How to Go to Europe from India: Complete 2026 Guide

Going to Europe from India involves more than booking a flight. You need to choose your destination, understand the visa requirements, prepare your documents, book your international flights, and decide how you will travel between European countries.

For most Indian travellers visiting countries in the Schengen Area for a short holiday, the Schengen visa is an important part of the process. Once your visa and travel arrangements are sorted, you can build your trip around cities, beaches, mountains, history, or whatever interests you most.

If you're wondering how to go to Europe from India, this guide explains the process from the first step to arriving in Europe.

How Can You Go to Europe from India?

The usual process looks like this:

Choose your European destination. → Check visa requirements → Plan your itinerary → Prepare documents → Apply for the visa → Book flights → Arrange accommodation and transport → Fly from India → Complete immigration at your European entry point.

If you are visiting several Schengen countries, you can generally travel between them without separate visas for each Schengen country, provided your visa permits your planned travel.

The important part is to plan the route before submitting your visa application.

Step 1: Decide Which European Countries You Want to Visit

Europe has many different travel experiences, so start by deciding what you actually want from the trip.

You could choose:

France for Paris, museums, architecture, and food
Switzerland for mountains, lakes, and scenic train journeys
Italy for history, architecture, and cuisine
Netherlands for Amsterdam, canals, and museums
Austria for historic cities and Alpine scenery
Spain for beaches, cities, and culture
Greece for islands, beaches, and ancient sites
Germany for historic cities, castles, and seasonal experiences

You don't need to visit five or six countries on your first trip.

If you have only 7–10 days, choosing two or three destinations that connect well can make the trip much easier.

For example:

India → Paris → Switzerland → India

is much easier to manage than trying to cover Paris, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and Amsterdam in the same week.

Step 2: Check Whether You Need a Schengen Visa

For Indian passport holders travelling to the Schengen Area for a short holiday, a Schengen visa is generally required.

A short-stay Schengen visa allows eligible travellers to stay for up to 90 days in any 180 days, subject to the conditions of the visa. The Schengen Area currently consists of 29 countries.

A Schengen visa is generally used for destinations such as:

France
Germany
Italy
Switzerland
Netherlands
Austria
Spain
Greece
Portugal

However, not every European country is part of Schengen.

For example, Ireland has its own visa system, and the UK has separate immigration requirements.

So before booking your entire trip, check whether every country on your route follows Schengen rules.

Step 3: Which Schengen Country Should You Apply Through?

This is one of the most important parts of travelling to Europe from India.

If you're visiting more than one Schengen country, you generally apply through the country where you will spend the longest period.

If you are spending an equal number of days in several Schengen countries, the application is generally made through the country you will visit first.

Example

Suppose your itinerary is

Country	Nights
France	5
Switzerland	3
Italy	2

France is your main destination because you are spending the longest part of the trip there.

Your visa application should reflect the actual journey you intend to take.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Once your route is decided, start preparing the documents required for your visa application.

The exact requirements depend on your circumstances and the relevant consulate, but commonly requested documents include:

Valid passport
Schengen visa application form
Recent photograph
Travel medical insurance
Flight or travel itinerary
Hotel or accommodation details
Proof of financial means
Employment or business documents
Supporting documents for your trip
Evidence related to your intention to return to India

The European Commission also notes that applicants may need to provide fingerprints and that consulates can request additional documents.

Make sure your documents tell a consistent story.

If your application says you are spending five nights in France, your accommodation and itinerary should support that plan.

Step 5: Apply for Your Schengen Visa

You can submit a Schengen visa application no earlier than six months before your intended journey and generally at least 15 days before travel. Appointments may be required.

The standard Schengen visa fee is currently

€90 for adults
€45 for children aged 6 to under 12

A service fee may also apply when an external visa application center handles the application.

Normal processing is generally around 15 days, although it can take longer in some cases, including when additional examination or documents are required.

For that reason, don't build your Europe trip around a very tight visa timeline.

Step 6: Book Your Flight from India to Europe

Once your visa planning is underway, you can look at flights.

Major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad have international connections to European destinations, either direct or via connecting flights.

Common arrival cities include:

Paris
Amsterdam
Frankfurt
Zurich
Rome
Vienna

Your best airport depends on your itinerary.

For example, if your trip is

Paris → Switzerland → Italy

You may not want to book a return flight from Paris.

A better option could be

India → Paris

and then:

Italy → India

This is often called an open-jaw or multi-city itinerary.

It can save you from travelling back to your original arrival city simply to catch your return flight.

Step 7: Choose Direct or Connecting Flights

When comparing flights from India to Europe, don't look only at the headline fare.

Check:

Total travel time
Number of stops
Baggage allowance
Layover duration
Airport changes
Cancellation conditions
Final price

A flight that is ₹5,000 cheaper may not actually be cheaper once baggage, airport transfers, or additional costs are included.

If you are travelling with children, older family members, or a lot of luggage, a shorter and simpler connection may also make the journey easier.

Step 8: What Happens When You Arrive in Europe?

After landing at your first Schengen entry point, you will go through border control.

Your passport and travel documents may be checked, and you may be asked about your trip.

Since the Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational on 10 April 2026, eligible non-EU short-stay travellers are digitally registered at the external Schengen border. The system records travel documents and biometric information, including fingerprints and a facial image.

This does not replace the visa requirement.

It changes how entry and exit information is recorded at the border.

Step 9: How Do You Travel Between European Countries?

Once you're in Europe, you have several options.

Trains

Trains are often convenient for journeys between major European cities.

For example:

Paris → Brussels → Amsterdam

can be planned around rail travel.

Flights

Flying can make more sense when destinations are far apart.

