Why Is It So Difficult For Indians To Get Europe's Schengen Visa? | Explained

Last Updated:January 30, 2026, 12:53 IST

Under what has been described as the "Mother of All Deals" between India and the European Union, visas have emerged as a key area of negotiation

European authorities assess applications through the lens of what they call "return risk". (AI-Generated Image)

You’ve saved enough, taken leave from work and planned the perfect photograph in front of the Eiffel Tower. Then, just days before departure, a single email shatters the plan, saying “visa rejected". For lakhs of Indians every year, this is a quite common situation.

At the heart of the problem is the Schengen visa, the single permit that allows travel across 29 European countries without internal border checks. Much like travelling between states in India without showing a passport, a Schengen visa lets a tourist move freely from France to Germany or Italy by road or rail. That freedom is precisely why it is among the most difficult visas to secure.

European authorities assess applications through the lens of what they call “return risk". Visa officers are trained to assume that every applicant could potentially overstay and attempt to settle illegally unless proven otherwise. The scrutiny, therefore, goes far beyond documents and focuses on whether an applicant has strong enough reasons to return to India.

Certain profiles automatically invite suspicion. Young applicants between 20-30 years of age, unmarried, and with modest incomes are often categorised as “high risk", based on the assumption that they may seek informal employment abroad. Officials also examine what ties an applicant has to India, which is property ownership, family responsibilities or a stable job. Weak ties raise doubts about whether the traveller will return.

Another underlying concern is economic disparity. Even low-paying jobs in Europe, when converted to rupees, can appear more lucrative than white-collar salaries in India. This gap fuels the fear that some visitors may choose to stay back, adding to the strictness of the system.

However, this may be on the cusp of change. Under what has been described as the “Mother of All Deals" between India and the European Union, visas have emerged as a key area of negotiation. India’s position has been straightforward, that if Europe wants greater access to the Indian market for its cars, wine and other goods, mobility for Indian citizens must improve.

Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev noted that the new framework could significantly speed up visa processing and ease entry norms. The proposed changes span students, professionals and tourists.

For students, the shift could be transformative. Until now, many Indian students studying in Europe were required to leave immediately after completing their degrees. The new arrangement is expected to guarantee post-study work visas, allowing graduates to stay for one to two years to seek employment and gain international experience.

Professionals, particularly in sectors such as information technology, engineering and healthcare, are also likely to benefit. A fast-track mechanism is expected to allow short-term project travel of up to 90 days, with visas potentially cleared within two to three days instead of months.

Tourists stand to gain the most visible relief. Frequent travellers have long complained about having to reapply for a fresh visa for every trip. Under the proposed “cascade system", applicants who have previously travelled on a Schengen visa and complied with all rules could be issued long-term multiple-entry visas valid for 2-5 years. This would allow repeat travel without repeated fees and paperwork.

Until these changes fully take effect, applicants are advised to strengthen their applications carefully. A detailed cover letter explaining the purpose of travel and, crucially, the intent to return is essential. Financial records should show a stable bank balance over at least six months, with funds exceeding the estimated cost of the trip. Visa officers also look favourably on clear travel itineraries, confirmed accommodation, and evidence of previous international travel.

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