Luxembourg Visa - Definitive Guide
Despite being one of the smallest and least populous countries in Europe, has quite the reputation. It is one of the 4 official capitals of the EU, as well as the founding members of the EU, OECD, NATO, and the UN. Be it tourism, business, work, or whatever the purpose, you will need a Luxembourg visa to enter the country.
What is Luxembourg Visa ?
Apart from the nationals of other Schengen countries and visa-exempt nations, everyone else requires a Luxembourg visa to enter the nation. Being a Schengen nation themselves, the permit issued by Luxembourg is valid throughout the Schengen region. Based on the purpose of the visit and stay duration, they are available in multiple types.
How to Apply for Luxembourg Visa?
The process of applying for a Luxembourg visa from India is mainly done offline. There is no online visa application for Luxembourg from India. The application handling is outsourced to VACs in India (Visa Application Center). Before starting your application, you must ensure that you are eligible for the category you are applying for. After this, you may proceed to make the application as follows -
- Obtain all the documents necessary for the visa application.
- Visit the website of the embassy of Luxembourg in India or the website of the VAC and download the Luxembourg Schengen visa application form online.
- Fill in your details and take a print out of the completed form. After this, sign in at the required places.
- Book an appointment at one of the VACs located across India. You may visit the VAC without an appointment, however, due to the high volume of applications, it is strongly advised to book an appointment. You may do this by visiting the website of the VAC and using the online portal.
- With your documents, duly filled and signed Luxembourg visa application form, and fees, visit the VAC for the application and biometric submission.
Please note that if you have submitted your biometrics for any type of the Schengen visa in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. Also, ensure that you submit only original documents. Submitting fake documents and false information can lead to visa rejection.
Luxembourg Schengen Visa Types
The following are the types of visas issued by Luxembourg,
- Short term ‘C’ - These are also known as the C category Schengen, this type is issued for a short period of time of 90 days in a 180-day period. Based on the purpose behind the visit, these can further be classified as the following -
- Tourist - This type is issued for people whose main purpose for the visit is to take part in tourist activities.
- Business - This allows you to travel to Luxembourg to take part in business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, etc.
- Visitor -This type of permit is issued for people who have been invited to visit their family members or friends living in the country.
- Cultural/Sporting events -These are for people who are visiting to take part in cultural events and other sporting events.
- Long term ‘D’ - This is more commonly known as the Luxembourg national visa or D type and is issued for periods longer than 90 days. Based on the purpose, these can also be classified as the following-
- Work - This is granted for people who are entering the country to engage in work-related activities.
- Study - This is issued for students entering Luxembourg to take part in studies that last longer than 90 days.
- Family Reunion - This is for people who are visiting their family living in the country and staying with them.
Documents Required for Luxembourg Visa
As per the requirements, the following are the general list of documents you must submit. As per the individual categories, there are additional documentation required -
- A valid passport
- Covering letter stating the details of the visit
- Travel itinerary
- Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
- Proof of occupation/employment/student status
- Financial documents to show proof of funds to support the stay.
Luxembourg Schengen Visa Photo Requirements
- Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
- Colour: Coloured
- Head must occupy the central position
- Must be captured within the last 3 months
- Background: Solid, plain white or grey
- 80% face coverage
- Neutral expression
- Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
- Headgears - only for religious reasons
- Facial hair - permitted
Luxembourg Visa Fees
The Luxembourg Schengen visa fees for Indian citizens depends on several factors such as the type of the permit, the duration of stay, the number of entries, biometric charges, as well as any other service charges. It can also change depending on the foreign currency rates. As a result, you must check the exact amount before starting the application.
Luxembourg visa processing time
The time taken to process the application depends on multiple factors such as the entry type, the duration of stay, the type of the visa, volume of applications at the embassy, as well as your travel history. Normally, you can expect it to be processed in about 15 working days, excluding the transit time. Due to the uncertainty, it is recommended that you apply for the permit well in advance.
Luxembourg Schengen Visa Status
While you are waiting for a response, you can check the Luxembourg visa application status by visiting https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track and enter your reference number and date of birth. Alternately, you may contact your travel agency to track it for you.
Where to Apply for Luxembourg Visa?
The applications for Luxembourg visa must be lodged at a VAC. The VACs are located in 16 cities across India. However, the processing is done solely by the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in New Delhi. The VAC has no control over any areas of the processing. The VAC is involved in purely the administrative part of the application. Sometimes, the application process can be confusing and difficult. As a result, you may contact a travel agency to ease up the process and help you with the process.
