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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.

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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:

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₹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.

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