Schengen visa rejections cost Indians Rs. 90 crore loss
Ever since COVID-19 restrictions related to travel and tourism were waived, there has been a rapid increase in both domestic and international travel. Speaking of the latter, India has seen a rise in Schengen visa applications by a whopping 415% in 2022. However, recent data shared by Schengen Visa Info reveals it is still the world's second-largest country in terms of visa rejections!
More than 100,000 Schegen visas were rejected in 2022
Per the data, over 100,000 Schengen visa applications by Indians were refused in 2022, which caused an estimated loss of Rs. 87 crore as travelers had to cancel their air tickets and accommodation reservations. Last year, the country received 671,928 visa applications, of which 18% i.e. 121,188 were rejected. The rejection percentage continues to remain higher than the global average of 17.9%.
The math behind rejections and consequent losses
At the moment, the visa application fee for Indians above the age of 12 with an ordinary passport is Rs. 7,200. Going by the data, it is safe to say that the country invested approximately Rs. 480 crore in visa applications in 2022. Of this, Rs. 87 crore were incurred as losses as 121,188 applications were declined permission.
Algeria tops the rejection list, Turkey falls close behind India
In 2022, Algeria experienced the highest number of Schengen visa refusals with 179,409 of 392,478 rejected, amounting to a rejection rate of 45.8%. While India stands at 18%, Turkey accounted for 15.2%. Morocco, Russia, Tunisia, etc. also followed suit as they experienced high rejections.
Why does a Schengen visa gets rejected?
Schengen visas can be rejected on various grounds including false or inadequate travel documents, criminal accusations/records, and insufficient explanation for the purpose of one's travel or stay. Other reasons include a damaged passport, the invalidity of the passport, an invalid letter of reference, a faulty birth/marriage certificate, inadequacy in the proof of travel itinerary, invalid travel insurance, and insufficiency in presenting proof of accommodation.
What to do if your Schengen visa gets rejected?
There are two steps you can follow - re-apply or appeal. If you re-apply, identify the reasons for your rejection and rectify them this time. You will have to wait for at least 30 days to re-apply for a new Schengen visa. Also, don't attach the same old documents. However, if you are willing to appeal, write an appeal letter to the concerned authorities.
How to write an appeal letter correctly?
You can write an appeal letter citing reasons why the rejection was unjustified. Begin with your personal details, the date when your application was rejected, the reason for refusal as stated in the rejection letter, and the reason you believe it's unjustified. End with signatures.
