finland tourist visa success rate 2023

GET A QUOTE

Which countries are the easiest to apply for a Schengen visa?

NAME: Axel Strauss  DATE: June 2024

The process of applying for a Schengen Visa is usually a somewhat tedious, anxiety-ridden, and time-consuming one. In fact, more often than not, it’s even a bit of a gamble. Because depending on where exactly you’re coming from — and where exactly you’re going — your chances of being approved for a Schengen Visa can actually vary greatly. 

So to save you some time and nerves (let alone endless, dreary clicking around and Googling for numbers and statistics), AXA has gone ahead and compiled the following lists of Schengen ​​​​countries’ visa-granting rates in 2023 — from the most to the least — along with some general practical info. All in the hopes of making your Schengen visa application process less than mere luck of the draw. And to, hopefully, thereby bring you one big step closer to Europe.

• Do I need to apply for a Schengen visa? 
• Countries with the lowest/highest Schengen visa rejection rates 
• Easiest (and most difficult) countries to apply for a Schengen Visa FROM
• Some more helpful/practical info about getting your Schengen Visa 
• How AXA can help 

How to apply for a Schengen visa for each of the Schengen countries (in alphabetical order)

Do i need to apply for a schengen visa.

First off, you’ll want to be sure whether or not you even need a Schengen visa in the first place. And if you’re traveling to one (or more) of the countries in the Schengen zone — and especially if you’re reading this — then there’s a good chance that you do. But here’s how you know for sure.

Which travelers don’t need a Schengen visa (for stays of less than 90 days)?

You don’t need a Schengen Visa if you: 

•  Are already a national of the Schengen area and/or one (or more) of the 27 European Union member countries .   
• Have already had a visa issued by one of the member countries of the Schengen area (under the condition that your stay in the Schengen area does not exceed 90 days per period of 180 days).   
• Are a national of non-EU countries and territories that have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU . These include Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Mexico, Taiwan, the U.K., the U.S., and roughly 50 more. 

If you’re a passport holder* of one (or more) of the countries above, you can travel to the Schengen zone visa-free for short stays (again, for 90 days within six months). In this case, all you’ll need is to present your ticket/itinerary and a biometric passport* (issued no more than 10 years before and valid for at least 90 days after the planned date of your departure from the Schengen zone ). 

*IMPORTANT HEADS-UP: As of “mid-2025,” however, the European Union does plan to introduce a new system of requirements for the countless visa-free travelers hoping to enter its borders too. And AXA has all you need to know about this system — aka ETIAS — too.

Which travelers are required to apply for a Schengen visa?

You will, however, need a Schengen visa to come to the Schengen zone if you are a citizen of one or more countries that don’t have a visa waiver agreement with the EU. 

This includes nearly a hundred nations around the world — i.e., all of Africa, most of Asia and the Middle East, China, India, Russia, and so on. 

Fortunately — if you do need a Schengen visa, that is — we have all you need to know about what’s required and how to apply . And once you’ve applied — how to track your Schengen visa application too. 

PRO-TIP 1 : The EU also has a few key changes planned for travelers as of 2024, and AXA has all you need to know about these as well. 

PRO-TIP 2 : You can see the full li sts of both countries that are exempt and those that need a visa courtesy of the European Commission . 

PRO-TIP 3 : And if getting the visa seems like too much hassle (and you’re flexible with your destination, of course), AXA can also tell you which European countries you don’t need a Schengen visa fo r.

Countries with the highest/lowest Schengen visa rejection rates

And now for the nitty gritty. That is — which Schengen and EU countries are most in demand, which nationalities have applied for and received the most Schengen visas in recent years, and — ultimately — what (and where) is your best chance of being approved for one. 

So, again, we went ahead and did the heavy lifting and probed the internet for Schengen visa statistics from 2023. We then compared them with previous years, and — with some much-needed official help from the European Commission — we came up with the following.

A Quick Overview of the EU’s 2023 Schengen Visa Statistics

Let’s start with the overall numbers at a glance. In 2023, there were: 

• 10,327,572 Schengen visa applications in total (roughly 2.5 million more than the year before)
• Roughly 8.5 million visa applications were issued by Schengen consulates (plus 85,200 visas issued at the borders) 
• 1.6 million applications were rejected (or roughly 16%) 
• 4.6 million visas were issued for multiple entry (54.2%), i.e. MEVs 
• And 102,785 visas were only issued with limited territorial validity (i.e., LTVs*) 

*NOTE: A short-term visa with limited territorial validity ("LTV") is not valid for the entire Schengen area and only entitles the holder to stay in the Member State(s) for which the visa is valid. 

