Schengen Visa Rejections: Indian Travellers Lose Over 109 Crores

Indian travellers hoping to explore the wonders of Europe faced a common hurdle in 2023: visa rejection. A new report by Schengen News reveals that India ranked among the top five nationalities with the highest number of rejected Schengen visa applications.

Out of a total of 151,752 visa requests submitted by Indians, over 15% were denied. This resulted in a financial setback of €12.1 million (approximately Rs. 109 crore) due to non-refundable application fees.

Who Faced the Most Rejections?

Across all Schengen member states, a staggering 1.6 million visa applications were rejected in 2023. This translates to €130 million (Rs. 1,172 crores) collected in application fees.

The nationalities most affected by these rejections included:

• Turks: €13.5 million spent (Rs. 117.8 crores) on rejected applications.
• Algerians: €13.3 million spent (Rs. 116.1 crores) on rejected applications.
• Indians: €12.1 million spent (Rs. 105.6 crores) on rejected applications.
• Moroccans: €10.9 million spent (Rs. 95.1 crores) on rejected applications.
• Chinese: €4.8 million spent (Rs. 41.9 crores) on rejected applications (despite having a relatively high approval rate).

Also Read: 10 Common Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejection – And How to Avoid Them

Financial Impact on Indian Travellers

The cost of a Schengen visa application for an Indian citizen above 12 years old was €80 (approximately Rs. 7,200) before June 11th, 2023. This fee can vary depending on factors like age, purpose of travel, and nationality.

Considering the rejection rate, a rough estimate suggests that Indian applicants collectively spent nearly Rs. 696 crore on visa applications in 2023. With over 1.5 lakh rejections, this translates to a loss of Rs. 109 crore on trips that never materialized.

Rising Costs and Calls for Reimbursement

The situation is further compounded by the increasing cost of visa applications. The Schengen visa fee rose from €80 to €90 (Rs. 8,100) in June 2023. This represents a significant expense for many applicants, particularly those from countries like Morocco where the fee is equivalent to a quarter of the national average wage.

The high rejection rate and rising application fees have sparked discussions in Morocco, with calls from lawyers urging the government to push for a refund system for rejected Schengen visa applications.

Also Read: Schengen Visa Rejection Rates by Nationality: Check Easiest Countries to Get a Visa From

Planning Your Schengen Visa Application

While the high rejection rate for Indian applicants is a concern, it shouldn’t deter you from pursuing your European travel dreams. Here are some tips to increase your chances of visa approval:

• Meet with a travel agent or visa consultant: They can guide you through the application process and ensure you submit all the necessary documents.
• Ensure your application is complete and error-free: Double-check all information and provide clear documentation to support your travel plans.
• Apply well in advance: Processing times can vary, so plan ahead to avoid any last-minute delays.

Conclusion

The statistics from 2023 underscore a challenging landscape for international travelers, particularly from India and other affected countries. As rejection rates remain high and costs escalate, advocacy for fairer visa policies and financial transparency continues to grow, aiming to alleviate the financial burdens faced by travelers seeking to explore Europe.