Indians Are Anxious To Apply For A Foreign Visa. Some Of It Is Our Fault

Visa Woes: The Complexities Facing Indian Travelers

Despite the aspirations of many, India's standing in the Henley Passport Index typically fluctuates between the 75th and 80th spots, placing it alongside nations like Gabon and Mauritania, and trailing behind Rwanda and Tanzania. While Indian passport holders can enter certain countries without a visa, this list largely includes neighboring nations and a few others like the Maldives and Sri Lanka, but notably excludes many Western countries that Indians are eager to visit. Compounding the issue, Thailand has recently moved to revoke its visa-free entry for Indian citizens, highlighting a troubling trend.

Many Indians are puzzled by the challenges of obtaining foreign visas. They express frustration over the extensive documentation required—bank statements, tax papers, and more—along with the anxiety of waiting for approval that may come too late to finalize travel plans. The fact that visa fees are non-refundable even in cases of rejection adds to their discontent. This frustration has occasionally erupted into public outcry, particularly in response to reports about EU audits of VFS, the agency many Western embassies rely on for processing visa applications.

“VFS has become the focal point of public frustration with the difficult process of getting visas to Western countries,”

as criticisms of their practices reveal deeper grievances surrounding the visa application experience.

The reality is that agencies like VFS primarily act as clerical facilitators; they do not make decisions on visa applications—those are left to consular officials. The process is fraught with complications, as embassies have grown increasingly wary of Indian applicants, particularly due to a surge in fraudulent applications aimed at emigration rather than tourism. For instance, a significant number of Indians have been caught attempting illegal entry into the U.S., raising red flags among consular staff.

Concerns about dishonest applications have led to heightened scrutiny, with some visa agents even encouraging applicants to embellish their financial documents. This has made visa officials more vigilant, often resulting in delays and rejections that can feel arbitrary. The situation is exacerbated by staff shortages at embassies, which have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, leading to further delays and an increase in denied applications due to overworked officials wary of any hint of deceit.

While it is crucial to acknowledge that many embassies do not prioritize tourist-friendly practices, anti-immigration sentiments across Europe have undoubtedly influenced visa issuance. Consular officials are primarily focused on avoiding the risk of illegal immigration rather than promoting tourism. Although there may not be overt racism among embassy personnel, experiences at Western airports can vary widely, with some travelers reporting negative encounters with immigration officers.

Ultimately, the visa process for Indian travelers remains fraught with obstacles. Some of these issues stem from the behavior of a few who have exploited the system, while others arise from embassies lacking the necessary staff to facilitate smooth processing. A significant portion of the problem also relates to a prevailing indifference towards Indian travelers. Yet, it’s worth noting that the current system, with its conveniences, is a far cry from the arduous journey of obtaining visas in the past. Given the depreciation of the rupee, many may find international travel increasingly out of reach, leading to a potential shift towards exploring domestic destinations—visa-free, of course.

Vir Sanghvi, a veteran journalist and talk show host, shares these insights based on his experiences. You can follow him on Twitter at virsanghvi. The views expressed are his own.