Spain’s vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and sunny beaches make it a top destination for Indian travelers. Whether you’re eager to experience La Tomatina, explore Gaudí’s works in Barcelona, or enjoy tapas in Madrid, you’ll need a Spain Schengen visa to make it happen. This detailed guide for Indian citizens covers everything about the Spain Schengen visa: costs, processing times, BLS International’s role, success rates, online application steps, requirements, duration, and refund policies. Using the latest information from official sources like the Embassy of Spain and BLS International, this article helps you prepare for a smooth visa application process.
What Is the Spain Schengen Visa?
Spain is part of the Schengen Area, a group of 29 European countries that allow visa holders to travel freely across their borders for short stays. For Indian passport holders, a Schengen visa is required for short-term visits to Spain for tourism, business, family visits, or transit, with a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period. This short-stay visa, known as a Type C visa, is the most common option for Indian travelers. For stays longer than 90 days, a long-term national visa is needed, but this guide focuses on the short-stay Schengen visa.
Types of Schengen Visas for Indians
The Spain Schengen visa for Indian citizens covers several purposes:
- Tourist Visa: For vacations, sightseeing, or leisure trips.
- Business Visa: For meetings, conferences, or business activities.
- Airport Transit Visa: For passing through a Spanish airport’s international zone.
- Transit Visa for Seamen: For seafarers transiting through Spain.
- Relative of EEA/EU Citizens Visa: For family members of EU/EEA citizens.
Each visa type has specific requirements, but the application process is largely the same.
Costs and Fees
The cost of a Spain Schengen visa for Indian applicants depends on age and visa type. Based on the latest updates from BLS International and the Embassy of Spain, the fees are:
- Adults: €90 (around INR 8,920 at current exchange rates).
- Children (6–12 years): €45 (around INR 4,460).
- Children under 6 years: Free.
- Visa Facilitation Agreement Countries: For nationals of countries like Armenia, Azerbaijan, or Russia, the fee is about INR 2,581 or NPR 4,136, depending on exchange rates.
BLS International, the authorized visa application center, charges an additional service fee of approximately INR 1,487. This covers biometric data collection and application processing. Optional services like courier delivery or premium lounge access at BLS centers cost extra. For example, BLS’s Doorstep Service, which lets you process your visa from home, adds convenience but increases the cost.
Note: Visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. Some third-party providers, like Atlys, offer refund options under specific conditions (e.g., Atlys Protect), which you can explore when applying. Always check the exact fee amount at the time of application, as exchange rates may change the final cost in INR.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
BLS International handles Spain Schengen visa applications on behalf of the Embassy of Spain in India. Here’s how to apply:
- Choose the Visa Type: Pick the right visa for your travel purpose (e.g., tourism, business, or transit).
- Fill Out the Application Form: Download the Schengen visa application form from the BLS International website (india.blsspainvisa.com) or the Embassy of Spain’s official page. Complete it accurately with a blue pen, ensuring all details match your documents. Forms in English or Spanish are accepted.
- Collect Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents (listed below) and ensure they meet the guidelines.
- Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment on the BLS International website. Each applicant, including family members, needs a separate appointment for biometrics.
- Submit Your Application: Visit the BLS Visa Application Centre (VAC) on your appointment date. Submit your form, documents, and biometrics (fingerprints and photograph). BLS centers are in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai.
- Pay the Fees: Pay the visa and service fees at the VAC, usually via demand draft or card, favoring the Consulate General of Spain.
- Track Your Application: Use the “Track Your Application” feature on the BLS website with your reference number and date of birth to check the status.
- Collect Your Visa: Once processed, pick up your passport from the VAC or choose courier delivery. Processing usually takes 4–15 working days but can extend to 45 days in rare cases.
Online Application: You can fill out the form online, but you must visit a BLS center for biometric data and document submission. Third-party platforms like Teleport or Atlys can help with form-filling and appointment booking.
Documents You Need
To ensure a smooth application, prepare these documents:
- Valid Passport: Must have at least two blank pages and be valid for three months after your planned return from Spain.
- Completed Application Form: Signed and filled with correct details.
- Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background, no older than 6 months, no spectacles or visible teeth).
