As summer holidays near, Europe is witnessing a major spike in interest from Indian travelers. According to recent data, Schengen visa applications from India have increased by a remarkable 29% in early 2024, signaling a strong recovery in outbound tourism and growing enthusiasm among Indian citizens to explore the continent.

Nearly 966,687 Schengen visa applications were submitted by India in 2023, a notable 43% increase over the year before. With this number, India ranks second only to China and Turkey in the world in terms of Schengen visa requests. As more Indians book their summer holidays in well-liked European locations like France, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland, this growing trend seems to be continuing in 2024.

Reasons behind the surgeSeveral factors are driving this increase in visa demand. Firstly, the strengthening Indian economy and expanding middle class have significantly boosted international travel aspirations. Many Indians now have the means and desire to travel abroad for leisure, especially during holiday seasons.

Read more: Top 10 Indian states with highest crime rates

Europe continues to be a top destination, thanks to its rich cultural offerings, stunning landscapes, and the ease of travel between Schengen Area countries. Once a traveler secures a visa from one Schengen nation, they can freely visit up to 27 countries without facing additional border checks, making travel across the region incredibly convenient.

Adding to the appeal is the European Commission’s newly introduced “visa cascade” system for Indian nationals. Under this regime, frequent travelers to the Schengen Area can now be granted multi-entry visas valid for up to two years, and potentially extended to five years. This policy rewards travel history and simplifies repeat visits, encouraging more Indians to apply.

Moreover, plans to digitize the visa process—including online application portals and biometric integration—are also expected to make the experience faster and smoother in the future. The future of travel is digital, and it’s looking pretty sleek!


Challenges and limitationsDespite all the wanderlust in the air, the travel boom has hit a classic bureaucratic speed bump. In major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, snagging a visa appointment is starting to feel like trying to score concert tickets for a global pop star—stressful, elusive, and over in seconds. Would-be travelers are left refreshing embassy websites, and often forced to reshuffle their vacation dreams thanks to vanishing interview slots—especially for hot-ticket destinations like Germany and Italy.

Read more: 5 best weekend retreats near Noida you will want to bookmark

Just when you thought your Euro trip dreams were safe, here comes another update—Schengen visa fees are going up. Starting June 11, 2024, adult application fees will jump from €80 to €90, and kids aged 6 to 12 will now have to cough up €45 instead of €40. Sure, it’s not a big hike, but when you're already budgeting for overpriced gelato and museum entry, every euro counts. Europe's still calling—but now with slightly pricier postcards.

The Schengen visa surge reflects not only pent-up demand from the pandemic years but also a broader trend of global travel normalization. As Europe gears up for an influx of Indian tourists this summer, it will be critical for visa centers to improve capacity, reduce wait times, and ensure a seamless process. For Indian travelers, the allure of European summers remains as strong as ever.