Summer travel to Europe: Schengen visa applications from India see sharp rise

Schengen visa applications from India have seen a sharp 29% increase compared to last year, according to data shared by visa platform Atlys. The rise comes as Indian travellers prepare for international holidays during the upcoming summer season, with growing interest in Europe from both metropolitan and tier-two cities.

Southern European countries like Portugal, Greece, Spain, and Italy have become the most preferred destinations. Travellers are drawn to these countries for their mild climate, food, and cultural heritage. Average summer temperatures ranging between 20°C and 30°C across the Schengen region are considered ideal for holiday travel.

Atlys reported a 23.5% year-on-year increase in applications from Gen Z and millennial travellers. The company noted that this age group is showing interest in immersive travel experiences and extended holiday plans. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru continue to drive large application volumes. However, there has also been a 17.8% rise in applications from tier-two cities such as Pune, Ahmedabad, and Chandigarh.

Luxury travel remains a strong trend among Indian tourists, especially to countries like France, Italy, and Switzerland. These destinations are popular for their beaches, vineyards, and lakeside towns. At the same time, adventure tourism is growing in places like Austria, Slovenia, and northern Spain, known for hiking, water sports, and nature trails.

With demand expected to rise further, visa processing times could become longer. Travel advisors and visa platforms are encouraging applicants to start early and prepare complete documentation to avoid delays.