Schengen visa rejections cost travelers $160 million in 2024

Key Takeaways

• In 2024, 11.7 million Schengen visa applications had a 15% rejection rate, causing €160 million losses globally.
• India ranked third with 1.1 million applications, 165,266 rejections, and €14 million lost in non-refundable fees.
• Visa fees rose from €80 to €90 mid-2024, increasing financial losses for rejected applicants worldwide.

In 2024, travelers around the world lost a staggering $160 million (about €145 million) due to Schengen visa rejections, according to the latest data released by the European Commission in May 2025. This marks an 11% increase from the previous year, driven by a surge in visa applications and a mid-year hike in visa fees. Among all countries, India stands out as one of the most affected, ranking third globally in both the number of applications and the total financial losses from rejected Schengen visas. The impact of these rejections is not just financial; it disrupts travel plans, affects families, and creates frustration for millions of people seeking to visit Europe.

Why Are Schengen Visa Rejections So Costly in 2024?

The Schengen visa allows travelers to visit 27 European countries with a single visa. However, the process is not always straightforward. In 2024, the application fee increased from €80 to €90 (about ₹8,000), and this fee is non-refundable—meaning applicants lose their money if their visa is denied. With over 11.7 million applications filed globally and a rejection rate of nearly 15%, the financial losses quickly add up.

India alone saw 1.1 million applications, with 165,266 rejections—a 15% rejection rate. Indian applicants lost a total of €14 million (₹136 crore) in non-refundable fees. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this places India among the top three countries most affected by Schengen visa rejections, both in terms of numbers and financial impact.

Where Are Most Applications and Rejections Happening?

The countries processing the highest number of Schengen visa applications are France, Spain, and Germany. These nations also account for the largest share of rejections and lost fees. For example, France alone rejected 481,139 applications in 2024, the highest in absolute numbers. Spain and Germany followed with 244,432 and 206,733 rejections, respectively.

For Indian travelers, the situation is especially challenging. Not only is India among the top sources of Schengen visa applications, but it also faces some of the highest rejection rates. This has led to growing calls from Indian travel associations for more transparency and streamlined processes to reduce financial losses.

What’s Behind the Rising Rejection Rates?

Several factors have contributed to the increase in Schengen visa rejections and the resulting financial burden:

• Higher Application Volumes: As travel rebounded after the pandemic, there was a 13.4% increase in Schengen visa applications in 2024 compared to 2023.
• Fee Increase: The mid-2024 hike in visa fees from €80 to €90 directly increased the amount lost by rejected applicants.
• Tighter Scrutiny: Some Schengen countries, such as Malta, Belgium, and Estonia, have adopted stricter screening and documentation standards. This has led to higher rejection rates, especially for applicants from countries like India, Turkey, and Morocco.
• No Refund Policy: Visa fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome. This means every rejected application represents a direct financial loss for the traveler.

How Does the Schengen Visa Application Process Work in 2025?

Applying for a Schengen visa involves several steps. Understanding the process and preparing thoroughly can help reduce the risk of rejection:

1. Determine Your Main Destination: Apply through the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend the most time.
2. Gather Documentation: You’ll need a valid passport, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, evidence of financial means, travel insurance, and documents showing the purpose of your visit.
3. Schedule an Appointment: Book a slot at the relevant consulate or a visa application center.
4. Pay the Fee: As of mid-2024, the fee is €90 per application. This fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied.
5. Attend the Interview: Provide biometric data and answer questions about your travel plans.
6. Wait for a Decision: Processing times vary, especially at busy embassies.
7. Receive the Outcome: If rejected, you’ll get a letter explaining the reason, but you won’t get your money back.

For official guidelines and the latest updates, applicants can visit the European Commission’s Schengen Visa Policy page.

Who Is Most Affected by Schengen Visa Rejections?

The financial and emotional impact of Schengen visa rejections is felt most strongly in countries with high application volumes and rejection rates. Here’s a closer look at the numbers from 2024:

Key points:
– India’s rejection rate: 15% (165,266 out of 1.1 million applications)
– Total lost by Indian applicants: €14 million (₹136 crore)
– Global rejection rate: 14.8% (1.7 million out of 11.7 million applications)

What Are the Practical Effects for Travelers?

The consequences of Schengen visa rejections go beyond lost money. Travelers often face:

• Disrupted Plans: Many must cancel or change travel arrangements, leading to additional costs and disappointment.
• Missed Opportunities: Business trips, family visits, and educational opportunities may be lost due to visa denials.
• Emotional Stress: The process can be stressful, especially when applicants are not told exactly why their visa was refused.

For Indian travelers, these issues are especially pressing. With a high rejection rate and significant financial losses, many are left frustrated and uncertain about future travel to Europe.

Why Are Some Embassies Tougher Than Others?

