European Countries Offering Quick Visas: If a European summer is on your mind, you should consider the wait times for a Schengen visa appointment. Although travel agents claim that the situation has improved significantly this year, some European countries still have long wait times. According to travel agents, the next available appointments in the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland are in April and May, while Italy has few to no appointments available at the moment.
Read More: Travel Insurance in the USA – How to Choose the Right Plan
Advertisement
Agents say that countries such as Greece, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Budapest have appointments as early as March and April, but processing times can range from four to eight weeks. Despite this, there are a few countries that process visas in a matter of days. Here are a few European countries that are currently offering quick visas:
European Countries Offering Quick Visas 2023
Spain
According to travel agents, visa processing times are shorter than in other European countries.
Processing time: As of Monday evening, appointments in Mumbai were available as early as Tuesday, 14 March, according to the BLS website. According to travel agents, the country’s visa processing time is only about 2-3 days. So, if you apply for an appointment now, you could travel as soon as this month.
Documents: A completed Schengen visa application form, a recent passport-size color photo, a passport with at least three months validity and two blank pages, proof of funds for the trip, documents proving the reason for your visit and your intention to leave the Schengen area before your visa expires, proof of residence in the consular demarcation, and travel medical insurance.
The cost is Rs7,035
Flights from Mumbai to Barcelona are operated by Saudia, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways. Tickets begin at Rs34,748.
Access to the rest of the EU: The visa entitles the holder to travel within the Schengen area, but the country in which you will spend the most time will have to be Spain.
Sweden
Indian nationals visiting Sweden do need a stamped visa, but the processing time, according to travel agents, is much shorter than in other European countries.
Processing time: When we checked the VFS website on Monday evening, appointments in Mumbai were available for Tuesday, 14 March, appointments in Bengaluru were available for Wednesday, 15 March, and appointments in Delhi were available for Thursday, 16 March. According to the VFS website, the processing time is about 20 days, but travel agents say you can get your visa in as little as two weeks.
Documents: A completed Schengen visa application, one photograph, your valid passport, and previous passports, proof of accommodation (hotel reservations), a certificate from a travel agency confirming the booking of an organized trip or your travel itinerary, return flight tickets, proof of funds, and overseas medical insurance.
The price is Rs6,900.
LOT flights From Mumbai to Stockholm, Polish Airlines, and Qatar Airways fly. Tickets begin at Rs36,000.
Access to the rest of the European Union: The visa allows you to travel to other European countries. However, in order to apply for a visa, you must provide proof of your maximum stay in Sweden.
Finland
Indian nationals visiting Finland do require a short-term physical visa, but the processing time, according to travel agents, is much shorter than in other European countries.
Processing time: When we checked the VFS website on Monday evening, the earliest available appointment in Mumbai was on 14 March, and in Bengaluru and New Delhi, it was on 23 March. According to the VFS website, the processing time is about 15 days.
A completed Schengen visa application form, a passport valid for three months, travel medical insurance, proof of itinerary and accommodation, proof of employment/studies, proof of sufficient funds, and a valid Indian residence permit are all required documents.
The cost is Rs7,000.
Flights from Mumbai to Helsinki are operated by Lufthansa and Vistara. Ticket prices begin at Rs28,000.
Access to the rest of the EU: The visa grants you access to the rest of Europe. However, in order to apply for a visa, you must provide proof of your maximum stay in Sweden.
Georgia
Indian nationals visiting Georgia can apply for an e-visa, allowing them to stay for 30 days.
According to the official website, the processing time is approximately five working days.
A passport valid for six months, a personal cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit, a return ticket, proof of accommodation, two recent color photos, your travel itinerary, and a bank statement proving sufficient finances are all required documents.
The price is Rs2,700.
Flights from Mumbai to Tbilisi are operated by IndiGo, Air Arabia, British Airways, and Gulf Air. Tickets begin at Rs27,500.
Access to the rest of the European Union: The visa does not allow you to travel to other European countries. If you want to visit other countries, you must apply for a Schengen visa.
Azerbaijan
- Indian nationals visiting Azerbaijan must obtain a 30-day e-visa.
- Processing time: approximately three days.
- A passport valid for at least six months, two color photos, a personal cover letter, return flight tickets, proof of sufficient funds, proof of accommodation, and a completed visa application form are required.
- The cost is Rs1,644.
- Flights from Mumbai to Baku are operated by Etihad Airways, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, and Vistara. Ticket prices begin at Rs15,000.
- Access to the rest of the European Union: Other European countries are not accessible via the visa.
Armenia
An e-visa valid for 21 days is available to Indian nationals.
According to the official website, the processing time is approximately three working days.
A passport, a completed visa application, and a color photograph are required. It is strongly advised to provide air tickets, hotel reservations, an invitation letter, proof of financial means, travel health insurance, and passport pages containing other visas.
The price is Rs 1,599.
Flights from Mumbai to Yerevan are operated by Air Arabia, Vistara, and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. Ticket prices begin at Rs16,400.
Access to the rest of the European Union: Other European countries are not accessible via the visa.