In general, Schengen visa applications had been decreasing until 2022. That is, the 7.5 million Schengen visa applications submitted in 2022 were less than half the average of applications in pre-COVID years (for example, in 2019, the number of Schengen visas applied for by third-country nationals was roughly 17 million). 

However, in 2023, it seems that a million more new applicants were looking to travel to the Schengen zone. And, of course, the more applications there were, the more rejections there were. 

But, again, that’s only by the numbers — not by percentage. For example, in 2021, 13.4% of all Schengen visas worldwide were rejected. In 2022, that number rose to 17.9%. And then in 2023, it went back down to 16%. In other words, there’s hope! 

Meanwhile, despite the growing number of overall visa applications, fewer multiple entry visas were issued in the Schengen area (i.e., 54% in 2023 compared to 58% the year before).

IMPORTANT: The figures above refer exclusively to the Type C (aka “short-stay” or “tourist”) Schengen visa . The European Commission’s statistics above did not take national visas into account. 

PRO-TIP : Just in case, AXA can familiarize you with the different types of Schengen visas . But keep in mind that choosing a different type of visa doesn’t necessarily increase your chances of getting one.

Countries that received the most Schengen Visa applications in 2023

The countries that received the most short-term Schengen visa applications in 2023 were France (over 2.5 million), Germany (nearly 1.5 million), and Spain (just a few thousand less than Germany). 

These countries were followed — respectively — by ​​ Italy (1.1 million), and then not too closely by the Netherlands , Greece , and Switzerland (each with a little over 600 thousand applications).

Countries that rejected the most Schengen Visa applications

Malta had the highest rejection rate in 2023 — with a staggering average of 37.6% of applications rejected. Strangely, Estonia came in second with 33.1%, and Belgium — third, with 26.5%.

These three very different destinations were followed closely by Sweden (23.1%), Denmark (21.2%), and Croatia (new to the Schengen list but already with a 20% rejection rate). 

Spain and Finland , meanwhile, tied at 18.5% of Schengen visas rejected each. And then the Netherlands and the Czech Republic (with 17.4% and 17.3%, respectively). 

In other words, this made the 10 countries above the most difficult to be approved for a Schengen Visa to in 2023.* 

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Which, mind you, is a slightly different list than the previous year, and —therefore — will likely be a slightly different one for 2024 too.

Countries that rejected the least Schengen Visa applications in 2023

Meanwhile, the European Commission found that the easiest country to be approved for a Schengen visa to in 2023 was Iceland . With an average of 2.2% rejection rate (and similar to most years in recent memory), it still had the lowest rejection rate in 2023 by far. 

After that came Switzerland (with ​10.7% of visas rejected), Latvia (11.7%), Italy (12%), and Luxembourg (12.7%,). And as the rejection rates increased, Lithuania and Slovakia were the only two other nations to stay under 13%.

Meanwhile, Germany and Austria rejected 14,3% of applicants each, while Greece and Poland rejected 14.7% and 14.8%, respectively. 

So, in theory, those were the 11 easiest countries to apply to in 2023.

That’s a lot of math already. And if you’d like even more numbers, you can consult the official European Commission website above and download specific statistical files for each year from 2009 to 2022. In the meantime, here’s a simple breakdown: 

• Iceland is your best bet of being approved for a Schengen visa, while for Malta you’re going to need the most luck (which, in our humble opinion, might have something to do with the weather).  
• If you’re headed to Switzerland , Italy , and/or Luxembourg — your chances are better than the average too. And Latvia , Lithuania , and Slovakia were still fairly accepting in 2023 as well. 
• Meanwhile, Scandinavia — along with top tourist destinations like France , Germany , Portugal , Greece , and Spain — continue to be the toughest for a Schengen visa in 2023, with Estonia and Belgium approving the least visas (again, after Malta). 

NOTE: AXA also observed the average rejection rates increasing in most of these countries in recent years —however, in some much more than others. For example, back in 2019 — i.e., pre-COVID (and before the increasingly unstable political situation in Eastern Europe) — Latvia , Lithuania , and Finland , like Iceland, still had an average rejection rate of between 1 and 2 percent. 