Budget airlines can sometimes offer low fares, but check baggage charges and airport locations before booking.

Buses

Long-distance buses can be useful when keeping transport costs lower is more important than reducing travel time.

Eurail

A Eurail pass can be useful for some multi-country routes.

But don't automatically assume a rail pass is cheaper. Compare its price with individual tickets for your specific itinerary.

How Much Does It Cost to Go to Europe from India?

There is no fixed price for a Europe trip.

Your total depends on your destination, travel dates, hotel category, flight prices, local transport, and activities.

For a rough 10-day trip, one traveler could plan around:

Expense	Approximate Budget
Return flights	₹45,000–₹100,000+
Visa & insurance	₹10,000–₹18,000
Hotels	₹30,000–₹90,000+
Food	₹20,000–₹45,000
Local/intercity transport	₹12,000–₹30,000+
Sightseeing	₹10,000–₹30,000+
Miscellaneous	₹8,000–₹20,000
Estimated total	₹1.35 lakh–₹3.3 lakh+

These are planning estimates, not fixed package prices.

Switzerland and other high-cost destinations can increase your overall budget, while simpler hotels and fewer destinations can help control it.

How Many Days Do You Need for Europe?

It depends on how much you want to cover.

7 Days

Choose one or two destinations.

Example:

Paris + Amsterdam

10 Days

Two or three destinations are more realistic.

Example:

Paris + Brussels + Amsterdam

Paris + Switzerland

14–15 Days

You have more room for a multi-country itinerary.

Example:

France + Switzerland + Italy

20+ Days

A longer trip allows you to slow down and spend more time in each destination.

The biggest mistake is trying to fit too much into a short holiday.

What Is the Best Time to Go to Europe from India?

There isn't one perfect month for the entire continent.

April to June

A good period for sightseeing in many European destinations, with longer days and generally comfortable conditions.

July to September

Summer is popular, so major destinations can be busy, and accommodation prices may increase.

October

A quieter autumn experience can appeal to travellers who prefer cooler weather.

November to March

Winter is suitable for travellers interested in Christmas markets, snow destinations, and winter experiences.

Your destination matters more than the calendar alone. The weather in Switzerland can be very different from southern Spain during the same month.

What Should You Pack From India?

Your packing list should match your destination and season.

For most Europe trips, carry:

Comfortable walking shoes
Weather-appropriate clothes
Light layers
Universal travel adapter
Passport and visa documents
Travel insurance details
Medicines you regularly need
Phone charger
Power bank
Small day backpack
Payment cards and some emergency cash

If you're moving between several cities, avoid overpacking.

You will appreciate having a lighter suitcase when using trains, buses, and public transport.

Sample 10-Day Europe Trip from India

If you're travelling to Europe for the first time, a simple route can be easier to manage.

Day 1

Fly from India and arrive in Paris.

Day 2

Explore central Paris and major landmarks.

Day 3

Spend another day exploring Paris.

Day 4

Travel from Paris to Brussels.

Day 5

Explore Brussels.

Day 6

Travel from Brussels to Amsterdam.

Day 7

Explore Amsterdam.

Day 8

Visit museums, canals, or nearby attractions.

Day 9

Keep the day flexible for another experience or nearby excursion.

Day 10

Fly back to India from Amsterdam.

This is only an example. Your route can change completely depending on your interests.

Can You Go to Europe Without a Tour Package?

Yes.

You can arrange your own:

Flights
Visa
Hotels
Trains
Attractions
Transfers
Travel insurance

However, planning everything yourself takes time.

If you prefer having the major arrangements organized together, a Europe tour package can simplify the process.

Deyor offers Europe travel packages and multi-country itineraries for travelers who want a more organized holiday.

Why Choose Deyor for Your Europe Trip?

Planning a Europe holiday involves several moving parts.

You need to coordinate flights, hotels, destinations, transfers, and sightseeing while making sure the route fits your available days.

Deyor can help bring these elements together into a planned itinerary based on your travel requirements.

Deyor is India's first travel company to be featured on Shark Tank India.

Whether you're travelling to Europe for the first time or planning a multi-country holiday, you can explore Deyor's Europe tour packages and choose an itinerary that fits your dates, destinations, and travel style.

FAQs

How can I go to Europe from India?

For a short holiday, you generally need to choose your European destination, check the visa requirements, prepare your documents, apply for the appropriate visa, book your flight, and complete immigration when you arrive.

Do Indians need a visa to go to Europe?

Indian citizens generally need a visa for short stays in the Schengen Area. Requirements depend on the destination and purpose of travel.

How much does it cost to go to Europe from India?

A 10-day trip can roughly cost ₹1.35 lakh to ₹3.3 lakh or more per person, depending on flights, hotels, destinations, and activities.

Can I visit multiple European countries with one Schengen visa?

A valid Schengen visa can generally allow travel across the Schengen Area, subject to the conditions of the visa.

Which country should I apply to for a Schengen visa?

If you're visiting multiple Schengen countries, you generally apply through the country where you will spend the longest time. If the stays are equal, the first country visited generally determines where you apply.

How early can I apply for a Schengen visa?

You can generally apply up to six months before your planned journey and at least 15 days before travel.

Do Indians need ETIAS to travel to Europe?

Indian travellers who require a Schengen visa do not use ETIAS as a replacement for that visa.

Ready to go to Europe from India?

The process becomes much easier when you handle it in the right order.

Choose your countries → build your route → check the visa → prepare documents → apply → book flights → arrange hotels and transport → travel from India to Europe.

You don't need to visit every famous European city in one trip.

Choose a route that fits your time, budget, and interests, and give yourself enough time to enjoy it.

Explore Deyor's Europe tour packages and start planning your trip from India to Europe.