Indian Travellers Face Longer Wait Times, Higher Costs for Schengen Visas

Recent data shows that the Schengen visa fee increase by around ₹2,000, from ₹7,200 to ₹9,000, is not the primary deterrent for Indian travellers. Instead, prolonged visa processing times are significantly affecting their travel plans.

Despite the higher costs, the typical travel budget of ₹2-3 lakh per person suggests that the fee hike is a minor concern compared to the challenges posed by delays in visa issuance.

Long Delays, Not Fees, Are the Real Deterrent

Travel industry experts believe the real challenge lies in obtaining visas on time. Existing issues like shortage of interview slots, processing delays and high rejection rates are major deterrents. These factors combined might contribute to a lukewarm response towards Schengen countries among Indian travellers.

Also Read: Schengen Visa Fee Hike: Who’s Affected and Who Gets Exempted?

Staff Shortages and Procedural Delays

Consulate staff shortages and cumbersome procedures are blamed for the delays and rejections. This contributes to the hassle factor associated with Schengen visas.

Alternative Destinations Rise

Data shows that visitor count from India to Europe hasn’t recovered from the pandemic, sitting roughly 35% below pre-Covid levels. This, coupled with the high demand backlog for Schengen visas, has led to a surge in Indian travel to alternative destinations.

Travelers are increasingly drawn to destinations with easier visa processes, like;

1. Vietnam
2. Baku
3. Almaty
4. Sri Lanka
5. Thailand

Destinations with Streamlined Visas

The shift towards Central Asian and Eurasian countries like Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey highlights this trend. These countries have already seen a surge in Indian tourism due to their easier visa processes.

New System Offers Hope

While travel demand for Schengen countries has been relatively stagnant compared to previous years, the recently introduced cascade system could be a game-changer. This system allows long-term multi-entry visas for Indians who have previously obtained and used two visas within three years.

The implementation of this system is expected to increase the overall number of applications despite the fee hike. This is because it’s the first time Indians have a clear path to getting a longer-term visa, which could outweigh the processing delays in the long run.

Conclusion

While the increased Schengen visa fees have a minimal impact on Indian travellers, the extended wait times for visa processing are a significant obstacle. As a result, more accessible destinations with simpler visa procedures are gaining popularity.

However, the Schengen region still holds its appeal, particularly with the new visa cascade system offering a streamlined process for obtaining longer-term visas.