Massive! Indians Lose ₹136 Crores to Schengen Visa Rejections in 2024: France Tops the Denial List
May 23, 2025 | India ranks third among countries that suffered the highest financial losses from Schengen visa rejections in 2024, according to a report by Condé Nast. Over ₹136 crore in non-refundable fees was lost due to 1.65 lakh rejected applications from India alone.
Also Read: UK Visa Guide for Indians: Visitor, Study, Work, and Family Options Explained
The 15% rejection rate has raised alarms across travel agencies and prospective travelers. Alongside India, Algeria and Turkey top the list of countries facing substantial visa rejections and financial setbacks.
✅ Applications from India:
✅ India’s financial loss:
✅ Top rejection countries for Indians:
✅ Global figures:
The rejection rate comes as Schengen visa fees for Indian applicants aged 12 and above rose from €80 to €90. Children under 12 and special categories remain exempt from this increase.
The financial impact and high rejection rates have sparked worry among travel operators, students, and businesses that rely on easy mobility between India and Europe.
Experts and travel stakeholders are urging clearer guidelines and faster processing to reduce visa rejection rates and boost tourism and business ties.
“These high rejection rates are not just a financial burden but also hurt cultural and academic exchange,” said a senior official at a travel agency.
The visa challenges are also seen as a setback for India-EU relations, particularly in the areas of student exchanges, business ventures, and tourism.
Schengen Visa Rejections, India France Visa Denial, Indian Travel to Europe, Tourism India-Europe, Schengen Visa Fee Hike, Indian Students Abroad
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