However, in 2023, Latvia and Lithuania both averaged around 12% — which is 2.2% and 5% more (respectively) than the previous year. While Finland’s Schengen visa rejection rate nearly doubled since 2022 — going from 9.7% to 18.5%. 

IMPORTANT HEADS-UP: And keep in mind that while a short-stay Schengen visa allows you to travel to/ between all the Schengen countries (for up to 90 days within a 180-day period), you must spend the majority of your trip in the country for which you applied. And vice versa — i.e., apply for the country where you plan to spend most of your trip.

Easiest / Most Difficult Countries to Apply for a Schengen Visa IN / FROM

Now that you have an idea of which countries are more likely to let you in, here’s a general overview of which countries to apply in (or from) to increase your chances. That is, if you happen to have that option*, of course.

In which countries were the most Schengen visas applied for?

The top 10 non-Schengen countries that issued the most Schengen visas in 2023 (that is, via the consulates of the EU and/or Schengen-associated states) were:

• Russia (4,133,100 visa applications) 
• China (2,971,032 visa applications) 
• India (1,141,705 visa applications) 
• Turkey (906,862 visa applications) 
• Morocco (705,293 visa applications) 
• Algeria (668,386 visa applications) 
• Belarus (645,722 visa applications) 
• Saudi Arabia (337,607 visa applications) 
• Thailand (187,196 visa applications) 
• Great Britain (277,743 visa applications)

Which countries have received the most visa rejections?

Meanwhile, the following 10 passport holders had the least luck in 2023: 

• Guinea (51.1% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Nigeria (48.5% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Senegal (44.5% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Algeria (43.0% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Ghana (42.5% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Comoros (42.0% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Iraq (38.6% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Burundi (37.3% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Sudan (37.2% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Bangladesh (36.9% of visa applications were rejected)

Which countries have the lowest rejection rates for Schengen visas?

And, finally, here are the top 10 passport holders who seem to be getting approved the most: 

• Liberia (0% of visa applications were rejected) 
• El Salvador (0% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Honduras (0% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Nicaragua (0% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Belarus (0.3% of visa applications were rejected)
• Guatemala (0.6% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Vanuatu (1.1% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Russia (1.5% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Botswana (2.3% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Indonesia (2.4% of visa applications were rejected)

So there you have it — a general breakdown of what to expect when applying for a Schengen visa based on your country of origin and your destination country. And now here are some more basic, universal numbers that should help too (and that don’t depend on the specific country).

Some more helpful/practical info about getting your Schengen Visa

How much does a schengen visa cost.

Schengen Visa costs are universal (and have been upped as of mid-2024, by the way). 

The standard fee for one adult is now €90 . 

Children between the ages of six and twelve can get one for €45 . 

And for children under the age of six the Schengen visa is still free* .

*If you’re coming to the Schengen for research and/or study purposes, are under 25 years old and traveling with charitable organizations, and/or are taking part in certain sporting or cultural events — your visa fee may be waived in some circumstances too. 

PRO-TIP : While AXA strives to bring you the latest regarding any and all Schengen Visa requirements for travelers near and far, it’s always a good call to double-check with the European Commission’s official visa website . 

IMPORTANT HEADS-UP: In addition, in early 2024, the European Commission announced that it had “ assessed the need to revise the visa fee amounts and concluded that they should be increased. ” The proposed increase would mean that Schengen visas cost 90€ (a 10€ increase) for adults and 45€ (a 5€ increase) for children. So we recommend you stay tuned to the official sources above.

How long does it take to get a Schengen visa?

This doesn’t necessarily depend on the country either, and the average wait time for your Schengen Visa to be processed is generally 15 days across the board.

That said, the actual processing time will depend on your particular case (as well as a number of other factors). While it’s not statistically common, some embassies have been known to take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to process a visa. 

So — again, while Iceland or Latvia might be a little quicker to get to than Malta or France — expect a two-week wait time at the very least no matter where you’re going or coming from.

Can I get a Schengen visa online?

Not as of early 2024. That is, traditionally, you still need to be physically present for your Schengen visa application process at some point (for biometric data collection, and usually with a bunch of paperwork to boot). 

However, the EU does plan to bring the whole Schengen Visa application process online eventually — with the exact date the change will take place yet to be announced. AXA can tell you all about it in the meantime (and — like you probably — we’re keeping our fingers tightly crossed).

