Indians are increasingly showing interest in visiting Europeas their demand for Schengen visas has increased by 29 per cent compared to the previous year.
This was revealed by visa-processing platform Atlys, which also disclosed that the most popular destinations for Indian travellers are Portugal, Greece, Spain and Italy, Schengen.News reports.
Millennial travellers, meaning those aged between 29 and 44, are particularly interested in visiting the region, as their visa requests were up 23.5 per cent compared to last year.
We’re witnessing a new wave of Indian travellers who are exploring the world with greater intention and curiosity. Travel today isn’t just about visiting landmarks, it’s about experiencing cultures, connecting with people, and creating lasting memories.
Indians’ Interest in Visiting Europe Expands Beyond Metropolises
Travel to Europe was more prominent among Indians living in popular cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru. But, in recent years, as the report reveals, travel to Europe is increasingly growing among those living in other cities, as there has been a 17.8 per cent increase in Schengen visa applications.
Pune, Ahmedabad, and Chandigarh are the other Indian cities showing an interest in travelling to the Schengen Area.
The surge isn’t just about numbers. It’s about Indians actively seeking diverse cultural experiences and making international travel an integral part of their lives.
Some of the favourite destinations include France, Italy and Switzerland, especially for those looking into finding luxury vacations, while adventurers opt for Austria, Slovenia and Spain for their holidays.
Indians Among Top Visa Applicants for Schengen Visas
According to statistics published by SchengenVisaInfoIndians are among the top visa applicants in Europe, with Switzerland receiving the highest number of visa requests from this nationality group.
However, due to recent reports, Germany is also becoming an important destination for visa applicants. Recently, the German Embassy in India revealed a spike in visa applicationswith application rates increasing by 20 per cent in the first three months of 2025 alone.
The number of visa applications we’ve received in just the first three months of this year is up by almost 20 per cent compared to the first three months of last year. This suggests that tourism to Germany is experiencing a strong boost.
In general, Indians spent about 8.6 per cent more overnight stays in Germany in 2024, spending about 897,841 overnight stays during this period. The reason for this increase in travel demand from India to Germany is related to the improved air connectivity between the two countries.