“schengen visa is the worst for Indians.
Tickets, hotels, car rent booking, bank account, payslip, tax returns, noc from company, leave letter, passport, biwi, bache sab mangte hai for a stupid visa that takes 2 weeks+ to process.”
This isn’t just a frustrated Indian voicing complaints on X about the intrusive Schengen visa application process—it’s a frustration shared by hundreds. Applying for this visa is costly and time-consuming with the looming possibility of rejection.
And when it comes to expenses, it’s far from cheap. Since June 11, travelling to Europe has become even pricier with the European Commission raising short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) fees by 12 per cent globally. Adult applicants now pay €90, up from €80, while children aged six to 12 face a fee of €45, a €5 increase. Children under six are exempt.
For Indians, visiting a Schengen country can often feel like a daunting task, as the complicated and lengthy visa process can overshadow the excitement of travel. The process is complex and unpredictable with applicants scrutinised almost like suspects forced to provide details that feel more suited to a criminal investigation than a vacation.
Indians love to travel, but…
Indians are far from rare when it comes to global travel, yet they continue to face open and insulting discrimination from Schengen countries during the visa process. A report in The Conversation from September highlighted that according to the UN’s tourism agency, international travel had reached 97?per cent of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024, with regions like Africa and Europe already surpassing these numbers.
Indian travellers are a major force in this revival. No country’s outbound tourism is growing faster. This trend prompted Indian airlines to order record numbers of new planes in 2024. With India’s middle class currently comprising 31?per cent of its population—a figure set to reach 60?per cent by 2047—the future will likely see over 1 billion middle-class Indians eager to explore the world.
In 2023, Indian tourists spent a substantial $33.3 billion (around £25.3 billion), a fact recognised by various destinations. Japan, for instance, introduced a new e-visa system for Indian tourists in April to attract more visitors. Dubai launched a five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa specifically for Indians, while South Africa will begin a simplified visa scheme in 2025. Countries like Malaysia, Kenya, Thailand, and Iran have completely removed visa requirements for Indian nationals.
Despite rising demand, some European markets—especially Schengen countries—have been slow to adapt. According to The Conversation, the Schengen visa process remains lengthy, demanding extensive paperwork and finding appointments can be a greuelling task.
The UK visa process reflects similar frustrations with applicants facing excessive paperwork including bank statements and invitation letters and receiving little explanation when applications are rejected. This burdensome process leaves many Indians—and others—feeling mistreated and unfairly scrutinised.
Cumbersome documentation process for Indians
Applying for a Schengen visa can be difficult and frustrating for Indian travellers due to its complicated and invasive requirements. The application asks for a lot of paperwork, including travel plans, hotel bookings, flight tickets bank statements and sometimes even an employer or school letter. This can be overwhelming, especially for first-time applicants who may need to pay for extra help. Even if eligible for a long-term visa, travellers may only receive a short-term one if their passport is near expiration, creating extra costs and hassle.
Another issue is the inconsistency across consulates, with some prioritising applicants with recent European travel history and others not, leading to varied processing times. According to a Times of India report, planning trips across multiple Schengen countries can be tricky too as travellers must apply at the consulate of the country where they’ll spend the most time. Limited appointment slots can also mess up plans.
Financial documents like bank statements and income proof are often required, which can be invasive, especially for self-employed people or students. Travellers also have to book accommodations in advance, risking non-refundable costs if their visa is delayed or denied. Some may even be asked to show proof of accommodations when entering, which can feel unnecessary.
Visa processing can take a long time, especially during busy seasons, creating uncertainty and last-minute changes. Additionally, the 90-day limit within a 180-day period can be limiting for those wanting to stay longer for family visits, cultural experiences, or study. These challenges, combined with paperwork, financial checks and long wait times, make Europe a less attractive destination despite its appeal.
As reported by The Economist, India’s tourism growth is impressive, with more Indians travelling and spending abroad. However, many are now choosing nearby destinations over Europe due to high visa fees and strict requirements.
What is a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa allows its holder to travel freely within the Schengen Area—a zone of 29 European countries that have removed passport and other border controls along their shared borders. This area includes popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and many more.
Typically, a Schengen visa is granted for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, suitable for tourism, business, or family visits. It provides a streamlined travel experience across these countries without needing multiple visas. Schengen visas come in several types, including:
Uniform Schengen Visa (USV): For short stays.
Airport Transit Visa (ATV): For passing through the international zone of Schengen airports without entering the Schengen Area.
US visa application process less stressful
According to a Times of India report, the US visa process for Indian travellers is generally seen as simpler and more efficient than the Schengen visa application. While the Schengen process requires a lot of paperwork, the US has reduced it by using technology for background checks. Applicants need to complete an online form, then attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate and the result is usually provided soon after making it less complicated than the multiple steps needed for a Schengen visa.
Unlike a US tourist visa (B1/B2), which is usually valid for 10 years with multiple entries, a Schengen visa does not provide such luxury. Significantly, the US visa remains valid even if the passport expires meaning travellers don’t need to reapply when they renew their passports. Another benefit of having a US visa is that many other countries recognise its thorough vetting process making it easier for US visa holders to enter those countries unlike a Schengen visa.
Visa rejections costing millions
A report in The Economic Times in June this year said that Indians faced high visa rejection rates for Schengen countries in 2023, ranking among the top five nationalities with the most denials. Out of 151,752 applications, many were rejected, leading to a loss of €12.1 million in fees for Indian travellers. This highlights the financial strain on Indian applicants attempting to visit Europe.
However, despite the challenges, Indian travellers’ interest in Europe remains high with Schengen visa applications from India up 43 per cent in 2023 compared to 2022. To ease access, the European Commission introduced a new visa system for Indians allowing a two-year multi-entry visa for those who have held two visas in the last three years, which can lead to a five-year visa.
Link to article –
Why Europe’s Schengen visa regime is a speed breaker for globe-trotter Indians