How AXA can help

As evidenced by all the numbers above, Schengen visa statistics can be quite overwhelming — and at times somewhat unpredictable. And while there is no sure way of knowing whether your Schengen visa will be approved, one thing AXA can guarantee is that your trip to the Schengen Zone is one big step closer — and a safe one at that. How? By providing you with affordable, top-quality Schengen Travel insurance

First off, to be approved for a Schengen visa — travel insurance is mandatory. Not only that, but your plan must also meet the following criteria: 

• Guarantee minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses 
• Cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons 
• Cover you in all member states of the Schengen Area (not just Spain) 
• Cover you during the entire duration of your trip and stay in the Schengen Zone. 

Fortunately, all three AXA plans ( Low-Cost , Europe Travel , and Multi-Trip ) meet the necessary requirements above. 

Moreover, if your Schengen visa is denied , AXA’s plans are refundable in most cases. We’ll only ask that you provide the appropriate documentation (i.e., an official explanation as to why your visa was refused by the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center). 

Our plans also cover you throughout all the Schengen territories (and beyond).  

Getting an AXA travel insurance plan is quick and easy — and doesn’t depend on either where you’re going or where you’re coming from! In fact, unlike the Schengen visa itself, our plans can be purchased online in just a few minutes, from anywhere in the world. 

The AXA travel insurance certificate — accepted by all Schengen embassies and consulates worldwide — can then be downloaded (and printed) online instantly too. 

Ultimately, the right AXA plan can both ensure your overall chances of being granted a Schengen visa and help make your eventual journey to Europe that much smoother, safer, and more worry-free. 

So learn more about and compare our 3 comprehensive plans today. After all (and in the words of Schengen native Louis Pasteur) — when it comes to getting a visa, “luck favors the prepared.”

And last but not least — to help begin (and speed up) your Schengen visa application process, we’ve also compiled the following easy-to-follow step-by-step guides — one for each Schengen country:

So best of luck. And no matter where you are in the world, know that AXA is rooting for you!

RELATED ARTICLES

• What is the Schengen Agreement?  
• Which European countries are not part of the Schengen area?  
• How to apply for a Schengen Visa  
• How to fill out a Schengen visa application form  
• How to choose the best Schengen travel insurance  
• Schengen visa tracking online  
• How safe is Europe to visit?  
• Safest European destinations  
• Most dangerous European cities  
• Travel in Europe: 5 Key Changes in 2024  
• Understanding Europe from A to Z

What should I do if my Schengen visa is refused?

If your visa is rejected, you usually have two options — apply again, or write a letter of appeal. You can learn more in the EU’s Article 32(3) of the Visa Code of the Schengen Agreement . The outcome of your appeal will ultimately depend on the authorities of the Schengen country for which you applied.

Can I work or study with a tourist visa?

No. While the tourist (or Type C) allows visitors to enter the Schengen zone for a short business trip, a holiday, and/or to visit family members, it cannot be converted into a work or study permit. AXA can tell you more about that .

What happens if I overstay my Schengen visa?

The consequences of overstaying your visa range from paying a fine, deportation, jail time, or even being banned from the country. And A XA is happy to help you avoid all of them.

Can I extend my Schengen visa?

You can, but only in exceptional circumstances. AXA can tell you more about that too.

Do I need EES/ ETIAS for Europe in 2024?

Not as of mid-2024. The European Union’s new travel authorization systems — EES and ETIAS — are only set to go into effect in late 2024 and mid-2025, respectively (and in theory). AXA can tell you more about them too (via the two links above).

Are the Schengen Zone and the European Union the same thing?

No, these two entities are not the same thing. AXA can explain the difference between the Schengen area and the EU .

Get Schengen insurance

Copyright AXA Assistance 2023 © AXA Assistance is represented by INTER PARTNER ASSISTANCE SA/NV, a public limited liability company governed by Belgian law with registered office at Regentlaan 7, 1000 Brussel, Belgium – Insurance company authorized by the National Bank of Belgium under number 0487 and registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises under number 0415 591 055 – RPR Brussels- VAT BE0415 591 055

AXA Travel Insurance Global | AXA Assicurazione Viaggio | AXA Assurance Voyage | AXA Seguros y asistencia en viajes | AXA Seguro de viagem

We  are  Online    

• [email protected]
•   +91 9779046382
•   Mon - Sat: 10 AM - 6 PM
•    Career at SIEC

Schengen Countries with the Lowest Visa Rejection Rates

Blogs details all.

