Q: 1- I am traveling to multiple Schengen countries. From which Consulate should I apply for my Schengen visa?

Schengen visa must be applied from The Embassy / The Consulate of the country where you will be staying for maximum number of days. If your stay has equal number of days in each country then you must apply to The Embassy / The Consulate of the country which would serve as the first port of entry.

Q: 2- I have a valid Schengen visa but my Indian passport has expired. Can I transfer this visa to my new passport?

No. If you are holding a valid Schengen visa in an expired Indian passport, you may carry both your expired and new Indian passports together and travel between India and the Schengen countries until the visa expires. You do not need to obtain a new visa.

Q: 3- Can I get my visa directly at airport?

No, you must avail for a visa before you leave India.

Q: 4-Can my visa be extended in abroad?

No, visa cannot be extended in abroad.

Q: 5- Can I stay after my visa has expired?

No, you cannot stay beyond the expiry of your visa; your visa cannot be extended.

Q: 6- I am a British overseas citizen. Do I require a visa?

Yes, you need a Schengen visa for your travel.

Q: 7 -I am an Indian citizen living abroad. Do I have to apply in India?

It is advisable to apply in the country where you reside.

Q: 8 - What do I have to do if I have lost or misplaced my Indian passport with a valid visa?

You are strongly recommended to keep photocopies of your passport?s data pages and of the visa. A visa is a valuable document. Inform The Embassy / The Consulate from where your visa was issued immediately if you have lost your passport. You must apply for a new visa by submitting all documents and payment of visa fees. You must submit a copy of the Police First Incident Report (FIR) with your application. It is preferable to also submit a copy of the visa and the lost passport for ready reference of the Visa Officer.

Q: 9 - My visa got refused with no explanation. Can you let me know why?

According to the law, the reasons for refusal are confidential and cannot be disclosed. . The issuing of visas is solely at the discretion of The Embassy / The Consulate

Q: 10 - I am the principal applicant and I am traveling with my family. How many application forms do I fill?

One application form per applicant must be filled. Each application must be complete with all supporting documents.

Q: 11 - Can I send my application by post or through courier?

No. In case you are unable to submit your application in person, you have the option of getting it submitted through a travel agent or a representative. However, for Mumbai Consular post all applicants will have to come in person the next working day for fingerprinting.

Q: 12 - Can I send my application by post or through courier?

No. In case you are unable to submit your application in person, you have the option of getting it submitted through a travel agent or a representative. However, for Mumbai Consular post all applicants will have to come in person the next working day for fingerprinting.

Q: 13 - I need to renew my recently expired short stay visa. What should I do?

A visa cannot be renewed. You must apply for a new visa to replace an expired one. You may schedule an appointment for submission of new application. All documents must be submitted along with an application form and visa fee.

Q: 14 - How long can I stay on a short stay tourist or business visa?

Your visa sticker will have the validity of the visa and the number of days that you can stay in Schengen countries. Say your visa is valid for a month with duration as 10 days. This means that within one month you can stay up to 10 days only. You must leave the country before the visa expires / duration of your stay. A short stay visa permits you to stay for not more than 90 days.

Q: 15 - How long can I stay if I have a multiple entry Short stay visa valid for 1 year?

A one year visa entitles you to stay up to 90 days once in six months.

Q: 16 - What is the difference between long stay visa and longer validity visa?

If you wish to stay in France for more than 90 days (as a student, on employment, for research purposes etc) then you need to apply for a long stay visa (D type visa). If you wish to take short trips to France within the year (on business purposes etc.) then you need to apply for a short stay visa with longer validity. The decision to grant a longer validity visa lies with the French Embassy / Consulate.

Q: 17 - What documents should I show to prove that I could pay for my education in Abroad?

There are no specific documents that substantiate whether a student is able to pay for his/her education. Bank statements, salary slips, income tax return statements, employment letter, property documents and chartered accountant statements are the most common documents used to show proof of funds. Proof of payment to the University in Abroad can also be attached to your application. However, these are only suggested documents. A visa is not assured if you have any or all of these documents.

Q: 18 - What is a Nonimmigrant Visa?

A nonimmigrant visa covers tourists, business people, students, or specialty workers who wish to stay for a particular period of time in the United States to accomplish specific purposes. According to U.S. visa laws and regulations, most nonimmigrant visa applicants must demonstrate to the consular officer that they have strong ties to their country of residence and must show that they intend to depart the United States after their temporary visit

Q: 19 - What is an Immigrant Visa?

Immigrant visas are for persons who plan to live permanently in the abroad. The immigrant visa facilitates application for a Legal Permanent Resident Card and is a potential step toward acquiring abroad Citizenship. Individuals who wish to obtain legal permanent resident status in the abroad. Generally obtain immigrant visas at the Embassy or consulate where they current reside in India. Most immigrant visa applications begin when a family member who is abroad. Citizen or legal permanent resident submits a petition on behalf of the intending immigrant to abroad

Q:20 - How to read your visa?

A nonimmigrant visa covers tourists, business people, students, or specialty workers who wish to stay for a particular period of time in the United States to accomplish specific purposes. According to U.S. visa laws and regulations, most nonimmigrant visa applicants must demonstrate to the consular officer that they have strong ties to their country of residence and must show that they intend to depart the United States after their temporary visit.