Germany Reports 20% Increase in Schengen Visa Applications From Indian Nationals in Early 2025
Key Highlights:
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Germany saw nearly a 20% increase in visa applications from Indian nationals in the first quarter of 2025.
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The rise indicates growing interest among Indian travellers in visiting Germany.
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Eligible Indian applicants can still obtain multiple-entry, longer-validity Schengen visas.
Germany Reports Surge in Schengen Visa Applications From Indian Nationals in Early 2025
Germany continues to be one of the most sought-after Schengen destinations for Indian passport holders, with the country registering a significant rise in visa applications in the first quarter of 2025.
According to Georg Enzweiler, Deputy Chief of Mission at the German Embassy in India, visa applications from Indian nationals have increased by nearly 20% in the first three months of this year compared to the same period in 2024. He emphasized that the growth reflects a renewed enthusiasm among Indians to travel to Germany.
“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.”
— Georg Enzweiler, German Embassy in India
The statement was made during a joint press conference held by the German Embassy and the German National Tourist Board. However, Enzweiler did not disclose visa approval rates or the exact number of applications received.
Indians Eligible for Longer-Term, Multiple-Entry Visas
Enzweiler also confirmed that Indian travellers will continue to be eligible for multiple-entry Schengen visas with extended validity—provided they meet the relevant criteria. While the visa rules remain unchanged, he emphasized that efforts are underway to modernize and streamline the application process.
“Germany, by itself, cannot change Schengen visa procedures, but one trend is the further digitalisation of the entire process. This doesn’t happen overnight, but we’ve begun with national visas and will expand gradually.”
— Georg Enzweiler
Germany is actively working toward fully digitalising the visa process, with plans to extend these changes across all visa categories over time.
Indian Tourist Visits to Germany Rose in 2024
Germany’s appeal to Indian travellers is also reflected in tourism data. In 2024, the number of overnight stays by Indian tourists rose by 8.6%, reaching 897,841—up from 826,703 in 2023.
Moreover, Indians are spending more time in Germany. The average length of stay grew from 9.3 nights in 2023 to 9.6 nights in 2024, contributing to increased tourist spending.
This upward trend is attributed in part to improved air connectivity between the two countries, making Germany more accessible to Indian travellers.
Additionally, other Schengen destinations—such as France—have also seen a consistent rise in visa applications and visits from Indian nationals over recent years.