In 2024, many Indian travellers saw their Europe travel plans end before they even began. Instead of preparing for flights and sightseeing, they received a short message saying their Schengen visa application had been rejected. This rejection did not just stop travel plans. It also caused a major financial loss. As per the reported data, Schengen visa rejections cost Indian applicants around ₹136 crore in 2024. This happened during a year when overseas travel from India reached very high levels.
The Schengen visa is required to travel to more than 25 European countries using a single permit. It is widely used by Indian tourists, students, and business travellers. However, the application process is strict. In 2024, more than 1.6 lakh Schengen visa applications from India were rejected. Since the visa fee is non-refundable, every rejection meant a direct money loss for the applicant, even though no travel took place.
High Rejections Despite Growing Foreign Travel
The year 2024 marked a strong rise in international travel by Indians. Over 3 crore Indians travelled abroad during the year. Europe continued to remain one of the most popular destinations. Many travellers were young adults, with Millennials and Gen Z leading the trend. They travelled for holidays, education, work-related reasons, and cultural experiences.
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At the same time, Schengen visa rejections remained high. Around 11 lakh applications were submitted by Indians in 2024. Out of these, over 1.6 lakh applications were denied. This means nearly 15 percent of applicants did not receive approval. These rejections placed India among the countries facing the highest financial losses due to Schengen visa denials.
The total loss of ₹136 crore came only from visa fees. This amount does not include other travel-related expenses. Many applicants had already paid for flight tickets, hotel bookings, travel insurance, and paperwork. Some of these costs were also non-refundable. For many families, this meant losing a large amount of money along with cancelled travel plans.
Common Reasons Behind Visa Refusals
Schengen visa rules are very detailed, and applications are carefully checked. One common reason for rejection is the inability to clearly show strong ties to India. Applicants must prove that they will return after their visit. If documents related to jobs, education, family, or financial stability are not strong enough, the application may be refused.
Incomplete or unclear paperwork is another major reason. Applicants must submit bank statements, travel plans, accommodation details, and insurance papers. Any missing information or mismatch in documents can raise concerns. Even small mistakes can result in rejection.
Financial proof is also important. Applicants must show they can afford their stay in Europe. Weak bank balances or unclear money records may lead to denial. Travel history also plays a role. First-time international travellers may face more scrutiny compared to those who have travelled abroad before.
Many applicants depend on agents or online guidance. This can sometimes lead to incorrect documentation or misunderstanding of requirements, increasing the risk of rejection.
Financial Impact of Non-Refundable Visa Fees
One of the biggest issues highlighted in 2024 was that Schengen visa fees are non-refundable. Once the application is submitted and the fee is paid, the money is not returned, even if the visa is denied. With more than 1.6 lakh rejections, the total loss reached ₹136 crore.
For middle-class families, this loss was difficult to bear. Some applicants had saved for months to plan their trip. When visas were rejected, families lost money and travel opportunities. Many travellers also felt discouraged from applying again due to fear of losing more money.
The data from 2024 shows a clear gap between the rising desire to travel and the strict visa process. While international travel from India continued to grow, Schengen visa rejections resulted in large financial losses and emotional stress for many Indian travellers.