Getting a Schengen visa is often described as a test of patience and persistence, especially for Indian travelers. From long appointment waits to strict document checks, the process can sometimes stretch for weeks, leaving applicants anxious about whether their dream Europe trip will ever happen.
But sometimes, things move faster than expected. That’s exactly what happened to one Indian couple, who recently shared their experience of receiving an Austria Schengen visa in just four working days. Their story, originally posted on Reddit, has inspired many travelers while also sparking discussions about how unpredictable the visa process can be.
In this blog, we’ll break down their journey, the documents they submitted, the reactions of other applicants, and a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to apply for a Schengen visa successfully.
A Rare Success Story: Visa in Just Four Days
An Indian applicant from New Delhi, who already held a valid US visa, applied for a Schengen visa for Austria along with his wife. To their surprise, the entire process took only four working days from the date of submission to approval.
He shared his relief online:
“This was my first time applying for a Schengen visa, so I was very anxious. But I collected my passport today with the visa stamped. The whole process was smoother than I had imagined.”
This quick turnaround is rare because, according to VFS Global (the official visa processing partner for many European embassies in India), decisions for Indian applicants typically take up to 15 calendar days. In some cases, processing may even extend to 45 days if further checks are needed.
So, how did this couple manage to get lucky? The answer might lie in their document preparation and the fact that the main applicant already had strong travel history with a valid US visa.
What is a Schengen Visa?
For those new to the term, a Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to travel within the Schengen Area, an open-borders zone covering 29 European countries. With one visa, you can visit popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, and more.
The visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, making it ideal for tourists, business travelers, and people visiting family or friends.
For Indian travelers dreaming of a Europe holiday, getting this visa is the most crucial first step.
Documents Submitted by the Couple
In his Reddit post, the applicant shared a detailed list of documents that he and his wife submitted. This transparency has been appreciated by many fellow travelers who often struggle with knowing exactly what to include.
Here’s what they provided:
- Cover letter (explaining purpose of travel and itinerary)
- Travel itinerary (planned trip details)
- Income Tax Returns (ITR) for 2 years
- Bank statements for 3 months
- Bar Council certificate (as the applicant is a lawyer)
- Business card
- Valid US visa (to strengthen travel history)
- Refundable, prepaid flight tickets
- Hotel bookings (confirmed but not prepaid)
- Wife’s salary slips and No Objection Certificate (NOC) from her employer
Interestingly, the couple did not include internal train or bus tickets for travel within Europe. Instead, they mentioned this clearly in their cover letter to avoid confusion.
This shows that honesty and clarity in documentation go a long way.
Mixed Reactions From Other Applicants
While the couple’s experience was encouraging, not everyone has been as fortunate. Many Indian applicants shared their own struggles in response to the post.
One user commented:
“We submitted all required documents, including internal travel tickets. Still, our application was rejected on the basis that accommodation could not be verified. But we had attached all the hotel vouchers as proof.”
Another wrote about the stressful waiting period:
“I applied two weeks ago and haven’t even received an appointment confirmation yet. The lack of updates is making me really anxious.”
These contrasting experiences highlight how unpredictable Schengen visa approvals can be, even when documents seem perfect.
Why the Anxiety? High Schengen Visa Rejection Rates
The anxiety around Schengen visas isn’t without reason. According to official data from the European Commission (2024):
- The global Schengen visa rejection rate was 14.8% in 2024.
- Out of 11.7 million applications, around 9.79 million were approved.
- Over half of approved visas were multiple-entry permits.
For India specifically:
- India was the third-largest source of Schengen visa applications, with 1.1 million applications in 2024.
- Of these, 936,748 were approved while 165,266 were refused.
- This puts the Indian rejection rate at 15%, slightly above the global average.
Clearly, Indian travelers face significant challenges, which explains the stress many feel during the process.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Schengen Visa
If you’re planning a trip to Europe, here’s a simplified step-by-step guide based on embassy and VFS Global requirements:
1. Decide Your Main Destination or Country of First Entry
You must apply through the consulate of the country where:
- You’ll spend the most days, or
- If days are equal, the country of first entry.
📍 Example: If your trip includes 7 days in Austria and 5 days in Germany, you must apply through the Austrian embassy.
2. Book Your Appointment
Appointments are mandatory and must be booked via the embassy’s official website or its visa outsourcing partner (VFS Global, BLS International, etc.).
⚠️ Pro tip: Book as early as possible because slots often fill up weeks in advance.
3. Gather Required Documents
Though documents may slightly vary by country, the common list includes:
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages, valid for 3 months beyond your stay)
- Recent passport-size photos (as per Schengen specs)
- Travel itinerary (flight + accommodation bookings)
- Travel insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000
- Proof of funds (bank statements for last 3–6 months, ITR, salary slips)
- Cover letter explaining travel purpose
- Employment proof / leave letter (or business registration for self-employed)
- Visa fee: €80 (approx ₹7,200) for adults
4. Attend Your Visa Appointment
At the appointment, you’ll:
- Submit biometrics (fingerprints + photo)
- Provide original documents and photocopies
- Answer any questions during the short interview
👉 Note: Biometrics are valid for 5 years. If you’ve given them once, you don’t need to do it again for future Schengen applications during this period.
5. Track Your Application
After submission, you can track your visa status online.
⏱ Processing time: 15 calendar days on average. In complex cases, it may take up to 45 days.
Key Takeaways From This Success Story
- Strong documentation matters – The couple’s well-prepared file with cover letters, financial proofs, and employment certificates likely helped.
- Travel history counts – Having a valid US visa or other strong visas (like UK, Canada, or Australia) can improve your chances.
- Honesty goes a long way – Instead of overloading with unnecessary documents, they clearly explained what they did and didn’t provide.
- Luck still plays a role – Even with perfect paperwork, rejections can happen due to subjective checks.
Final Thoughts
The story of this Indian couple getting an Austria Schengen visa in just 4 days offers a ray of hope for many Indian travelers planning their European adventures. While quick approvals are not the norm, being well-prepared, transparent, and organized can definitely improve your chances.
At the same time, applicants should remain realistic—visa approvals are never guaranteed. With rejection rates for Indians hovering around 15%, it’s crucial to double-check your documents, apply well in advance, and always keep a backup plan for your trip.
So, if you’re dreaming of strolling through Vienna, exploring Paris, or enjoying the canals of Amsterdam—start your application early, stay calm, and prepare thoroughly. Who knows, you might just be the next lucky traveler to get your Schengen visa in record time!
