Data · 2024

Schengen Visa Refusal Rate for Indians (2024)

In 2024, Indian travellers filed about 1.1 million Schengen visa applications — and roughly 1 in 6 was refused. Here is the data on how many, which countries refuse the most, and what it costs.

~15%

2024 refusal rate for Indian applicants

165,266

Indian applications refused in 2024

₹136 crore

lost in non-refundable fees & costs

3rd

highest visa-rejection losses worldwide

Refusals by Schengen country (Indian applicants, 2024)

Number of Indian applications refused, by the country that decided them.

France31,314

Switzerland26,126

Germany15,806

Spain15,150

Netherlands14,569

Refusal rate by country

Refusals as a share of applications processed (where both figures are available).

France≈ 15.8%

Switzerland≈ 12.0%

Germany≈ 11.1%

Germany: 15,806 refused of 142,955 applications. Switzerland: 26,126 of 217,373. France: 31,314 of 197,959.

Where Indians apply

Switzerland

217,373 applications

processed centrally via New Delhi

France

197,959 applications

across five consulates

Germany

142,955 applications

mostly western India; ~121,086 via Mumbai

Why so many strong applicants are refused

A 15% refusal rate is not about money — well-off, salaried and business applicants are refused too. The file usually failed on one fixable ground: unproven return intent, weak finances, an inconsistent itinerary or non-compliant insurance.

Sources & methodology

Figures are for calendar year 2024, compiled by FastVisa123 from EU Commission Schengen visa statistics and 2025 reporting. You are welcome to cite this page with a link to fastvisa123.com.

European Commission — Short-stay visas issued by Schengen countries
Business Standard — “1 in 6 Indian Schengen visa requests rejected in 2024”
VisaHQ — “Schengen visa rejections cost Indian travellers ₹136 crore in 2024”
Gulf News — Schengen visa rejection losses, India 2024

Schengen refusal data — FAQ

What is the Schengen visa refusal rate for Indians?

In 2024, about 15% of Indian Schengen applications were refused — roughly 1 in 6. Around 936,748 visas were granted and 165,266 were refused out of about 1.1 million applications.

Which Schengen country rejects the most Indian applicants?

By volume in 2024, France refused the most (31,314), followed by Switzerland (26,126), Germany (15,806), Spain (15,150) and the Netherlands (14,569).

How much do refusals cost Indian travellers?

Refused applicants lost roughly ₹136 crore in 2024 in non-refundable embassy and service fees and related costs, making India the third-largest contributor to global visa-rejection losses.

Which country has the lowest refusal rate for Indians?

Among major destinations with published figures, Germany had a relatively lower refusal rate (~11%), with Switzerland around 12% and France around 16%.

How can I avoid a Schengen visa refusal?

Most refusals come down to one fixable ground — unproven return intent, weak or unstable finances, an inconsistent itinerary, or non-compliant insurance. A consistent, well-documented file addresses each. FastVisa123 prepares your complete file for a flat ₹10,000 + 18% GST.

Don’t become a statistic

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