Australia Blogs

New Zealand Blogs

Canada Blogs

Ireland Blogs

Germany Blogs

Singapore Blogs

Malaysia Blogs

United Arab Emirates

Test Prep Blogs

Other Blogs

  Posted On: 20 February 2024

Studying in Europe is a lifetime experience, as you get to study in some of the most beautiful countries in the world. Europe is a land of artisans, sandy sores, antique castles, and century-old institutions that offer unparalleled education. Europe beckons you with low Schengen Visa Rejection Rates . The popularity of Schengen countries as some of the top study-abroad destinations is increasing daily, mainly due to their low visa rejection rates. As of 2023-2024, here is a list of the ten easiest countries to get a Schengen Visa for studying or visiting.

List of Schengen countries with the lowest visa rejection rates

Iceland has the lowest visa rejection rate across the Schengen region, which is only 1.9 per cent . Iceland offers phenomenal beauty of glaciers, lava fields, waterfalls, and the Northern Lights. Iceland also tops in the world's most peaceful country category, as per the Global Peace Index. Studying abroad in Iceland brings you a lifetime adventure experience in your educational journey.

Check out the Institutes of Iceland

2. Lithuania

Lithuania is among the Schengen countries with one of the lowest rejection rates, only 1.3 per cent . You can visit Lithuania for the forested national parks jeweled with rare wildlife and a taste of Jewish history and culture. Students pursuing a career in architecture find Lithuania a booster as the country is a treasure trove of Baroque architecture and UNESCO World.

Check out the Institutes in Lithuania

Finland’s rejection rate as of 2023-2024 is at 9.7 per cent . Apart from acquiring higher education in Finland, you can visit Arctic Finland, where the sun doesn’t set for six months. You can enjoy the phenomenal astronomical activities in Finland, from enjoying continuous days and nights to the splendours of the Northern Lights. You also have the opportunity to visit some of the 50,000 islands and mingle with like-minded people in one of the happiest countries in the world.

Check out the Institutes in Finland

4. Luxembourg

The Visa Refusal rate of Luxembourg is 10.5 per cent as per the statistics of 2023-2024. Luxembourg is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and you can visit the country for its popular hiking trails, stunning castles, and fine dining at a number of Michelin–starred restaurants.

Check out the Institutes in Luxembourg

Poland made it to the list of countries with the lowest visa rejection rates among the Schengen countries at 11.6 per cent . Poland is growing popular among international students seeking affordable tuition fees, availability of most in-demand courses, and scholarships. You can visit the country for craft beer and walk through the historical buildings of Warsaw, Krakow, and the Tatra mountains. You can also visit Slovakia as it shares its boundary with Poland.

Check out the Institutes in Poland

6. Switzerland

Switzerland is growing popular among International students. As of the 2024 stats, the rejection rate in Switzerland is only 12.1 per cent . Lower tuition fees and scholarships are two of the main reasons why international students prefer studying in Switzerland. You can also visit the country for the galleries and nightlife of Zurich, hikes and adventures through the rugged Alps, trace the roots of the international art event, in the city's graffiti, museums, and local networks.

Check out the Institutes in Switzerland

Italy has some of the lowest rejection rates in India, which stands at 11.5 per cent . Italy is popular for the availability of most in demand courses in the field of arts, design, and architecture. You can visit Italy for the marvels, from the colosseum in Rome to the Sistine Chapel, and Vatican City. The country homes around 55 UNESCO World heritage sites, and stunning natural landscapes from lakes to peaks.

Check Out the Universities in Italy

Schengen Countries with the Highest Visa Rejection Rate Includes Malta, Sweden, Belgium, and France.

Which countries are in the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area consists of 27 countries and covers nearly all of mainland Europe. And following are the countries that fall within the Schengen Area: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland .

Read more on: Top 5 study abroad programs for Indian Students

What are the requirements for obtaining a Schengen Visa?

The requirements for obtaining a Schengen visa include the following documents:

• Visa application form : Fully completed and signed.
• Passport : Must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area.
• Photograph : Two recently taken photos that meet the visa photo requirements.
• Travel insurance : Covering medical expenses and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Biometric data : In the form of fingerprint scans
• Flight itinerary : Including entry and exit dates and flight numbers.
• Proof of accommodation : Evidence of where you will be staying during your visit.
• Proof of financial means : Such as bank statements, credit card, or proof of employment.
• Cover letter : Stating the purpose of the visit and travel itinerary.
• Proof of paid fee : A receipt to show that the visa fee has been paid.

