Are you thinking of travelling abroad but worried about the long visa process and rejection? If you are thinking of visiting Canada or Europe, you will need a tourist visa. But which one is easier to get? When comparing Canada vs. Schengen Tourist Visa, you might have to evaluate the application process, approval rates, and difficulty level to determine which option is more suitable for you.
Before you pack your bags, let’s look at what are the key differences between Canada and Schengen tourist visa, and which one is easier to get. Let’s break it down!
Canada Tourist Visa for Indians
If you wish to visit Canada for a vacation, then you need to apply for a Canada tourist visa from India. This visa allows a temporary stay in Canada for exploration, leisure, or visiting friends and family. It can be issued for single or multiple entries and can be valid for up to 10 years, although your length of stay is limited to up to six months.
Schengen Tourist Visa For Indians
A Schengen visa allows you to travel to 29 European countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism or family visits. In this visa you can travel to popular destinations like France, Italy, Germany and Spain and many other countries which comes under Schengen area. This visa is valid for a six-month period.
If you’re wondering how to apply for Schengen visa from India the process involves understanding the visa type you need, gathering the necessary documents, and submitting an application through the respective consulate or visa application center.
Key Differences Between Canada vs Schengen Tourist Visa
Either you want to travel to Canada or Schengen you must be aware of these several key difference between them. The Canada vs. Schengen Tourist Visa process involves distinct rules and regulations that you must follow to avoid visa rejection. Below are some key differences:
1. Application Process
If you are an Indian and want to travel to Canada as a tourist, there is a certain application process that you need to follow. First, gather all your necessary documents, such as your passport, photograph, proof of funds, return ticket, and any other documents that are required for the application form.
Then, complete the online application correctly and make sure that you do not leave any column empty. Recheck the application form for any mistake and pay the application fee.
To get a Schengen tourist visa as an Indian, you need to understand the type of visa you need, and this will depend on the purpose, length of the visit and how many countries you are planning to visit.
Once you figure out the type of visa you need, you’ll need to fill out the application form with the required documents mentioned in the form. You might need to give an interview if you are applying for a Schengen tourist visa for the first time.
2. Eligibility for Both Canada and Schengen
For both Canada and Schengen tourist visa most of the eligibility criteria are same to get the visa approval. You need:
A valid passport for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Canada and three months for Schengen.
Sufficient funds to proof that you have money to cover you travelling costs for both Canada and Schengen tourist visa through, salary slip, bank statements, etc.
No criminal records with no history of criminal activity for both countries.
To have approval for a Schengen tourist visa, you need travel insurance. The minimum coverage is €30,000. For a Canada visa, travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is recommended.
3. Visa Fee
If you are applying for a tourist visa to Canada, you might need to pay $100 (Approx. ₹6,000) per person for the Visa fee and $85 (Approx. ₹5,100) for the Biometrics. The total cost might come to around $185 (approximately INR 11,100).
The cost of a Schengen tourist visa depends on the age of the person applying. If you are an adult, it might cost €90 (around ₹8,100). This also applies to children from 12 to 18 years old. From children from 6 to11 year old the cost is €45 (around₹4,050) and for children under 6-year-old the Schengen visa is free.
4. Processing Time
The processing time for a Canada tourist visa can vary from 45 to 60 days. But this time can fluctuate depending on factors like volume of application, time of the year, and individual circumstances.
For a Schengen tourist visa, the normal processing time for visa application is 15 days, but it can be extended to 45 days if a more detailed examination or any other document is required of the applicant.
5. Approval Rates
Recently, there has been a significant decline in the approval rates for Canadian tourist visas among Indian applicants. The approval rate has been around 80%, but recently, there has been a decline of approx. 20% or even lower. This might indicate that there is a higher chance of your visa application being rejected.
The approval rate for Schengen tourist visas for Indians can vary depending on the country you are planning to visit, but generally, they are relatively high. Some countries, like Iceland (95.4%) and Switzerland (88%), have particularly low rejection rates.
Which One is Easier to Get For Indians?
By comparing the application process, processing time and approval rates, it appears that obtaining the Schengen tourist visa is easier to get for the Indian travelers. With the significant drop in the Canada visa approval rates, it becomes difficult for Indians to get visa approvals.
However, it is important to note that visa approval depends on various factors, such as the applicant’s financial stability and travel history. Whether you are planning to travel to Canada or Schengen, you need to follow the standard rules and regulations that are required for approval.
Wrapping Up
Whether you want to travel to Canada or Schengen, understanding the basic application process of both countries is important. As an Indian, the decision of which country’s visa is easier to get might depend on your travel goals and strong documentation. Choose the visa that suits your plans best!
If you have selected your dream destination, it’s time to get the help of an expert for your visa process. Connect with the best immigration consultants in Mohali to make your visa process smooth and hassle-free.
