Schengen vs UK visa for Indians — which is actually easier?
Schengen vs UK visa for Indians — UK 30% faster, Schengen 25% cheaper. Honest comparison.
Cost: Schengen ~₹10,500 total. UK ~₹15,000. UK 30-40% more expensive.
Processing: Schengen 15-30 days (Belgium fastest, France/Germany slowest). UK 15-21 days standard, paid priority tiers available (5-7 days ₹35k extra, 24h ₹70k extra).
Documents: Both want bank statements (≥₹2L Schengen / ≥₹3L UK), salary slips, employer NOC, hotel + return ticket, insurance ≥€30k. UK additionally: TB test (free IOM centres, 1h), salary deposit history.
Success rate first-timer: Schengen 78-85%. UK 82-88%. Surprisingly close.
Visa duration: - Schengen first-timer: 30 days single-entry typical, 6-month validity. Later: 5-year multi possible. - UK first-timer: 6 months multi-entry, 6-month validity. After 2 trips: 2/5/10-year multi possible.
UK's longer multi-entry is a big edge for repeat travellers.
Embassy strategy: - Schengen: apply through Belgium or Czech Republic (same visa, half queue) - UK: VFS only, Mumbai/Delhi fastest
Verdict: - One Europe trip in 5 years: Schengen cheaper, equally easy - Multiple Europe/UK trips: UK gives longer multi-entry - Time-pressured: UK has paid priority tiers