / Research / Short-term Student Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian scientists, researchers, and students visiting Germany for research, academic programs, or short courses under 90 days.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Germany website and Embassy of Germany. Last verified 2026-04-20. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.