Read more on: Importance of Statement of Purpose

New Schengen Visa Rule for Indians: EU eases Schengen visa rules for Indians

The European Union has introduced new Schengen visa rules for Indians that are more favourable for Indian travellers. Now, you can apply for five-year multiple-entry visas, which puts you on par with " visa-free nationals ". This means that, like citizens of certain countries who can enter the Schengen area without a visa, you can now enter multiple times over five years without applying for a new visa each time.

The " Cascade " system allows Indian citizens to get two-year multi-entry Schengen visas after using two visas within three years. The EU is working on digitalizing the Schengen visa application process with the following details:

• Processing time: 15 days or longer
• Cost: Approximately Rs 7,200 for adults and Rs 3,600 for minors

Additionally, it's important to provide sufficient proof about the complete stay in the Schengen Territory and the visa of the final country of destination, if needed. The specific requirements may vary slightly from one Schengen country to another, so it's advisable to consult the relevant consular authority in your country for the exact details.

When facing a visa rejection, it's essential to rectify any mistakes made in the previous application and provide a strong, well-documented application. While some countries have higher approval rates for Schengen visas , it's important to avoid "visa shopping," as this practice is discouraged and may raise suspicions.

Reach out to SIEC for Application inquiries and assistance.

Read more insightful articles:

How to study for free in Germany?

TOEFL TEST: Eligibility, Registration, Pattern, Fee

New Schengen Visa Rules for Indians

Schengen Visa Update

Apply for a Schengen Visa

• Subscribe Log in
• Hermosa Beach
• Manhattan Beach
• Peninsula Magazine
• Redondo Beach
• Best Of The Beach 2023
• Dining Reviews
• Dining Guide (Search)
• Entertainment
• Legal Notices
• Letters / Opinion
• Movies / TV
• Sponsored Articles
• Peninsula People

Top-5 Countries with a High Visa Approval Rate

Applying for a visa in some European countries can be a complicated process. Thankfully, there’re a few places that have a soft policy on approving visas for eager travellers. 

The rates of rejection are fluctuating every now and then, but the list of countries which easily give out short-term visas remains pretty much the same.

If you already got well-informed about tourist visa, partner visa , student visa, and other visa types, procedures and which photos you are going to need for the application, then finding out which european visa centre is least likely to turn you away with a rejection would be your next step.

According to stats, the rejection rates have seemingly fluctuated over the years. The lowest being 5% in total for the whole European Union, with the highest ranging around 8-9% these past years. 

Although, quite a few listings will gladly welcome you with an approval rate as high as 98.7%.

Here’s the Top-5 countries that have the best visa conditions for tourists wishing to visit (sorted by the rejection percentage):

• Lithuania (1.3%)
• Iceland (1.7%)
• Estonia (1.6%)
• Latvia (2.1%)
• Finland (1.7%)

An honorable mention goes to Chech Republic with approval rates sitting at almost 96%, Greece and Poland with 2% and 3% rejection rates respectively.

How to Get a Visa to Iceland? 

Nordic region has always been one of the most popular destinations for travellers worldwide. Keeping that in mind, countries of northern Europe have some of the strictest application processes. With thousands of tourists wishing to visit each year, they had to perfect the application procedure to keep it as smooth as possible. You can also get assistance from a travel agency dubai .

Can’t decide whether to go backpacking in Iceland? Below are a few handy tips to help you with filing your documents. 

• Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months AFTER your trip.
• Travel Health Insurance

You can get it online for as little as $70 per month. Some travel agents include it in the tour packages, so make sure to check for it upon booking.

• High-quality 35x45mm photo. 

A good photo makes half the application. While that’s not entirely true, having a decent picture is important. In case you already have an appropriate one, here’s how to resize a photo in Photoshop to fit the Iceland tourist visa standard. 

• Proof of lodging. 

Icelandic tourist visa needs you to provide the necessary travel itineraries. Print out any hotel or accomodation bookings, plus a layout of your trip.

• Arrive at the consulate early. 

Iceland itself doesn’t have many visa centres across the world, and usually has some sister countries representing it. Make sure you arrive at the visa centre on time or in advance for a chance to get away from the crowd. 

An Easiest Way to Get a European Visa

When you feel like a spontaneous trip, the last thing you want is getting your visa application rejected, when the bags are all ready.

