Overview of the Visa Dilemma
In 2024, Indian applicants for the Schengen visa faced considerable obstacles, resulting in over 1.65 lakh rejections and financial losses of around ₹136 crore due to non-refundable fees. Major countries contributing to these rejections include France, Switzerland, and Germany, sparking concerns in the tourism sector, particularly regarding the effects on travel, business, and educational exchanges.
Visa Applications—A Breakdown
Out of a total of 11.08 lakh Schengen visa applications submitted from India, only 5.91 lakh received approval, resulting in a rejection rate of nearly 15%. This places India as one of the top three countries negatively impacted in terms of losses from rejected visa applications, only surpassed by Algeria and Turkey.
Країна | Rejections | Financial Loss (INR) |
---|---|---|
Франція | 31,314 | ₹25.8 crore |
Швейцарія | 26,126 | ₹21.6 crore |
Німеччина | 15,806 | ₹13 crore |
Іспанія | 15,150 | ₹12.5 crore |
Netherlands | 14,569 | ₹12 crore |
The Rising Costs and Impacts on Travel
Schengen visa fees for Indian travelers aged 12 and over saw an increase mid-year from EUR 80 to EUR 90, averaging around EUR 85 across applications. By the end of 2024, Indian applicants collectively spent nearly ₹916 crore on Schengen visa fees, further exacerbating concerns within the travel community. Travel agencies and frequent flyers are deeply worried, as these visa refusals not only affect individual travelers but also the broader tourism, business interactions, and academic opportunities between India and Schengen countries.
The Global Context
India is not alone in its experience with high rejection rates. Countries such as Algeria, Turkey, Morocco, and China share similar challenges. In a global view, the total number of rejected Schengen visa applications exceeded 17 lakh, leading to a staggering EUR 145 million in fees from unsuccessful applicants worldwide.
Future Implications for Indian Travelers
The European Commission has yet to release specific demographic data regarding the rejected applications, but the staggering numbers emphasize the issues faced by Indian travelers attempting to secure Schengen visas. With a growing number of individuals eager to visit Europe for travel, education, and work, the need for an efficient and accessible visa application process remains imperative.
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