An Indian CEO’s post showcasing a towering 400-page Schengen visa application has taken social media by storm. Travellers across India found the situation relatable, shedding light on the growing challenges and inconsistencies within the Schengen visa process. As the post circulated, it prompted discussions on the hurdles applicants face, even when submitting seemingly complete documentation.
Indian CEO’s 400-Page Stack Highlights Documentation Struggles
Kapil Dhama, the founder and CEO of Options 360, posted an image on X (formerly Twitter) featuring a tall stack of documents submitted for his Schengen visa application. According to The Times of India, Dhama’s post reflected the unpredictable and often excessive documentation demands made by consulates.
Despite Dhama’s established travel history and professional background, the need for a 400-page submission underlines the inconsistencies travellers experience. Several netizens quickly pointed out that bank statements, frequent transaction records, and various proofs of accommodation and travel often result in huge document bundles.
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Many users who travel for business and leisure related to the image, expressing concerns about the complicated process. They emphasised that even small mistakes or missing papers could lead to rejections despite submitting hundreds of pages.
Financial Losses And Emotional Impact On Applicants
The struggle surrounding Schengen visa applications extends beyond document overload. According to a report by Travelobiz, in 2023, Indian travellers lost over ₹109 crore in non-refundable visa fees due to rejections. With more than 15% of 151,752 Schengen visa applications from India facing refusal, many faced not just monetary losses but significant emotional distress as well.
As reported by The Economic Times, India ranked third globally for Schengen visa applications. However, despite the demand, the process remains tedious and costly. Travellers also often incur extra expenses arranging last-minute documents, travel insurance, or additional verifications requested by consulates.
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Many applicants feel disheartened, especially after significant investments of time, money, and paperwork. The uncertainty over approval, regardless of preparation, fuels frustrations across the travelling community.
Growing Demand For Transparent Schengen Visa Application Processes
The viral reaction to Dhama’s post has reignited calls for a more transparent Schengen visa application process. Applicants are urging authorities to create consistent and clear documentation standards to avoid unnecessary burdens. According to Travelobiz, many travellers believe that simplified guidelines could improve approval rates and reduce applicant anxiety.
Moreover, many seasoned travellers suggest a checklist approach where documents are clearly categorised, reducing the chances of random additional requests. A more predictable and applicant-friendly system could strengthen travel ties between India and Europe while ensuring a smoother experience for genuine visitors.
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The towering 400-page Schengen visa application serves as a sharp reminder that while global travel opens doors, the paperwork sometimes blocks the way.
Cover Image Courtesy: @kapildhama/X & Canva Pro