Travel industry experts point out that rejection rates vary widely between Schengen countries. For example:

• Slovenia and Malta have the highest rejection rates for Indian applicants (50.8% and 44.9%, respectively).
• France rejects the highest absolute number of applications from India, but its rejection rate is lower than some smaller countries.

This means that the choice of which country’s embassy to apply through can make a big difference. Experts recommend that applicants:

• Research embassy-specific trends before applying.
• Ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid common reasons for rejection.
• Consider applying through countries with lower rejection rates if travel plans allow.

What Can Applicants Do to Improve Their Chances?

Given the high stakes, applicants should take extra care when preparing their Schengen visa applications. Here are some practical tips:

• Double-check all documents: Missing or incorrect paperwork is a common reason for rejection.
• Show strong ties to home country: Provide evidence that you will return home after your trip, such as a job letter, property documents, or family commitments.
• Provide clear travel plans: Include a detailed itinerary, confirmed hotel bookings, and proof of return flights.
• Demonstrate financial stability: Show bank statements and other proof that you can afford your trip.
• Follow embassy guidelines: Each Schengen country may have slightly different requirements, so check the official website of the embassy you are applying to.

For Indian applicants, the VFS Global website and the official embassy pages for France, Germany, Spain, and other Schengen states provide country-specific instructions.

How Are Stakeholders Responding?

The rising cost and frequency of Schengen visa rejections have sparked calls for reform from several quarters:

• Indian travel associations are urging European authorities to make the process more transparent and efficient.
• Travel industry experts warn that high rejection rates and costs may discourage travelers, hurting European tourism.
• Schengen authorities say that increased demand and limited resources have forced them to tighten screening, but they acknowledge the need for fair and efficient processing.

According to VisaVerge.com, there is growing pressure on embassies to handle higher volumes of applications with limited staff, which may contribute to longer processing times and stricter scrutiny.

Are There Any Policy Changes on the Horizon?

As of May 2025, no major procedural changes have been announced for the Schengen visa application process. The fee increase and stricter documentation requirements introduced in 2024 remain in place. However, ongoing geopolitical and migration concerns could lead to even tighter rules in the future.

Stakeholders in India and other affected countries continue to advocate for:

• More transparent decision-making: Clearer explanations for rejections and better communication from embassies.
• Streamlined processes: Faster and simpler application procedures to reduce the burden on travelers.
• Fairer treatment: Efforts to address the disproportionately high rejection rates faced by applicants from certain countries.

What About Multiple-Entry Visas?

One positive development for Indian travelers is the increased issuance of multiple-entry visas (MEVs). In 2024, 63% of approved Indian applicants received MEVs, which allow for more flexibility and repeated visits to the Schengen area. This is especially helpful for business travelers and those with family in Europe.

What Does the Future Hold?

Looking ahead to 2025, demand for Schengen visas is expected to remain high. There are no announced plans to reduce fees or change the non-refund policy, so applicants should continue to prepare carefully and stay informed about evolving requirements.

Travelers from India and other high-rejection countries should:

• Monitor embassy-specific trends and choose their application destination wisely.
• Prepare thorough, well-documented applications to maximize approval chances.
• Stay updated on any policy changes by checking official government sources.

Official Resources for Applicants

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Schengen visa policies, applicants should consult:

• European Commission Schengen Visa Policy
• Embassy and consulate websites for the country of main destination
• VFS Global for India-specific guidance

Key Takeaways for 2025

• Schengen visa rejections are at a record high, with India among the most affected nations.
• Non-refundable visa fees and stricter scrutiny have led to significant financial losses for travelers.
• Applicants should prepare carefully, research embassy-specific trends, and stay informed to improve their chances of approval.
• Stakeholders are calling for reforms to make the process more transparent and fair, but no major changes are expected in the near future.

By understanding the current landscape and taking practical steps, travelers can better manage the risks and costs associated with Schengen visa applications. For those planning to visit Europe in 2025, careful preparation and attention to detail remain the best ways to avoid costly rejections and make the most of travel opportunities.

Learn Today

Schengen visa → A permit allowing travel to 27 European countries with one visa for short stays up to 90 days.
Rejection rate → The percentage of visa applications denied out of the total submitted within a specific period.
Non-refundable fee → The visa application charge that is not returned to applicants if their visa request is denied.
Multiple-entry visa → A visa allowing travelers to enter and exit the Schengen Area multiple times during its validity.
Visa application process → The series of steps including document submission, interview, biometric data, and waiting for decision.

This Article in a Nutshell

Schengen visa rejections surged in 2024, with India among the most affected. Non-refundable fees rose to €90, escalating losses. Over 1.7 million visas were denied globally, disrupting travel plans and causing €160 million in lost fees. Preparation and awareness remain crucial for hopeful travelers to avoid costly refusals.
— By VisaVerge.com

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