8 countries most likely to reject Schengen visas for Indians

Indian travellers filed more than 1.15 million Schengen visa applications in 2025, making India the world's third-largest source market for Schengen visas. However, over 181,000 applications did not result in a visa being issued, translating to an overall non-issuance rate of 15.8% — roughly one in every six applications. According to the data by the European Commission, visa outcomes varied significantly depending on the destination country. Here are the Schengen countries where Indian applicants faced the highest chances of visa rejection in 2025.

Non-Issuance Rate: 46.1%Slovenia recorded the highest non-issuance rate among Schengen countries receiving applications from India in 2025. Nearly half of all visa applications submitted by Indian travellers did not result in a visa being issued, making it the toughest Schengen destination for Indian applicants.

Non-Issuance Rate: 37.0%Bulgaria had the second-highest rejection rate for Indian applicants. More than one in three applications failed to secure a visa, placing the country among the strictest destinations for Indians seeking Schengen access.

Non-Issuance Rate: 33.0%Despite being one of the most popular European holiday destinations among Indians, Greece reported a non-issuance rate of 33%. The Greek Embassy in New Delhi processed more than 41,000 applications, with over 13,500 applications not resulting in a visa.

Non-Issuance Rate: 31.7%Malta was another country where Indian travellers faced elevated rejection risks. Nearly one-third of applications did not result in a visa being issued in 2025.

Non-Issuance Rate: 30.1%Estonia's non-issuance rate crossed the 30% mark, meaning about three out of every ten Indian applicants did not receive a visa.

Non-Issuance Rate: 27.1%Croatia reported a non-issuance rate of 27.1%, significantly higher than the overall average for Indian applicants. More than one in four applications did not lead to visa issuance.

Non-Issuance Rate: 21.6%Austria processed nearly 49,000 applications from India in 2025. Its non-issuance rate of 21.6% was well above the overall Indian average of 15.8%.

Non-Issuance Rate: 20.6%The Netherlands received almost 98,000 applications from India and reported a non-issuance rate of 20.6%. The country remained among the major Schengen destinations with above-average rejection levels.