India now stands as the third highest in terms of financial losses due to Schengen visa rejections. In 2024, the country faced a loss of approximately 136 crores attributed to non-refundable fees from rejected visa applications, which totaled over Rs 1.65 lakh. Algeria and Türkiye follow closely behind in these statistics.
The rejection rate currently sits at around 15%, according to the European Commission. A report from Conde Nast reveals that about Rs 11.08 lakh worth of Schengen visa applications were submitted from India, with approvals at Rs 591 lakh but denials reaching Rs 165 lakh.
Countries like Türkiye, Morocco, and China are also noted for their rising rejection rates, contributing to a total of more than 17 lakh rejected applications in 2024.
France led in rejections among Indian applicants, with a staggering 31,314 applications turned down. Following France are Switzerland, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands, which recorded 26,126, 15,806, 15,150, and 14,569 rejections, respectively.
Moreover, the application fees for Indian applicants over the age of 12 have risen from 80 euros to 90 euros. Children under 12, students, and representatives of non-profits are not subject to this increase.
The high rates of rejection and the subsequent economic impact are raising alarms among travel agents and travelers alike, jeopardizing tourism and business prospects, as well as academic exchanges between nations.
This situation emphasizes the necessity for clearer guidelines and a more streamlined application process, which could enhance travel opportunities between India and European nations.
