Europe has long been a dream for Indian travelers whether it’s walking through historic old towns, admiring scenic countryside, or finally seeing those iconic landmarks we’ve grown up watching in movies. But when the excitement of planning begins, it’s usually followed by a pause. Questions around visas, food preferences, and hotel comfort naturally come up, especially when travelling far from home.
If you’ve found yourself thinking along these lines, this guide is meant for you. Created with Indian travelers in mind, it goes beyond inspiration and focuses on what actually matters before you book. Whether you’re travelling for the first time, planning a family holiday, or heading out on a honeymoon, this guide will help you plan your Europe trip in 2026 with clarity, comfort, and confidence so your journey feels as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Understanding the Europe Visa Process for Indians
For most Indian travelers, the first big question while planning a European trip is the visa. Europe may look vast and complicated, but the good news is that travel across most European countries is possible with a single visa, the Schengen Visa.
A Schengen Visa allows Indian passport holders to travel freely across multiple European countries within the Schengen zone, without needing separate visas for each country. This makes multi-country Europe trips far more convenient than many travelers initially expect.
At first glance, the visa process can seem overwhelming, mainly because of the documentation involved. However, in reality, it is a structured and well-defined process. If your paperwork is complete and your application is submitted on time, getting a Schengen visa is usually smooth and predictable.
What Documents Are Required?
While requirements may vary slightly depending on the embassy you apply through, Indian travelers are generally asked to submit:
A valid passport (with at least six months validity and blank pages)
A detailed travel itinerary covering all destinations
Confirmed hotel bookings or accommodation details
Round-trip flight reservations
Travel insurance covering medical expenses (minimum €30,000 coverage)
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, salary slips, or income proof)
Visa application form and appointment confirmation
Some applicants may also be asked for employment details, leave approval letters, or business registration documents, depending on their profile.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Visa processing usually takes 10 to 15 working days, but during peak travel seasons or holidays, it can take longer. This is why it’s recommended to apply at least 4–6 weeks before your travel date. Early planning not only reduces stress but also allows time to correct any documentation issues if needed.
In some cases, embassies may request additional documents or schedule follow-up verification, which can slightly extend the timeline. Applying early gives you enough buffer and helps avoid last-minute surprises before your Europe trip.
Food in Europe: Indian & Vegetarian-Friendly Options
For Indian travelers, food is more than just a meal it’s a big part of feeling comfortable, especially for vegetarians. In fact, this is one of the most common concerns people have while planning a trip to Europe.
The good news is that Europe is much more Indian and vegetarian friendly than most people expect today.
In almost every major European city, you’ll easily find Indian restaurants, vegetarian cafés, vegan spots, and Asian food options. Cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Zurich, and Berlin have strong Indian communities, so authentic Indian food both North and South Indian is widely available.
Vegetarian travelers can also enjoy many local European dishes. Meals made with cheese, vegetables, bread, pasta, rice, and fresh salads are common across the continent. In recent years, vegan and plant-based food have become very popular, making it easy to find meat-free options even in smaller towns.
Hotels That Work Well for Indian Travellers
While most European hotels do not serve Indian food at breakfast, this is rarely a problem for Indian travelers. Standard hotel breakfasts across Europe usually include plenty of vegetarian-friendly options such as fresh fruits, cereals, bread, butter, jams, eggs, yogurt, tea, coffee, and juices enough to start the day comfortably.
Hotel Brands Commonly Preferred by Indian Travelers
Novotel – Spacious rooms, good breakfast spreads, family-friendly
Ibis – Clean, budget-friendly, centrally located
Mercure – Comfortable stays with a premium touch
Hilton Hotels – Trusted international standard and excellent service
Holiday Inn – Familiar comfort, reliable breakfast, good locations
These hotels are popular not because they serve Indian food, but because they offer consistent quality, clean rooms, good connectivity, and locations close to city centres or public transport. In many cities, Indian restaurants are also located nearby, making lunch or dinner arrangements easy.
Is the Process Difficult?
For first-time travelers, the Schengen visa process can feel unfamiliar, and that’s completely normal. But in reality, it isn’t as complicated as it may seem at the start. Every year, thousands of Indian travelers successfully obtain Schengen visas for holidays, family trips, and leisure travel.
The process mainly depends on having clear documentation, providing accurate information, and applying within the recommended timeline. When these basics are in place, the application moves smoothly.
With proper preparation or support from an experienced travel professional, the entire visa journey becomes far less stressful than expected. And once your visa is approved, you can finally shift your focus to what truly matters: planning your Europe trip and enjoying the experience ahead.
Why Choosing the Right Travel Partner Matters
While Europe is welcoming and easy to explore, good planning plays a big role in how smooth your trip feels. This is where choosing the right travel partner truly makes a difference.
An experienced travel company takes care of key details like flight planning, visa documentation, hotel selection, and itinerary design so travelers don’t have to stress over things that can easily go wrong. With expert guidance and support, you can avoid last-minute surprises and enjoy the journey with complete peace of mind.
Why Polar Routes Is the Right Choice for Europe Travel
Polar Routes understands the specific needs of Indian travelers planning international trips, especially to Europe. From thoughtfully designed itineraries to support with visas, flights, and hotels, every detail is managed with care and transparency.
What truly sets Polar Routes apart is its focus on what matters most to Indian travelers:
Indian-friendly hotel selections
Well-planned routes covering key European highlights
Support for vegetarian and Indian meal preferences
Clear and reliable guidance on visas and documentation
Personalized assistance from trip planning to return
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or in a group, Polar Routes ensures your Europe journey is smooth, comfortable, and completely stress-free.
Why Europe is Worth the Experience
Beyond planning and logistics, Europe is all about unforgettable experiences. From the romantic streets of Paris and the breathtaking Swiss Alps to the historic charm of Rome and the picture-perfect canals of Amsterdam, every destination has its own story to tell.
What makes Europe truly special is how seamlessly you can move between countries each offering a new culture, cuisine, and atmosphere. With the right planning in place, travel becomes effortless, allowing you to focus less on worries and more on discovering the magic of Europe.
Plan Confidently, Travel Stress-Free
This Europe Travel Guide for Indians 2026 is created to clear common doubts and make trip planning simple and stress-free. With clear guidance on visas, food options, hotel comfort, and expert support from Polar Routes, you can plan your journey with complete confidence.
Europe is far more Indian-friendly than most travelers imagine. With the right information and the right travel partner, your dream Europe trip isn’t far away it’s well within reach.
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Your Europe dream deserves expert planning and the right travel partner. With Polar Routes, you don’t just book a trip you get a well-organized, comfortable, and stress-free Europe experience designed especially for Indian travelers.
From visas and flights to hotels, food preferences, and perfectly planned itineraries, our team handles every detail so you can travel with complete confidence.
✨ Now is the perfect time to start planning.
Click the link below, connect with Polar Routes, and let our experts turn your Europe plans into a smooth and memorable journey.
Yes. Europe is very welcoming to Indian travelers. From Indian and vegetarian food options to comfortable hotels and easy transportation, travelling across Europe has become smooth and convenient with proper planning.
With efficient transport and well-planned routes, you can easily cover 3–6 countries in one trip. Polar Routes designs itineraries based on your travel style, duration, and comfort.
The best time is April to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and crowds are manageable. Polar Routes helps you choose the best travel period based on your preferences.
Polar Routes offers end-to-end assistance including:
- Visa guidance
- Flight and hotel bookings
- Customized itineraries
- Indian-friendly travel planning
- Support before, during, and after the trip