- Travel Insurance: Must cover at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation, valid across the Schengen Area. AXA Schengen’s insurance is widely accepted and available online.
- Travel Itinerary: Flight reservations, hotel bookings, or a detailed travel plan.
- Proof of Accommodation: Hotel bookings, a letter of invitation from a host, or proof of rental.
- Financial Proof: Bank statements for the last three months, showing at least €108 per person per day (as of 2023). You may also need salary slips or income tax returns.
- Proof of Ties to India: Employment letter, no-objection certificate (NOC) from your employer, or proof of business ownership to show you’ll return.
- Cover Letter: Explaining your trip’s purpose and itinerary.
- Additional Documents: For business visas, include an invitation letter from a Spanish company; for students, a letter from your educational institution.
Tips: Don’t staple documents, and bring extra A4-size copies. Documents must be in English or Spanish, or include certified translations.
Processing Time
The Spain Schengen visa typically takes 4–15 working days to process from the date the Embassy or Consulate receives your complete application. During peak seasons or if extra documents or an interview are needed, it can take up to 45 calendar days. Apply at least 15 days before your travel date, but no earlier than six months prior, to avoid delays. Public holidays or administrative issues may extend processing times.
Success Rate and Common Rejection Reasons
The visa rejection rate for Indian applicants has decreased from 18.8% in 2022 to 14.8% in 2023, with 91,863 applications processed in 2023 compared to 74,028 in 2019. This means a success rate of about 85.2%. Common rejection reasons include:
- Incomplete or incorrect documents.
- Insufficient financial proof or unclear travel plans.
- Weak ties to India, suggesting you might not return.
- Invalid or inadequate travel insurance.
To improve your chances:
- Check all documents for accuracy and completeness.
- Provide a clear travel purpose with a detailed itinerary.
- Show strong ties to India, like stable employment or property ownership.
- Ensure your travel insurance meets Schengen requirements.
If your visa is rejected, you can reapply with corrected or additional documents, often with a better chance of approval if you address the initial issues.
Refund Policy
Visa fees and BLS service charges are non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Some third-party providers like Atlys may offer refunds under specific conditions (e.g., with official proof of visa refusal). Always check refund policies with the service provider before applying.
Role of BLS International
BLS International is the official partner of the Embassy of Spain for processing Schengen visa applications in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Unlike VFS Global, which handles Indian visa applications in Spain, BLS manages Spain visa applications for Indian residents. BLS operates visa centers in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata, offering services like appointment scheduling, document collection, biometric data capture, and application tracking. BLS does not make visa decisions; those are handled by the Spanish Embassy or Consulate.
Embassy and Consulate Details
- Embassy of Spain in New Delhi: Serves northern and eastern India, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Address: 12, Prithviraj Road, New Delhi.
- Consulate General of Spain in Mumbai: Covers southern and western India, including Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Address: Marathon Futurex, A Wing, Mumbai.
- BLS International Centers: Located in multiple cities. Visit the BLS website for the nearest center.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply Early: Start 3–6 months before your trip to account for delays.
- Choose Reliable Insurance: Use trusted providers like AXA Schengen for travel insurance to avoid issues.
- Be Honest: Provide consistent and accurate information to prevent discrepancies.
- Track Your Application: Check the status regularly on the BLS website.
- Avoid Unnecessary Fees: BLS warns against unauthorized agents charging extra for appointments. Book directly via the BLS portal.
Final Thoughts
Getting a Spain Schengen visa as an Indian citizen is a straightforward process if you prepare carefully. With costs around INR 8,920 for adults, a success rate of about 85.2%, and a processing time of 4–15 days, thorough preparation is key. Whether you’re planning to dance to flamenco in Seville or relax on the Costa del Sol, this guide helps you apply with confidence. For the latest details, visit the BLS International website (india.blsspainvisa.com) or the Embassy of Spain’s portal. Safe travels, and enjoy your Spanish adventure!
Sources:
- BLS International: india.blsspainvisa.com
- Embassy of Spain in India: www.exteriores.gob.es
- Atlys: www.atlys.com
- AXA Schengen: www.axa-schengen.com