Switzerland has emerged as the most popular Schengen visa destination for Indian travellers in 2025, overtaking France and Germany for the first time as Indian demand for European travel reaches record levels. More than 1.15 million Schengen visa applications were filed by Indians last year, with Switzerland receiving 226,044, ahead of France with 204,184 and Germany with 153,179.
The figures, drawn from European Commission data, mark a shift in travel demand patterns as India consolidates its position as the world’s third-largest Schengen visa market after China and Türkiye. Nearly 967,000 visas were issued to Indian applicants in 2025, while 181,111 applications resulted in refusals, an overall non-issuance rate of 15.8%, up from 15% the previous year.
Swiss Authorities Issued 191,162 Visas
Switzerland’s rise to the top spot reflects both its enduring appeal and smoother visa processing. The country-specific rejection rate for Indian applicants stood at 13.6% (lower than the overall average) and Swiss authorities issued 191,162 visas, an approval rate of 87.94%.
Industry observers say the Swiss embassy and its visa partners have “really smoothened” the application process in India, both in terms of securing appointment dates and turnaround time for returning stamped passports. That operational efficiency, combined with Switzerland’s iconic Alpine scenery, luxury shopping and reputation for safety, has made it increasingly attractive to India’s growing middle and upper-middle classes.
After Switzerland, France and Germany, the Netherlands and Spain complete the top five Schengen destinations for Indian applicants.
The Netherlands received 97,650 applications, while Spain drew 90,720. Other major magnets included Italy, Austria, Greece, Belgium and Sweden.
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Multiple-Entry Visas Dominate For Top Schengen Destinations
Another notable trend is the prevalence of multiple-entry permits. Nearly six in 10 visas issued to Indians, 556,870 out of 966,529, or 58%, were multiple-entry, allowing travellers to visit Europe repeatedly without applying for a new visa each time. This reflects both the growing frequency of travel among affluent Indians and the Schengen system’s effort to reward low-risk, repeat travellers with longer-validity permits.
Despite the overall growth, the rise in applications has been accompanied by a modest increase in refusals. The non-issuance rate for Indian applicants climbed from 15% to 15.8% between 2024 and 2025. France recorded the highest number of refusals (31,314) followed by Switzerland and Germany.
For those refused, the financial cost is not trivial. A Business Standard analysis estimated that Indian travellers lost an estimated ₹136 crore (about CHF 15 million) in non-refundable visa fees on Schengen rejections in 2024 alone.
The surge in Indian travellers carries significant implications for Swiss tourism, retail and hospitality sectors. Indian visitors are among the highest-spending tourist groups in Switzerland, with a particular affinity for luxury shopping, Alpine experiences and extended stays. Their growing presence is already visible in Zürich, Geneva and resort towns such as Interlaken and Zermatt.
