New Delhi : Getting a Schengen visa can often feel like a complicated process for Indian travellers, particularly when it comes to preparing travel plans, financial documents and supporting paperwork. However, travel content creator Shivani Bansal has shared her experience of securing a Schengen visa in just two days without using an agent.
Bansal recently shared details of her visa experience in an Instagram video after returning from a 25-day European trip covering eight countries. According to her account, three important aspects of the application helped strengthen her case: a clear itinerary, a detailed cover letter and strong financial documentation.
Her experience has attracted attention among Indian travellers preparing for European holidays, although visa processing times and decisions can vary from applicant to applicant.
Clear itinerary was one of the key factors
Bansal said she applied for the Schengen visa through Switzerland because Switzerland was the country where she planned to spend the longest period during the trip.
Although her trip began with entry into Europe through Amsterdam, Switzerland formed the longest stay in the itinerary. Under Schengen visa rules, applicants generally need to apply through the appropriate country based on their main destination or longest stay when visiting multiple Schengen countries.
Bansal described having a clear itinerary as one of the factors that strengthened her application.
This is an important consideration for travellers planning multi-country European holidays. An application should clearly explain where the traveller intends to go, how long they plan to stay and how the different destinations fit together.
Her experience, however, should not be interpreted as a guarantee that a similar application will receive approval within two days.
Detailed cover letter can explain the travel plan
The second factor highlighted by Bansal was a detailed cover letter.
According to her, the letter explained the purpose and structure of the trip, financial circumstances, work or business background and reasons for returning to India.
A cover letter can provide context for supporting documents and help present an applicant’s travel plans in a straightforward manner. Rather than simply repeating information already included in forms, applicants can use it to explain relevant aspects of their trip and personal circumstances.
For Indian travellers, demonstrating that the proposed journey is genuine and that there are clear reasons to return to India can be an important part of preparing a comprehensive application.
The information supplied in the cover letter should, of course, be consistent with the rest of the application and supported by genuine documents.
Strong financial documents matter
The third factor mentioned by Bansal was financial documentation.
She said the application included bank statements, income-tax returns (ITRs) and other financial documents, with combined funds of around Rs 15 lakh or more.
Financial documentation is used to demonstrate that travellers have the resources necessary to support themselves during their proposed stay.
Applicants should ensure that their financial records accurately reflect their circumstances. Simply maintaining a particular balance does not by itself guarantee visa approval, as applications are assessed on the overall evidence and individual circumstances.
The creator’s reported financial position should therefore be viewed as her personal experience rather than a fixed financial threshold for all Schengen visa applicants.
Cancellable bookings offered flexibility
Bansal also explained that the accommodation bookings used for the trip were fully cancellable.
This meant she did not necessarily need to commit to non-refundable accommodation months before travelling. According to her, travellers can maintain flexibility while preparing an application by using suitable cancellable bookings, where permitted and genuine.
This can be particularly useful for travellers whose plans may change after receiving their visa.
However, applicants should ensure that any bookings submitted with an application accurately reflect their genuine travel plans at the time of application and comply with the requirements of the relevant visa authorities.
Visa approval does not guarantee entry
A Schengen visa allows short stays across the Schengen area, subject to the conditions of the visa and applicable border rules. NDTV notes that a Schengen visa permits travel to 29 European countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Travellers should also remember that receiving a visa is not the same as receiving an unconditional right of entry. Border officials can check travel documents, the purpose of the visit, accommodation, funds and other relevant requirements.
Applicants should therefore keep their supporting documents accessible while travelling.
Three lessons for Indian travellers
Bansal’s experience offers three practical lessons for people preparing their own applications: plan a coherent itinerary, explain the trip clearly through a detailed cover letter and maintain strong, genuine financial documentation.
Her experience also demonstrates that travellers do not necessarily have to rely on agents to prepare a visa application. Applicants who are comfortable understanding the requirements and organising their own documentation can submit their applications themselves.
At the same time, a two-day approval should not be treated as the normal processing time or as an expected outcome. Processing can vary depending on the consulate, application volume, individual circumstances and other factors.
For travellers planning a European holiday, careful preparation remains the most important step. A consistent application supported by genuine documents can make the process more organised and reduce avoidable errors.
Bansal’s 25-day, eight-country European journey ultimately became an example of how thorough preparation can help applicants navigate the Schengen visa process without necessarily depending on an agent.