A Schengen visa appointment can take months during the peak summer season. Italy is out of appointments in Bengaluru and Delhi and in Mumbai, a slot is two months away, as per the VFS website. France, too, has no available slots in Mumbai, and in Delhi, the next available slot is a month from now. For Germany, slots in Bengaluru are available in June and in Mumbai, July. However, there’s still hope. A handful of destinations are providing quick appointments and processing times. Here’s a list of countries in Europe that are offering easy visas right now.
Sweden
Indians don’t need to wait for an appointment slot to open up as Sweden offers walk-in appointments at their visa application centres in all major cities, as per the VFS website.
Documents required: A completed Schengen visa application form, one photograph, valid passport and previous passports, proof of accommodation i.e. hotel bookings, certificate from the travel agency confirmed booking of an organised trip or your travel itinerary, return flight tickets, proof of funds and employment, and overseas medical insurance.
Processing times: The embassy typically processes visas in two weeks, as per the embassy of Sweden.
Cost: Rs7,186
Norway
Indian travellers can get an appointment as early as tomorrow, as per VFS.
Documents required: One passport-size photograph, your valid passport and previous passports, certificate from the travel agency confirming booking of an organised trip or a confirmed travel itinerary, return flight tickets, proof of funds and employment, and overseas medical insurance.
Processing times: When we checked VFS on 6 May at 9am, the next available appointment was 7 May in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi. After submitting your application and biometrics, your visa should be processed in 15-20 days.
Cost: Rs7,186
Switzerland
Appointments for Switzerland are available in less than three weeks, as per the VFS website.
Documents required: Two passport-size photographs, your valid passport and previous passports, a letter with a confirmed travel itinerary, an introduction letter stating purpose of trip, proof of accommodation, return flight tickets, proof of funds and employment, and overseas medical insurance.
Processing times: The next available appointments in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi are on 22nd May, as per VFS. The Embassy usually processes applications in about 15 working days, as per the Swiss Consulate in India.
Cost: Rs7,186
Georgia
Indians who wish to visit Georgia, can apply for an e-visa for a stay up to 90 days.
Documents required: A valid passport with at least three months validity post travel, documents providing proof of travel, proof of accommodation, proof of employment/funds, overseas medical insurance.
Processing times: No less than five working days, according to the official e-visa website.
Cost: Rs1,702
Malta
Appointments for Malta are available as early as tomorrow.
Documents required: Two passport-size photographs, your valid passport and previous passports, a letter with a confirmed travel itinerary, an introduction letter stating purpose of trip, proof of accommodation, return flight tickets, proof of funds and employment, and overseas medical insurance.
Processing times: The next available appointments in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi are on 7th May, as per the VFS website. The application processing time is 15 working days.
Cost: Rs7,186