Schengen Countries Became India's Favourite Winter Escape, Visa Data Shows

Schengen travel is becoming the top choice for Indians this winter. Fresh travel data from Atlys shows a clear rise in visa applications for the November 2025 to February 2026 period. You now see more Indians turning winter into their favourite season to step outside the country. Europe stands out the most, especially for those who want a mix of snow, culture, and simple cross-country routes.

Millennials Drive The Winter Rush

Millennials make up more than half of all applicants. Many of them prefer planned routes, festive city stays, and longer holidays. Atlys’ numbers show that nearly half of these travellers choose Europe inside the Schengen Zone for their winter break. Their choices reflect why the demand for Schengen Visa slots keeps rising. Gen Z follows closely behind with a strong 25 percent share.

How Men And Women Travel Differently

The visa data also highlights changing travel patterns. Women still lean toward warm destinations such as Sri Lanka, while men show a stronger interest in Europe. A large share of male travellers is planning trips built around cold markets, winter lights, and Alpine views. These shifts show how wider access to flights and better planning apps are shaping what you pick for your next trip.

Where Most Visa Applications Come From

Big cities continue to lead international travel demand. You see the highest number of applications from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru

But Tier 2 cities are catching up faster than before. Lucknow, Ludhiana, and Surat are among the most active new sources of applications. More people from these cities want clear guidance on Schengen visa application tips, form accuracy, and avoiding Schengen visa application mistakes.

What Indians Want This Winter

This winter splits Indian travellers into two steady groups:

The Snow Fans

These travellers want classic European winters. Popular picks include Switzerland, France, and the United Kingdom. You also see more people adding northern lights experiences and Christmas markets to their plans. Many of them use their Schengen tourist visa from India to build simple multi-stop plans.

The Sun Seekers

Others want warm air and open beaches. Bali, Dubai, and Sri Lanka still rank high for those who want a lighter holiday with fewer layers and shorter flights. For many families, these destinations need less planning and give enough room for outdoor activities.

Food, Culture, And Short Routes Get More Attention

More Indians now plan their trip around food, winter events, and local experiences. Instead of squeezing too many places into one week, they prefer slow, simple routes that let them enjoy the culture. 

Multi-country travel is rising too. With one Schengen Visa, you can cross borders easily, which makes Europe even more inviting. Many travellers even end their holiday with a final stop in the UK.

Wedding Season Adds To The Surge

India expects nearly 46 lakh weddings in November and December. This gives a sharp boost in honeymoon plans. Europe stands out as a top choice for newlyweds who want a calm winter break. Many couples check the Schengen visa cost early so they can plan their stays without surprises.

Final Take

Winter is no longer the slow season for international trips. More Indians now look at Europe with fresh interest, helped by simple routes and easy planning tools like Atlys. As long as you follow the right visa steps and check updates in advance, this winter offers more choices than ever. This travel trend is likely to grow, and Europe may soon become the go-to winter break for Indian travellers every year.