Indian Applications Among Most Rejected for Schengen Visas

Each year, millions of international tourists travel across Europe, many of them requiring Schengen visas to enter. However, a substantial rise in visa rejections has caused significant financial losses for applicants, including a considerable number from India.

Recent statistics indicate that India ranks third in the list of countries with the highest number of Schengen visa rejections. Of the 1.108 million visa applications submitted by Indian nationals last year, 165,000 were rejected. This led to an estimated financial loss of approximately ₹136 crore for Indian applicants, according to a report released by the European Commission.

The Condé Nast report further revealed that in total, 1.7 million Schengen visa applications were rejected globally last year. Based on average visa fees, these rejections generated an estimated revenue of ₹1,410 crore from non-refundable application charges.

Visa application fees were increased in June of the previous year, rising from €80 to €90. Using an average of €85 per application, the rejection-related financial impact on Indian applicants alone amounts to a significant figure, highlighting the growing challenges faced by travelers from the region.