Schengen Travel: Germany Top Pick for Indians 2025
Germany Tops List as Indian Schengen Travel Rises 19% in Early 2025
In a significant trend shift for international travel, Germany has emerged as the top destination for Indian travelers to the Schengen region, according to recent data from Policybazaar. The first quarter of 2025 witnessed a nearly 19% increase in Schengen visa applications from India compared to the same period last year.
Germany accounted for 20% of all Schengen-bound Indian travel, followed closely by France (17.57%) and Switzerland (10.67%). Experts attribute this surge to Germany’s favorable visa processing conditions, a balanced mix of business and leisure opportunities, and its proactive outreach to Indian travelers.
Notable Growth in Female Travelers
An encouraging trend is the 19% year-on-year rise in women travelers, outpacing the 13% increase observed among men. This demographic shift indicates greater participation by women in international travel, especially for solo tourism, education, and business.
Travel Insurance Gains Momentum
The spike in visa applications has been matched by a corresponding rise in demand for comprehensive travel insurance. Travelers are increasingly opting for high-coverage policies that include Visa Fee Refund riders, trip cancellation coverage, and health benefits. This shift is largely in response to the Schengen visa rejection rate of 15.7% in 2023, which led to an estimated loss of ₹109 crore in non-refundable visa fees for Indian applicants.
Rising Demand for Adventure Tourism
In addition to traditional tourism, countries like Switzerland and the Netherlands are witnessing a rise in Indian tourists seeking adventure activities such as skiing and hiking. This shift is driving demand for insurance policies tailored to high-risk recreational activities.
As the demand for Schengen travel from India continues to rise, destinations and service providers are expected to enhance their offerings and support mechanisms, making Europe more accessible and secure for Indian tourists.
