Sweden and Italy are renowned destinations for Indian travelers. The lure may be due to Sweden with its countryside and contemporary cities juxtaposed against Italy with its history and gastronomy; irrespective, a Schengen visa is required for either country. The visa application process generally conforms with the Schengen rules, though there are key differences in terms of requirements, fees, and processing times. The article provides in-depth comparisons to assist Indian applicants in determining which visa best suits their purpose and how best to prepare their applications. Whether you are applying for a Sweden visa for Indians or an Italy visa for Indians, understanding the process is crucial.
Types of Visas
While these visas may slightly differ, they all boil down to the purpose they address:
Tourism Visa- Those looking to travel just for leisure and sightseeing.
Business Visa- Those who plan to go for business meetings or conferences.
Family Visit Visa- For visiting relatives or friends.
Student Visa- For short-term study programs or long-term courses.
Work Visa- For employment purposes (requires sponsorship by the employer).
Indian travelers must therefore apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) for stays of less than 90 days in any 180 days. Both the Sweden visa for Indians and Italy visa for Indians require careful planning and documentation.
Visa Application Process
The steps for the visa application process for both Sweden and Italy are generally the same:
Choose the Right Visa Type- Decide whether you need a tourist, business, etc.
Complete the Visa Application Form- Fill in the Schengen visa application form without any wrong entries.
Gather Required Documents- Arrange the supporting documents properly.
Book an Appointment- Get an appointment at the visa application center.
Attend the Appointment- Submit documents, provide biometrics, and pay the visa fee.
Wait for Processing- The consulate processes your application and gives the decision.
An Indian applicant may apply for a Sweden visa for Indians and an Italy visa for Indians through VFS Global.
Required Documents
Although legitimate travel-documents, both Sweden and Italy have requirements that are slightly different from each other.
Common Requirements for Both Countries
Valid Passport- It must be valid for three months beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen area and must have at least two blank pages.
Visa Application Form- Duly completed and signed.
Photographs- One recent passport-sized color photo that complies with Schengen specifications.
Travel Insurance- Validity throughout the Schengen Area with minimum coverage of €30,000.
Proof of Financial Means- Bank statements dated to a week back, salary slips, or ITR.
Accommodation- Any document attesting to accommodation, be it a hotel booking or an invitation letter from the host.
Travel Itinerary- Flight reservations and day-to-day travel plans.
Requirements for Sweden
Minimum Financial Proof: Applicants must show proof of at least €48 per day of stay in Sweden.
Cover letter: Letter detailing visiting purpose.
Sponsorship Documents [if applicable]: If the sponsor is covering the costs, the sponsor should furnish a declaration of sponsorship, the sponsor’s bank statement showing proof of funds, and proof of the sponsor’s employment.
Requirements for Italy
Minimum Financial Proof – The applicant must have a minimum of €269 for a total of 5-day stay, and €45 for each additional day there after.
Hotel Confirmation or Rental Agreement – A confirmed hotel reservation or rental proof for the stay in Italy.
Proof of Employment – If employed, applicants must submit leave approval from their employer.
Visa Fees
The visa fees for Sweden and Italy are as follows:
| Visa Type | Sweden Visa Fee | Italy Visa Fee |
| Schengen Visa (Adult) | €80 (INR 7,200) | €80 (INR 7,200) |
| Schengen Visa (Children 6-12) | €40 (INR 3,600) | €40 (INR 3,600) |
| VFS Service Charge | INR 1,500 – 4,500 | INR 1,500 – 4,500 |
Note: Fees may vary based on exchange rates and service provider charges.
Processing Time
The standard processing times for both Sweden and Italy are as follows:
| Processing Stage | Sweden | Italy |
| Standard Processing | 15 calendar days | 15 calendar days |
| Extended Processing (if required) | Up to 45 days | Up to 30 days |
- It is recommended to apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned departure to allow for any delays.
- Applications requiring additional scrutiny or missing documents may take longer.
Where to Apply?
Applications for a Sweden visa for Indians and an Italy visa for Indians can be placed at VFS Global centers located in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, which are major cities in India.
Visit the authorized VFS Global website for Sweden and Italy to schedule for an appointment before proceeding to the center.
Financial Requirements
Sweden – Present proof of finances in the form of 48 euros for every day of your stay.
Italy – Proof of 269 euros is required for stays of less than 5 days, and 45 euros per additional day.
The proof of finances may be given in form of:
Personal bank statements for the last 3-6 months
Salary slips if employed
Income tax returns for the last 2 years
Travel Insurance
Also required by both Sweden and Italy is insurance to cover the following in case of travel:
Minimum medical costs amounting to €30,000
Valid in all the Schengen countries
Inclusion of emergency hospitalization and repatriation
Some of the popular travel insurance providers in India include Tata AIG, Bajaj Allianz, and ICICI Lombard.
Photograph Requirements
Sweden: 35mm x 45mm, white background, neutral expression.
Italy: 35mm x 45mm, high resolution, plain background.
Photographs: Must be recent (within 6 months) and Schengen-standard compliant.
Key Differences Between Sweden and Italy Visas
| Category | Sweden Visa | Italy Visa |
| Visa Fee (Adults) | €80 (INR 7,200) | €80 (INR 7,200) |
| Minimum Financial Proof | €48 per day | €269 for 5 days, then €45 per day |
| Processing Time | 15-45 days | 15-30 days |
| Additional Requirements | Cover letter, sponsorship proof | Employer leave approval, confirmed hotel booking |
Conclusion
Since this is a common platform for both countries, the application and processing of visas in Sweden and Italy are quite similar. However, there are some differences that will have effects on Indian applicants:
Sweden has lower financial proof requirements (only €48 per day) as compared to Italy (€269 for the first 5 days, then €45).
Visa processing for Italy is faster (15 -30 days) than that of Sweden (15 -45 days in some cases).
A detailed cover letter is required for Sweden, in Italy hotel booking confirmations are required.
If you are looking for fast results, go with Italy. If you have a sponsor or need to show less money, Sweden would be easier.
No matter where you are going, ensure that all documents are correct, apply early, and adhere to the guidelines given by the embassy, so that it does not get complicated at a later stage in your visa approval. Whether the visit is for enjoying the wilderness of Sweden or the historic sites of Italy, the right visa will make the experience pleasurable!
