Indians Lost ₹100+ Crore to Schengen Visa Rejections in 2024: How to Secure Your German Visa Approval
Introduction
Indian travelers faced huge financial losses in 2024 due to Schengen visa rejections. The total amount lost exceeded ₹100 crore. Out of over 1 million applications, 165,000 were denied. The rejection rate was nearly 15%. India ranked third in visa-related financial losses after Algeria and Turkey. Many applicants aimed for Germany, but thousands were rejected. Understanding the reasons behind these denials is important. This guide explains key rejection factors and how to improve approval chances.
Schengen Visa Rejection Trends for Indian Applicants
Schengen visa approval has become stricter. Indian applicants faced high rejection rates across different countries.
Schengen visa application fees are non-refundable even after the visa is rejected and this policy applies to all applications regardless of the reason for their rejection.
If your previous Schengen visa application was rejected, then you need to submit a completely new application again when you wish to travel to the Schengen area.
Do You Need to Apply Again After Rejection of your Schengen Visa?
Yes. A rejected Schengen visa cannot be reactivated or modified. You have to apply again fresh with the new application.
Visa Applicants must:
- Start a new application
- Pay the visa fee again
- Book a new appointment
- Submit all the required documents again
Make sure to carefully review the rejection letter and correct any issues mentioned in the document. Whether it's related to financial proof, travel insurance, intent to return, or any incomplete documentation.
When re-applying application again fill out the new form, pay the visa fee once more and provide updated supporting documents that address the reasons for your earlier rejection. Providing a well-prepared application for the second time significantly increases chances of approval.
Learn more about Schengen Visa Guide for Indians traveling to Europe:
https://scoutabroad.com/blogs/schengen-visa-guide-for-indians-traveling-to-europe
These were the top three nations that denied Indian Schengen visa applications:
- France rejected 31,314 applications
- Switzerland rejected 26,126 applications
- Germany rejected 15,806 applications
Germany is a popular choice for students, professionals, and travelers. Despite this, many visa applications were denied. Visa fees are non-refundable. A rejection means money lost and no trip. Many applicants face delays, extra paperwork, and wasted expenses.
Read more about Germany Student Visas Approval and Rejection Rates: https://scoutabroad.com/blogs/germany-student-visas-approval-and-rejection-rates-explained
Indian Schengen visa applications rejection
List of countries with high rejection rates for Indian Schengen visa applications in 2024:
- France – 30,000+ rejections
- Switzerland – 26,000+ rejections
- Germany – 15,000+ rejections
- Spain – 14,000+ rejections
- Netherlands – 12,000+ rejections
- Italy – 10,000+ rejections
- Austria – 8,700+ rejections
- Greece – 7,900+ rejections
- Sweden – 6,500+ rejections
- Belgium – 5,800+ rejections
Top Schengen Visa Destinations of Indian Applicants in 2024
- Switzerland – 200,000+ applications
All processed centrally through its New Delhi embassy.
Strong demand driven by tourism to Swiss alpine and easy European access. - France – 190,000+ applications
Processed across five consulates.
Major consulates handling applications:
Mumbai – 60,000+
Bangalore – 50,000+
New Delhi – 49,000+
Popular among students, families and tourists. - Germany – 140,000+ applications
Mumbai consulate processed 120,000+ applications, showing strong demand from Maharashtra and nearby areas. - Spain – 97,000+ applications
Applications were nearly evenly split between:
Mumbai: 50,000+
New Delhi: 40,000+
Widespread interest across India. - Netherlands – 91,000+ applications
All processed centrally through its New Delhi embassy.
