A recent report by VisaTribe, analyzing official Eurostat has revealed shocking figures – Pakistani nationals lost a staggering €2.9 million (approximately PKR 96 Crores) in non-refundable fees due to rejected Schengen visa applications in 2024. This places Pakistan among the top countries facing significant financial losses from visa rejections.
Alarming EU Visa Statistics for Pakistan
According to official EU data:
- 35,829 rejections out of 98,432 applications (36.4% rejection rate)
- €2.9 million lost in non-refundable fees (€80* per application)
- 4th highest in global rejection numbers
- Higher rejection rate than India (12.1%) but better than Algeria (46.3%)
How Pakistan Compares to Other Countries
The EU report shows even more dramatic figures for other nations:
- Algeria: €6.2 million lost (46.3% rejection rate)
- Nigeria: €4.8 million lost (39.7% rejection rate)
- India: €3.9 million lost (12.1% rejection rate)
- Pakistan: €2.9M (36.4% rejection rate)
- Turkey: €2.5 million lost (15.8% rejection rate)
While Pakistan’s rejection rate is lower than Algeria’s, the financial impact remains severe due to the high volume of applications.
Why Such High Rejection Rates?
European visa officers cite these main reasons for Pakistani rejections:
- Documentation Issues: Incomplete or forged documents
- Financial Insufficiency: Cannot prove sufficient funds for travel
- Travel Purpose Unclear: Vague or inconsistent itineraries
- Previous Visa Violations: Overstays or misuse of prior visas
Success Rates by Embassy
Interestingly, VisaTribe’s analysis of EU stats shows approval rates vary dramatically by embassy:
✔ Higher Approval Embassies:
- Spain: 68%
- Italy: 65%
- Greece: 63%
✖ Stricter Embassies:
- Germany: 52%
- France: 58%
- Netherlands: 56%
How Pakistani Applicants Can Improve Approval Chances
Based on EU recommendations:
✅ Submit Complete Documentation: Use the official checklist from the embassy
✅ Show Strong Financials: Minimum €70-100 per day of stay in clean bank statements
✅ Provide Concrete Travel Plans: Detailed hotel bookings and return flight tickets
✅ Demonstrate Home Ties: Property documents, employment verification, family dependents
The Real Cost Beyond Money
Each rejection:
- Creates a negative travel history
- Delays future applications
- Causes emotional distress for families
- Hurts genuine travelers due to increased scrutiny
Final Advice for Applicants
“Pakistanis should treat visa applications like a job interview,” says VisaTribe Chief Afzal. “Preparation is key. One missing document can cost you €90 and future travel opportunities.”
Pro Tip: Apply through embassies with higher approval rates for Pakistanis like Spain (68%) or Italy (65%) rather than Germany (52%) or France (58%).
Have you faced Schengen visa rejection? Share your experience to help others learn. And if applying soon – double check every document before submission!
* Disclaimer:
The estimated cost of rejected Schengen visa applications is calculated using an average fee of €85 per application. This figure accounts for the €80 fee in effect at the start of 2024 and the increased €90 fee introduced later in the year. Please note that this is an approximation for general reference only, as actual fees may vary depending on the consulate and applicant category.
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