Visa Chaos: Travel Agents Become Lifesavers for Frustrated Indian Travellers
The changing visa rules for Indian travellers have made travel agents more valuable than ever. With over 32.83 million departures by Indian nationals in 2025, and 1.15 million short-stay Schengen visa applications lodged, the uncertainty surrounding visa policies has increased.
Travel advisors can now provide a practical role in sequencing bookings and avoiding financial commitments that travellers may not be able to use due to visa issues.
The European Union's 'cascade' regime makes repeat travel easier for eligible Indian applicants, but a loosely planned itinerary can undermine an otherwise credible application.
The United States presents a different problem with non-immigrant applicants required to schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence since July 2026. Applying elsewhere may result in longer waits and greater difficulty qualifying.