India Ranks Third In Schengen Visa Applications For 2024 With 1 In 6 Rejection Rate

New Delhi: India emerged as the third-largest applicant for Schengen visas in 2024, with nearly 1.1 million applications submitted, according to newly released data from the European Commission. The figures reveal an approval rate of 84.5%, with 936,748 visas granted to Indian nationals. However, 15% of the applications, amounting to 165,266, were denied. 

The majority of approved applicants, nearly 63%, were issued multiple-entry visas (MEVs), which enable travelers to enter and exit the Schengen area multiple times during the visa’s validity. MEVs are particularly valuable for frequent travelers and business visitors, reflecting a preference for more flexible travel access among Indian applicants. 

A Schengen visa permits non-European Union nationals to visit the countries in the Schengen zone for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. These visas are typically granted for tourism, business, medical treatment, short-term education, or visiting family and friends.

China topped the list in 2024 with 1.78 million Schengen visa requests, out of which 1.69 million were approved. This equated to a low rejection rate of just 4.6%. However, only 34% of Chinese applicants received MEVs. Turkey followed with 1.17 million applications, narrowly ahead of India. Notably, Turkey had the high share of MEVs at 65%.

Overall, Schengen countries received 11.7 million visa applications in 2024, up from 10.3 million the previous year. Of these, 9.79 million were approved, translating to a global average rejection rate of 14.8%. MEVs were issued to more than half of all successful applicants worldwide, underlining a continued demand for flexible travel options.

The surge in applications highlights a strong post-pandemic recovery in international travel, with India maintaining its position as one of the leading contributors to outbound tourism and business travel in Europe.