Schengen visa: India among 5 countries with highest rejection rate in 2022. Here's why your visa can be denied

In 2022, the Schengen visa application process witnessed a significant number of rejections, and statistics shed light on the countries with the highest refusal rates. Topping the list were Algerian nationals, with a staggering 179,409 visa applications being denied. This accounted for an alarming rejection rate of 45.8 percent. The reasons behind such a high number of refusals are multifaceted and can vary on a case-by-case basis.

Following closely behind Algeria were applicants from India and Turkey, with 121,188 and 120,876 visa rejections, respectively. These figures corresponded to rejection rates of 18 percent and 15.2 percent, indicating a substantial number of individuals facing visa denial, schengenvisainfo reports. 

It is important to note that the rejection rates for India and Turkey were considerably lower compared to Algeria, but the absolute numbers of rejections were still significant.

Morocco and Russia also experienced significant numbers of visa application rejections, with 119,346 and 68,753 rejections respectively. The rejection rates for uniform visas were 15.5% for Morocco and 28.2% for Russia. Tunisia followed closely with a rejection rate of 29.1% and 48,909 total visa application rejections. The United Arab Emirates ranked next with 42,105 rejections. Nigeria, Iran, and Egypt also faced high numbers of visa denials, with approximately 39,189, 33,679, and 31,271 applications rejected, respectively.

When Schengen visas are rejected?

The Schengen area, encompassing several European countries, operates under a common visa policy, which allows foreign nationals to travel freely within the area once granted a Schengen visa. However, obtaining such a visa can be a challenging process, requiring applicants to meet specific criteria and provide extensive documentation.

The reasons for visa rejections can be diverse and include factors such as insufficient supporting documents, doubts regarding the purpose of travel, concerns about the applicant's financial stability, or a lack of confidence in the applicant's intent to return to their home country. Additionally, security concerns and potential risks associated with illegal immigration may also contribute to the high refusal rates.