Indian Millennials Driving Surge in Schengen Visa Applications

Millennial travellers from India—those aged between 29 and 44—are showing a strong interest in visiting Europe, with visa applications from this age group rising by 23.5% compared to the previous year.

Growing Interest Beyond Major Indian Metropolises

While cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru have traditionally dominated outbound travel to Europe, there has been a notable 17.8% increase in Schengen visa applications from emerging urban centres such as Pune, Ahmedabad, and Chandigarh. This indicates a broader geographical interest in international travel across India.

Top European Destinations for Indian Travellers

Indian travellers are increasingly choosing a mix of luxury and adventure destinations:

• Luxury favourites: France, Italy, Switzerland
• Adventure hotspots: Austria, Slovenia, Spain

These preferences reflect a diverse range of travel motivations—from cultural exploration and scenic beauty to high-end leisure experiences.

Indians Among Top Schengen Visa Applicants

According to data from SchengenVisaInfo, Indian nationals rank among the highest in terms of Schengen visa applications. Switzerland currently leads in receiving the most applications from Indians.

Meanwhile, Germany is rapidly gaining popularity. The German Embassy in India reported a 20% rise in visa applications during the first quarter of 2025 alone.

What’s Driving Germany’s Growth?

A significant factor behind Germany’s rising popularity is the enhanced air connectivity between the two countries. In 2024, Indian travellers recorded approximately 897,841 overnight stays in Germany—an increase of 8.6% over the previous year.