Massive! Indians Lose ₹136 Crores to Schengen Visa Rejections in 2024: France Tops the Denial List

India ranks third globally in visa fee losses as 1.65 lakh applications get rejected, fueling concerns for travel and tourism ties.

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.

Key Highlights:

Applications from India:

  • Total lodged: 11.08 lakh
  • Approved: 5.91 lakh
  • Rejected: 1.65 lakh

India’s financial loss:

Also Read: Important Info. For Rail Travellers! Indian Railways Launches SwaRail App: All-In-One Travel Solution

  • ₹136.6 crore in lost visa fees (~€14 million)

Top rejection countries for Indians:

  • France: 31,314 rejections
  • Switzerland: 26,126
  • Germany: 15,806
  • Spain: 15,150
  • Netherlands: 14,569

Global figures:

  • Total rejections worldwide: 17 lakh
  • Total revenue from failed applications: €145 million (~₹1,410 crore)

Rising Costs & Concerns:

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.

Calls for Reform:

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.

Implications:

The visa challenges are also seen as a setback for India-EU relations, particularly in the areas of student exchanges, business ventures, and tourism.

Also Read: Indian Tourists Boycott Turkey, Azerbaijan Over Pro-Pakistan Stand; Cancellations Surge 250%


Tags:

Schengen Visa Rejections, India France Visa Denial, Indian Travel to Europe, Tourism India-Europe, Schengen Visa Fee Hike, Indian Students Abroad

News Desk

Recent Posts

Israel Reports Injury As Missile Debris Falls

Bahrain says it intercepted dozens of missiles and drones amid escalating Iran conflict March 6,…

14 hours ago

BJP, Congress Issue Whip For MPs

Parties direct Lok Sabha members to attend Parliament as Budget Session resumes on March 9…

14 hours ago

Rahul Gandhi Calls Politics An ‘Unpleasant Job’

Congress leader tells students public life demands resilience, values and readiness to face hardships March…

14 hours ago

Boost Immunity Naturally: Ayurvedic Tips From Ashwagandha to Warm Foods

In traditional Indian medicine, immunity is deeply connected with overall body balance. According to Ayurveda,…

15 hours ago

Post-Holi Skin Care: Dermatologist Suggests Simple 4-Step Routine to Repair Your Skin

After the vibrant celebrations of Holi, many people are left dealing with colour stains, dryness,…

15 hours ago

US War On Iran Costs $3.7 Billion In 100 Hours

Think tank analysis highlights soaring military expenses as conflict enters its first week March 6,…

16 hours ago