Rejected Schengen Visas - Indians suffer financial loss of ₹109 crores
Europe is the ideal dream destination for indian travellers, particularly in the Schengen region where hassle-free travel across data-borders is guaranteed. In addition to Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and more, Schengen permits let visitors tour over 29 european nations. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the best of Europe. However, because to turbulent visa denials, this ambition is not always realised.
According to a recent Schengen news report, the protracted visa application procedure results in an enormous financial loss. Schengen visa applications denied to indian applicants cost the country ₹109 crore (about €12.1 million) in 2023. Tourists data-face a substantial financial burden because to the non-refundable visa cost, even if the application procedure may seem affordable or convenient at first. All the money is lost in the event that a visa application is denied, and there is no possibility of a reimbursement. Given how expensive and constantly increasing visa fees are, this is both unsettling and financially taxing.
An alarming number of indian visa applications are denied each year, shattering aspirations of travelling to Europe. 151,752 of the 966,687 indian visa applications were denied. Right now, india is one of the top nations with the most Schengen visa rejections. Schengen nations denied 1.6 million visa applications in the previous year, costing ₹1,172 crore in lost fees.
These nationalities were denied the most Schengen visas last year:
Turkish applicants: 169,514 visas rejected
Algerian applicants: 169,514 visas rejected
Indian applicants: 151,752 visas rejected
Moroccan applicants: 136,367 visas rejected
Chinese applicants: 60,554 visas rejected
Turkish applicants: 169,514 visas rejected
Algerian applicants: 169,514 visas rejected
Indian applicants: 151,752 visas rejected
Moroccan applicants: 136,367 visas rejected
Chinese applicants: 60,554 visas rejected
Applications for visas be denied for a variety of reasons, such as unclear trip objectives, missing paperwork, and inadequate evidence of sufficient funds to cover travel expenditures. Furthermore, some visas were turned down because of prior visa infractions and unsatisfactory job histories.
The cost of a visa has increased over time. With effect from june 11, 2024, the european Commission raised the cost of Schengen visas by 12% for all nations. The adult admission charge has increased from €80 (about Rs. 7000) to €90 (roughly Rs. 8000). Sixth and twelve-year-olds will now pay €45 (about Rs. 4000), instead of €40 (roughly Rs. 3500).
Higher hikes might be imposed on nations deemed to be recalcitrant in repatriating persons; costs could climb to between €135 and €180 (about Rs. 12000 to Rs. 16000). This decision follows a planned review of EU visa costs in december 2023, which is carried out in accordance with the Schengen Visa Code every three years.