Steady demand for business, study and tourism. - Italy – 60,000+ applications
- Austria – 40,000+ applications
- Greece – 40,000+ applications
- Sweden – 30,000+ applications
Schengen Countries with Most Indian Visa Rejections in 2024
- France – ₹25+ crore loss (30,000+ rejections)
- Switzerland – ₹21+ crore loss (20,000+ rejections)
- Germany – ₹12+ crore loss (15,000+ rejections)
- Spain – ₹12+ crore loss (15,000+ rejections)
- Netherlands – ₹12 crore loss (14,000+ rejections)
Schengen Visa Rejections: Countries Bearing the Highest Costs in 2024
- Algeria – ₹125+ crore loss (185,000+ rejections)
- Turkey – ₹115+ crore loss (170,000+ rejections)
- India – ₹130+ crore loss (165,000+ rejections)
- Morocco – ₹78+ crore loss (115,000+ rejections)
- China – ₹54+ crore loss (80,000+ rejections)
India's Spending on Schengen Visas in 2024
- Visa fee hike: Increased from €80 to €90 for applicants aged 12 and above.
- Average fee: €85 per application ₹8,270.
- Total applications filed: 1.1 million by Indian applicants.
- Total spending on Schengen visas: ₹916 crore (€95 million).
- Loss due to rejections: ₹130 crore (€14 million) in non-refundable fees.
Key Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejections
Applicants targeting Germany should know the common reasons for visa rejections. Avoiding mistakes can improve chances.
- Incomplete Documentation:
Missing forms or unclear documents lead to rejection. - Financial Instability:
If funds are insufficient, visas are denied. - Weak Travel Intent:
Officials reject applications when they suspect the traveler might overstay. - Past Visa Violations:
A history of overstays or past denials affects new applications. - Inaccurate or False Information:
Errors or misleading details can lead to automatic rejection.
Read more about Why Germany Visas Get Rejected and How to Avoid It:
https://scoutabroad.com/blogs/why-germany-student-visas-get-rejected-and-how-to-avoid-it
How to Improve Schengen Visa Approval for Germany
Applicants can take simple steps to increase their chances of approval.
- Submit Complete Documents:
Ensure all paperwork is correct and clear. Include flight reservations, accommodation proof, and a strong itinerary. - Show Financial Stability:
Maintain a healthy bank balance and submit accurate financial statements. - Clarify Travel Intentions:
Provide strong evidence of ties to India, such as work commitments or family responsibilities. - Apply Through Trusted Sources:
Seek guidance from reliable visa consultants to reduce mistakes. - Avoid Last-Minute Applications:
Apply early and allow time for corrections.
Concerns of Tourists over Rising Visa Rejections
- Travelling agencies / Consultancies and frequent international travelers are worried about increasing Schengen visa denials.
- The process lacks transparency making it difficult to understand why Visa applications are rejected.
- Many applicants suffer financial losses, missing opportunities in tourism, education and business due to Visa rejections.
- Experts are calling for clearer guidelines and simplified procedures to ensure fair visa approvals.
Germany Ends Visa Appeal Process and what was the Remonstration Procedure?
- Applicants could request a re-examination of their rejection within one month.
- This process allowed some travelers to overturn refusals without reapplying from scratch.
- With its removal, rejected applicants must now submit a new visa application instead of appealing.
- Germany is abolishing its visa remonstration procedure
- From 1st July 2025 Germany will permanently abolish the remonstration procedure.
- Applicants will no longer be able to appeal for a visa rejection.
Conclusion
India lost over ₹100 crore in Schengen visa fees due to rejections in 2024. Germany remains a difficult but achievable destination. Strong applications reduces the chances of Visa denial. By following best practices during the application process most applicants can improve their chances of getting approved and making their travel plans a reality.
How Scoutabroad Can Help Indian Tourists for Schengen Visa.
Professional visa consultancy like Scoutabroad can be your secret weapon against Visa rejections. We offer personalized guidance to streamline the application process.
- Expert Advice:
Consultants clarify requirements, ensuring you meet study abroad visa criteria. - Document Review:
Our visa experts double-check your paperwork to avoid errors. - Interview Prep:
Mock interviews boost confidence for consulate questions. - Time Saving:
Focus on your travel while our experts handle the logistics.
Ready to make your study abroad or travel dreams come true? Contact us to book a free consultation with our visa experts and start your European journey today!
Book Now: https://app.scoutabroad.com
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