Indian Tourists Face Financial Losses Due to Schengen Visa Rejections in 2024

Overview of Visa Rejections

In 2024, a staggering number of over 1.65 lakh Schengen visa applications submitted by Indian tourists faced rejection, resulting in a hefty financial setback. The total financial loss amounted to ₹136 crore, primarily attributed to the non-refundable visa fees associated with the applications. The major countries contributing to these rejections are France, Switzerland, and Germany, raising concerns among travelers and travel agencies alike.

Financial Impact of Visa Fees

Each Schengen visa application incurs a fee averaging €85 (around INR 8,270). This puts India in a noteworthy position, as it ranks third globally in terms of losses incurred from rejected visa applications. Countries like Algeria and Turkey have reported higher losses, but India’s financial impact is still significant. A report from Conde Nast reveals that out of a total of 11.08 lakh applications lodged, only 5.91 lakh were approved, leading to a roughly 15 percent rejection rate based on the European Commission’s data.

Breakdown of Rejections by Country

Increased Visa Fees and Its Implications

In mid-2024, the Schengen visa fee for applicants aged 12 and above saw an increase from €80 to €90. The average fee across all Indian applications was around €85 throughout the year. With nearly INR 916 crore spent on Schengen visa fees by Indian applicants, the economic implications of these high rejection rates extend beyond individual applicants to affect broader tourism, business exchanges, and academic opportunities with Schengen countries.

The Global Picture

India’s rejection figures add to a staggering global total of over 17 lakh rejected Schengen visa applications, resulting in a cumulative financial loss of approximately EUR 145 million (INR 1,410 crore) from unsuccessful applicants worldwide. Indian applicants alone contributed around EUR 14 million (INR 136.6 crore) to this figure. These statistics underline a crucial challenge as more Indian travelers express interest in visiting Europe for tourism, education, and job opportunities.

Concerns Among Travelers and Agencies

The consistently high rates of visa rejections and the associated financial fallout have triggered alarms among both travel agencies and frequent travelers. The implications of these refusals ripple outward, affecting not just individual plans but broader tourism dynamics between India and various Schengen nations. The pressure is mounting for travel agencies, which are faced with navigating an increasingly complicated application process while managing client expectations and financial investments.

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