Indian travellers face a financial hurdle when attempting to visit Schengen countries in Europe. A significant number of visa applications are rejected, resulting in lost application fees and impacting travel plans due to visa rejections.
High Rejection Rates and Financial Losses. According to the Schengen Statistics Portal, a staggering 151,752 visa applications submitted by Indians were denied in 2023. This translates to a financial loss of approximately €12.1 million (Rs 109 crore) due to non-refundable application fees. With the overall Schengen visa rejection rate at 15.81%, Indian applicants experience a similar rejection rate of 15.70%.
Top Reasons for Visa Rejections
Incomplete documentation, weak financial proof, and unclear travel intentions are the main culprits behind visa rejections for Indian applicants. A history of visa violations or an unstable employment record can also lead to denials.
Additional Challenges and Costs: Since June 11, 2024, Schengen visa application fees have increased by 12%. Adult applicants now pay €90 (approximately Rs 8,000), with children aged 6-12 paying €45 (approximately Rs 4,000). For countries deemed uncooperative in repatriating citizens, fees might be as high as €180 (approximately Rs 16,000).
Tips for Indian Travellers
To mitigate financial losses, Indian travellers are advised to consider travel insurance with visa fee refund options. This can help recoup some costs in case of an unexpected rejection. Additionally, travel insurance covering trip cancellations can reimburse flight costs if a visa is denied due to unforeseen circumstances.
By carefully preparing their applications, ensuring complete documentation, and providing strong financial proof, Indian travellers can increase their chances of obtaining a Schengen visa and avoid the financial setbacks associated with rejections.
For many Indian travel enthusiasts, Europe, particularly the Schengen area with its promise of hassle-free border crossings, represents the ultimate travel dream. Schengen visas unlock the doors to exploring over 29 European nations, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the continent’s diverse cultures and landscapes.
However, this dream can quickly turn into a financial nightmare due to a high number of visa rejections. A recent report by Schengen News highlights the staggering cost associated with this issue. In 2023, Indian applicants faced a collective loss of ₹109 crore (approximately €12.1 million) due to rejected Schengen visa applications.
The non-refundable visa fees, initially perceived as a minor cost in the overall travel budget, become a significant financial burden when applications are denied. Rejected visas mean lost money, with no chance of recouping the exorbitant fees that continue to rise every year.
This issue is further amplified by the sheer number of rejected applications. Out of the 966,687 applications submitted by Indians in 2023, a concerning 151,752 were denied. India now ranks among the top countries facing the highest number of Schengen visa rejections, contributing to a total loss of ₹1,172 crore across all refused applications from various nationalities last year.
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