Travel Insights for Indian Expats: Comparing Schengen and Indian Travel Regulations 🇮🇳🇪🇺

At L’Association Frehindi, working under the patronage of the Indian Embassy in Paris , our mission is to support Indian and South Asian expats with clear, practical, and empowering guidance. Whether you’re navigating visa formalities, travel logistics, or cultural adaptation, we’re here to make your journey easier.

In this blog, we compare the Schengen visa system in Europe with India’s travel and visa policies to help our community members, especially those living in France and planning to move or travel across Europe.

✈️ What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a zone of 29 European countries that have abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual borders. It covers over 4 million square kilometers and includes around 420 million people.

Schengen Members Include:

• 25 of 27 EU countries (except Ireland and Cyprus).

• New additions: Croatia (2023), Romania and Bulgaria (from 31 March 2024).

• Non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland (EFTA states).

🛂 How Does a Schengen Visa Work?

A Schengen visa allows:

• Short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries.

• Free movement between Schengen states without additional visas.

📍 Example: Rajeev from Delhi has a Schengen tourist visa issued by France. He can spend 30 days in France, 30 in Germany, and 30 in Spain—totaling 90 days.

Types of Schengen Visas:

• Single-entry: Valid for one entry only.

• Multiple-entry: Valid for several entries, typically for 1–5 years.

🧳 India’s Visa System – A Contrast

India’s visa policies are country-specific and not regionally integrated like Schengen.

For Foreigners Coming to India:

• E-Visa (Tourist, Medical, Business) available for many countries, including France.

• Validity: Varies from 30 days to 5 years, depending on type.

• Foreigners need separate Indian visas, even if they hold EU residency.

📍 Example: Clément from Lyon had a 1-year Schengen visa but couldn’t enter India without an Indian e-visa. He applied online via the Indian government portal but faced delays due to uploading wrong documents.

🔄 Can I Enter Any Country with a Visa from Another?

Schengen Rules:

Yes, but with caution.

• You may enter via any Schengen country, even if the visa is issued by another (e.g., visa from Italy used to enter France).

• However, it is recommended to enter through the country that issued your visa to avoid questioning at immigration.

📍 Meena, a student from Mumbai, had a Schengen visa from Italy but landed in Paris. She was questioned at immigration for not having proof of accommodation in France.

Indian Rules:

• No such concept. You must apply for an Indian visa directly via the Indian mission of your travel country.

• Visa validity is country-specific, even within South Asia.

🚨 Border Checks & Transit

• Schengen: Immigration is done at the first point of entry.

• India: Every airport has separate immigration checks for all international travelers.

📍 Aditya, an IT professional from Hyderabad, flew to Munich via Paris. Since France was the first Schengen stop, immigration was done there, not in Germany.

💼 Can I Work in Any Country in the Schengen Zone?

• No. You can only work in the country where your work permit is issued.

• Exceptions: EU Blue Card holders may have mobility rights in some countries.

📍 Farhan, who had a French work visa, thought he could freelance in Spain. He faced legal issues because his permit was only valid for work in France.

📅 When Should I Apply for a Schengen Visa?

• Apply 2 to 3 months before travel.

• Minimum: 15 calendar days before.

• Maximum: 3 months before the start date.

Indian visa for foreigners: Can be applied online (e-visa) or via consulate. Valid for specific periods based on purpose (tourism, work, education).

🌐 List of Schengen Countries (2024)

🧾 Documentation Requirements – Be Ready!

For Schengen:

• Visa copy

• Passport (valid 6 months)

• Travel itinerary

• Accommodation proof

• Financial proof (bank statements)

• Insurance

For India:

• E-visa copy

• Passport (valid 6 months)

• Photo (as per specs)

• Travel details

• Sometimes, yellow fever/vaccination certificate

🇮🇳 Vision for Akhand Bharat – A Subcontinent Without Borders?

Imagine if the Indian Subcontinent—India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan—could function like the EU, with shared visa regulations, free movement for students, workers, and tourists, and seamless cultural exchange.

At L’Association Frehindi, we strongly support the idea of Akhand Bharat—not just as a geopolitical idea, but as a vision of unity through people-to-people connection. A future where travel across South Asia is as simple and collaborative as it is in the EU.

We are already building the foundation for this vision by:

• Assisting expats with visa and legal documentation

• Promoting student mobility and cultural sensitivity

• Working directly under the patronage of the Indian Embassy in Paris

• Hosting Indo-European cultural events and exchange programs

🙌 Final Thoughts – Empowering Expats, Bridging Continents

Whether you’re a student like Meena, a seasoned professional like Rajeev, or an adventurous traveler like Clément, understanding visa systems is more than just paperwork—it’s about freedom, security, and peace of mind.

At L’Association Frehindi, we believe that information is empowerment. That’s why we’re committed to guiding Indian and South Asian expats every step of the way—through the maze of documentation, legal requirements, and cultural nuances.

We are here to support:

🛂 Accurate, embassy-backed visa and immigration guidance
🧳 Smooth and informed travel across Schengen countries
🤝 Cultural integration and community support for South Asian expats
🌏 Long-term unity across the Indian subcontinent and Europe

🌟 Borders may define geography, but knowledge builds bridges. Together, let’s shape a future where Akhand Bharat is not just a dream of the past, but a people-powered reality of today—marked by shared opportunity, trust, and cultural harmony.

For more updates, guidance, and community events, stay connected with L’Association Frehindi—your bridge between India and Europe.

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