Tour Operator Directed to Reimburse Traveler for Denied Schengen Visa

Tour Operator Directed to Reimburse Traveler for Denied Schengen Visa

Key Insights

  • An international tour operator has been directed to refund an Indian traveler whose Schengen visa was denied.
  • The visa refusal occurred due to the tour operator’s failure to submit essential documents, including hotel and flight bookings.
  • The Hyderabad District Consumer Redressal Commission ruled that the traveler should receive €767 in compensation, along with additional charges.

Court Ruling and Compensation Details

According to Schengen.News, the ruling was issued after an investigation revealed that the tour operator’s negligence led to the visa denial. The affected traveler had booked a European tour package in August 2022, only to have their visa application rejected just days before departure.

Upon reviewing the case, the court found that the tour operator failed to provide critical documents required for the visa process. As a result, the company was found liable for failing to fulfill its responsibilities.

Initially, the tour operator offered €110 as compensation, admitting to its oversight. However, the Commission dismissed this offer and instead ordered a €767 refund with 6% interest from September 29, 2022.

Additional penalties imposed on the tour operator include:

  • €328 for mental distress and financial losses caused to the traveler.
  • €110 for legal expenses incurred during the case.

The traveler has not commented publicly on the case, and it remains unclear whether they reapplied for the visa after the initial refusal.

High Schengen Visa Application Rates Among Indian Travelers

Indians consistently rank among the top nationalities applying for Schengen visas.

According to SchengenVisaInfo, in 2023, Indian travelers filed 966,687 Schengen visa applications, making them the third-largest group of applicants after China and Türkiye.

However, not all applicants were granted visas. 811,290 Indian travelers received Schengen visas, while 151,752 applications were rejected.

Switzerland and France were the top issuers of Schengen visas to Indian travelers in 2023, granting:

  • 166,919 visas (Switzerland)
  • 146,938 visas (France)
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