Indian travelers are showing a keen interest in visiting Europe, with a significant 29% surge in Schengen visa applications recorded so far in 2025 compared to the previous year. This growing enthusiasm for European destinations is particularly noticeable among millennial travelers, aged 29-44, who have lodged 23.5% more visa requests.
While major metropolitan areas like Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru have traditionally been the primary drivers of European tourism from India, a rising interest is now also evident in cities such as Pune, Ahmedabad, and Chandigarh.
Among the most coveted European countries for Indian tourists are Portugal, Greece, Spain, and Italy. Germany is also emerging as a key destination, witnessing a 20% increase in visa applications from India in the first quarter of 2025.
This upward trend in Schengen visa demand is largely attributed to enhanced air connectivity between India and Europe. It also reflects a broader shift where Indian citizens are increasingly prioritizing international travel to seek diverse cultural experiences.