The European Commission’s 2025 State of Schengen report had revealed significant insights about visa application trends among Indian nationals. It was indicated that in 2024, Indians had submitted a total of 1.1 million Schengen visa applications, pointing to a highly competitive environment for those hoping to travel to Europe. The report detailed which countries had issued the highest number of visas to Indians, offering a strategic perspective for travelers planning European vacations or business visits during the summer of 2025. The European countries that issued the most Schengen visas to Indian applicants in 2024 included Switzerland, France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Greece, and Sweden. Switzerland led with 191,162 visas approved out of 217,373 applications, followed by France with 165,564 approvals from 197,959 applications. Germany and Spain also recorded high approval numbers, granting 126,812 and 80,806 visas respectively. The Netherlands and Italy issued 75,727 and 53,539 visas, while Austria and Belgium approved 33,896 and 26,556 visas respectively. Greece and Sweden completed the list with 28,230 and 28,109 visas issued. These countries not only recorded significant volumes of applications but also maintained strong approval rates, making them prime destinations for Indian travelers seeking entry into the Schengen zone during 2024.

According to the report, Switzerland topped the list by granting 191,162 Schengen visas out of 217,373 applications submitted by Indian citizens. This represented an approval rate of approximately 87.94%, making Switzerland the most generous Schengen visa issuer to Indians in 2024. France followed closely, approving 165,564 visas from 197,959 applications, which translated to an approval rate of 83.63%. Germany came in third place, with an approval rate of 88.70%, having issued 126,812 visas out of 142,955 applications. Other countries in the top ten included Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Greece, and Sweden, each with varied approval rates but significant numbers of Indian visas approved.

Travel industry analysts have observed that these approval trends have crucial implications. Countries with higher visa approval rates can potentially attract more Indian tourists and business visitors. As such, many prospective travelers might strategically apply for visas in countries with faster processing times and higher acceptance rates to increase their chances of securing European entry, especially during peak summer seasons.

Appointment Scheduling Variations and Their Impact

It was further noted by visa facilitation services such as VFS Global that appointment scheduling varied significantly across different Schengen countries and even among cities within India. Switzerland, for instance, was highlighted as an advantageous destination for applicants due to its availability of next-day visa appointment slots in major Indian cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. This factor, combined with its high visa approval rate, rendered Switzerland an ideal first point of contact for Indians looking to minimize waiting times and uncertainty.

In contrast, France was noted to have its earliest visa appointment slots available only from late May—specifically May 26 in New Delhi and May 28 in Mumbai—potentially delaying travel plans for those targeting early summer travel. Portugal’s situation was mixed; while next-day slots were available in Mumbai, its availability in Delhi and Bengaluru was described as irregular and erratic. Such disparities in appointment accessibility add an important layer of complexity for travelers who need to align their schedules with available visa processing timelines.

Travel consultants have advised potential tourists and business travelers to plan well in advance, taking into account both visa approval rates and appointment availabilities to optimize their travel planning. The competition to secure appointments, especially during the busy summer season, is expected to be intense, underscoring the necessity for early applications.

Detailed Breakdown of Visa Approvals by Country

The European Commission’s report detailed the top ten Schengen countries issuing the most visas to Indian nationals in 2024, with corresponding approval rates and total approvals as follows:

• Switzerland: 87.94% approval rate, 191,162 visas approved from 217,373 applications
• France: 83.63% approval rate, 165,564 visas from 197,959 applications
• Germany: 88.70% approval rate, 126,812 visas from 142,955 applications
• Spain: 83.13% approval rate, 80,806 visas from 97,204 applications
• Netherlands: 83.21% approval rate, 75,727 visas from 91,003 applications
• Italy: 88.69% approval rate, 53,539 visas from 60,365 applications
• Austria: 77.91% approval rate, 33,896 visas from 43,504 applications
• Belgium: 90.56% approval rate, 26,556 visas from 29,322 applications
• Greece: 68.15% approval rate, 28,230 visas from 41,418 applications
• Sweden: 85.33% approval rate, 28,109 visas from 32,939 applications

This quantitative data provided a clear hierarchy of Schengen countries, which could influence traveler choices. The high approval rate in Belgium at 90.56%, despite a relatively lower volume of applications, showed that some smaller Schengen countries might offer less congested and more reliable processing routes for visa seekers.

Implications for the Travel Industry and Indian Travelers

The patterns highlighted in the 2024 report hold several implications for the travel industry, particularly within Europe and the Indian outbound market. For airlines, hospitality businesses, and travel service providers, understanding which countries are most accessible via visa channels can help optimize marketing strategies and service offerings targeted at Indian travelers.

The apparent preference for destinations like Switzerland, France, and Germany, not only because of their cultural and touristic appeal but also due to their visa issuance statistics, suggests that these countries may see an increase in Indian tourist arrivals. This, in turn, could lead to economic benefits, such as higher spending on accommodation, dining, and local attractions. Furthermore, easier visa access could encourage more frequent business trips, enhancing trade ties and investment flows between India and these European countries.

Travel agencies and consultants have recognized the importance of advising clients to apply through countries with better visa approval statistics and faster appointment availability to increase travel success rates. This awareness could shift demand towards specific Schengen states, creating competitive dynamics within Europe’s tourism market.

Global Effects on Travelers and Cross-Continental Mobility

From a broader perspective, the data on Schengen visa issuance to Indians also reflects evolving patterns in global mobility and intercultural exchange. With India emerging as one of the largest sources of international travelers, particularly to Europe, the visa policies and operational efficiency of Schengen countries play a pivotal role in shaping global travel flows.

The information suggests that Indian travelers are becoming increasingly savvy and strategic in navigating visa regimes. Countries that streamline application processes and maintain high approval rates might enjoy a growing share of Indian visitors, reinforcing their international tourism profiles.

On the other hand, the variation in appointment availability and approval rates could cause bottlenecks and frustration for some travelers, potentially pushing them to seek alternative destinations or travel periods. This underlines the continuing importance of transparent, efficient visa systems in facilitating global travel and supporting international tourism economies.

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