Planning a dream backpacking adventure across Europe? If you’re traveling from India, securing your Schengen visa is step one — but keeping tabs on your Schengen visa status is equally important when organizing your itinerary, booking flights, and grabbing hostel deals.
Here’s your guide to making smart travel choices while waiting for that golden visa stamp!
1. Understand Your Visa Timeline
After you submit your biometric data, it usually takes 7–15 working days for the Schengen visa to be processed. Use this time wisely to shortlist destinations, compare rail passes, and find flexible accommodation options.
Tip: Never confirm non-refundable bookings until your Schengen visa status says “Approved.”
2. Track Your Visa Status Regularly
Use the official VFS tracking tool or your embassy’s visa portal. You’ll need:
- Your application ID/reference number
- Passport number
Track it every 2-3 days and watch for updates like “Visa forwarded to Embassy” or “Passport ready for dispatch.”
3. Plan a Flexible Route
While your visa is being processed, sketch a flexible backpacking route.
Start with:
- Arrival city (based on cheapest flights — often Italy, Germany, or Spain)
- Border-free train routes
- Nearby Schengen countries with budget-friendly stays
4. Book Travel the Smart Way
Once your Schengen visa status shows approval:
- Finalize your route and use multi-city flight options
- Use Hostelworld with free cancellation for accommodations
- Choose Eurail Pass if visiting 3+ countries
Hack: Save up to 30% on activities with GetYourGuide promo codes once your visa is approved!
5. Build a Buffer
Add 1–2 extra days before departure post-visa approval. It gives time to collect your passport, finish packing, and avoid last-minute chaos.
Conclusion: Travel Smart with Visa Confidence
Backpacking across Europe is a dream — but turning it into reality starts with aligning your travel plans with your Schengen visa status. By tracking your visa diligently, building a flexible itinerary, and booking smart, you can avoid last-minute chaos and make the most of every country on your route.
Let your journey be guided not by uncertainty, but by planning, patience, and a backpack full of possibilities. Europe is waiting — and so is your adventure.
