“The worst thing for Indians is the Schengen visa.

Tickets, hotels, car rental booking, bank account, pay stub, tax returns, noc from company, letter of permission, passport, biwi, bache sab mangte hai for a stupid visa that took over 2 weeks to process.”

The worst thing for Indians is the Schengen visa.

Tickets, hotels, car rental booking, bank account, pay stub, tax returns, noc from company, letter of permission, passport, biwi, bache sab mangte hai for a stupid visa that took over 2 weeks to process.

— Madhusudanan (@onlymadhoo) May 24, 2023

This isn’t just an angry Indian voicing his complaints to X about the annoying Schengen visa application process; It’s a frustration shared by hundreds of people. Applying for this visa is costly and time-consuming and is likely to be rejected.

And when it comes to expenses, it’s not cheap at all. Since June 11, travel to Europe has become even more expensive, with the European Commission increasing short-term Schengen visa (Type C) fees by 12 percent worldwide. Adult applicants will now pay €90, down from €80, while children aged six to 12 will face a fee of €45, an increase of €5. Children under the age of six are exempt.

For Indians, visiting a Schengen country can often seem like a daunting task as the complex and lengthy visa process can overshadow the excitement of the trip. The process is complex and unpredictable; applicants are scrutinized almost like suspects forced to provide details more suited to a criminal investigation than a holiday.

Indians love to travel but…

Indians are far from rare when it comes to global travel, but they continue to face blatant and humiliating discrimination from Schengen countries during the visa process. a report Speech He emphasized that as of September, international travel has reached 97 percent of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024, according to the UN’s tourism agency, with regions such as Africa and Europe already exceeding these figures.

Indian travelers are a major force in this revival. No country’s foreign tourism is growing this fast. This trend has led Indian airlines to order a record number of new aircraft in 2024. While India’s middle class currently constitutes 31 percent of its population (this figure is expected to reach 60 percent by 2047), the future is likely to see a middle class of more than 1 billion. Indians are eager to explore the world.

In 2023, Indian tourists spent a significant $33.3bn (approximately £25.3bn); This is a fact acknowledged by various destinations. For example, Japan introduced a new e-visa system for Indian tourists in April in a bid to attract more visitors. Dubai has introduced 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 the visa requirement for Indian citizens.

Despite growing demand, some European markets (particularly Schengen countries) have been slow to adapt. Accordingly SpeechThe Schengen visa process still takes a long time, requires extensive paperwork, and finding an appointment can be a tiring task.

The UK visa process reflects similar frustrations, with applicants facing excessive paperwork such as 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 scrutinized.

Cumbersome documentation process for Indians

Applying for a Schengen visa can be difficult and frustrating for Indian travelers due to its complex and invasive requirements. The application requires a lot of paperwork, including travel plans, hotel reservations, airline tickets, bank statements, and sometimes even a letter from an employer or school. This can be very difficult, especially for first-time applicants who may need to pay for extra help. Even if they are eligible for a long-term visa, travelers can only obtain a short-term visa if their passport is close to expiring, creating extra cost and hassle.

Another problem is the inconsistency between consulates; Some give priority to applicants with recent European travel history, while others give priority to applicants with a recent European travel history, which results in different processing times. According to a india times According to the report, planning a trip between more than one Schengen country can also be difficult because travelers have to apply to the consulate of the country where they will spend the most time. Limited appointment slots can also disrupt plans.

Financial documentation, such as bank statements and proof of income, is often required and can be challenging, especially for self-employed individuals or students. Travelers also have to book accommodation in advance, risking non-refundable charges if their visa is delayed or rejected. Some may even be asked to show proof of accommodation when entering, which may seem unnecessary.

Visa processing can take a long time, especially during peak seasons, which can create uncertainty and last-minute changes. Additionally, the 90-day limit within a 180-day period may be limiting for those wishing to stay longer for family visits, cultural experiences, or educational purposes. These challenges, combined with paperwork, financial checks and long waiting times, make Europe a less attractive destination, despite its appeal.

As reported by EconomistIndia’s tourism growth is impressive; more Indians are traveling and spending abroad. However, many people now prefer nearby destinations via 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, which consists of 29 European countries that have removed passport and other border controls along their common borders. This region includes popular destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain and many more.

Typically the Schengen visa is issued for short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, suitable for tourism, business or family visits. It provides a smooth travel experience between these countries without the need for multiple visas. Schengen visas come in various types, including:

Uniform Schengen Visa (USV): For short stays.

Airport Transit Visa (ATV): To pass through the international zone of Schengen airports without entering the Schengen Area.

US visa application process less stressful

According to a india times According to the report, the US visa process for Indian travelers is generally seen as simpler and more efficient than applying for a Schengen visa. While the Schengen process requires a lot of paperwork, the US has reduced this work by using technology for background checks. Applicants must fill out an online form, then attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and the result is usually provided shortly after, making it less complicated than the numerous steps required for a Schengen visa.

Unlike the US tourist visa (B1/B2), which is usually valid for 10 years and has multiple entries, the Schengen visa does not provide such luxury. Importantly, the US visa will remain valid even if the passport expires, meaning travelers will not need to re-apply when they renew their passport. Another benefit of having a US visa is that many other countries recognize extensive vetting processes, thus making it easier for US visa holders to enter these countries, unlike a Schengen visa.

Visa denial costs millions

a report Economic Times In June this year, it was said that Indians face high visa rejection rates for Schengen countries in 2023 and are among the top five most rejected countries. Most of the 151,752 applications were rejected, resulting in lost wages of €12.1 million to Indian travellers. This highlights the financial pressure on Indian applicants trying to visit Europe.

But despite the challenges, Indian travelers’ interest in Europe remains high, with Schengen visa applications from India rising by 43 percent in 2023 compared to 2022. The European Commission has introduced a new visa system allowing two-year multiple visas for Indians to facilitate access. -For those who have held two visas in the last three years, an entry visa may lead to a five-year visa.