Quite a few countries in Europe have an almost 100% approval rate to this day, but the best of all still remains Lithuania. It rejects only 1.3% of all applicants and has an easy lodging process.

Besides, if you apply for a french, german or austrian visa, you will have to wait up to a few months before hearing from the embassy. On the other hand, Lithuanian visa processing times for short-term stays are 5-15 days only. 

To get a cheap Lithuanian tourist visa photo , you can do it online or at several passport photo centres offline. 

Going through a visa application process may seem complicated at times. When you know your hard work will 100% pay off then putting the documents together, doing medical exams and planning the actual trip doesn’t feel exhausting at all. 

All countries listed above will give you that 100% chance, so go ahead and pack your things. You’re going to Europe.

comments so far. Comments posted to EasyReaderNews.com may be reprinted in the Easy Reader print edition, which is published each Thursday.

• Schengen News
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Borders & Security
• Policy Changes
• ETIAS Travel Authorization
• Restrictions & Entry Bans
• EU Golden Visa
• Schengen Visa Application, Requirements & Tips

Top 10 Easiest Countries to Get a Schengen Visa in 2024

Visa Facilitation for Russians & Belarusians is Worrying, Lithuanian Adviser Says

Greece to introduce €20 fee for cruise ship tourists to santorini & mykonos, poland considers germany’s decision to introduce border controls unacceptable, finland one step closer to tighten rules for family reunification, visa liberalisation for armenia achievable, eu ambassador says, key takeaways.

• The easiest Schengen visas to obtain in 2024 are those issued by Iceland, Switzerland, Latvia and Italy.
• These countries have a lower rejection rate, thus lowering the chances for an applicant to receive a negative response in their application.
• Malta, Estonia, and Belgium are the world's worst countries to apply for a Schengen visa, due to their high rejection rates.

Schengen member states continue to remain popular holiday destinations for foreigners regardless of the season, particularly for those who do not need a visa and can always plan a last-minute vacation.

However, for the nationals of the majority of world countries, planning a last-minute vacation to Europe is not a possible scenario, Schengen.News reports.

The process of applying for a Schengen visa alone should start a few weeks before a planned trip to one of the Schengen states, which period depends on the nearest slots available for visa appointments at the embassy or visa centre representing the same Member State in the applicant’s home country.

According to Besart Bajrami, founder of SchengenNews, sometimes, even making an appointment can take months.

In third countries with a high volume of Schengen visa applications, getting a visa appointment can take quite some time, in some cases even months. Once the appointment is made, travellers have to wait a few weeks to attend it, and then around two or three weeks to get their passports back, hopefully with a positive response. Besart Bajrami, founder of SchengenNews

Given that the European destinations are popular all year round, those who plan on entering the bloc need to take care of their applications ahead of time.

These 10 Countries Are Your Best Chance to Get a Schengen Visa This Year

Schengen Visa Statistics for 2023, published by SchengenVisaInfo , show that while some countries are more inclined to reject a larger share of visa applications they receive, there are others which tend to reject fewer visas. Filing an application to visit one of the latter, means an applicant has higher chances of getting a visa.

According to the numbers, the top ten easiest Schengen visas to obtain in 2024 are as follows:

• Iceland with only a 2.2 per cent rejection rate
• Switzerland – 10.7 per cent
• Latvia – 11.7 per cent
• Italy – 12 per cent
• Luxembourg – 12.7 per cent
• Lithuania – 12.8 per cent
• Slovakia – 12.9 per cent
• Germany – 14.3 per cent
• Austria – 14.3 per cent
• Greece – 14.7 per cent

Commenting on the issue, Bajrami notes that it is not advisable to attempt to obtain a visa for one of the countries listed above and then visit another because that is considered illegal by the EU and is labelled as “visa shopping.”

If you wish to visit any of the Member States, apply for a visa at the visa centres of one of these ten countries. You can always visit other countries with that same Schengen visa, just make sure that the country issuing the visa will be your primary destination. Besart Bajrami, founder of SchengenNews

Avoid Applying to One of These Countries, They Have High Schengen Visa Rejection Rates

Those who want to obtain a Schengen visa this year and want to lower the chances of being rejected should avoid applying to countries with a high rejection rate.

First, one should avoid applying for a Maltese Schengen visa, as this country’s consulates abroad are notorious for having a high rejection rate. In 2023, the same rejected 37.6 per cent of all applications received.

Second on the list of the world’s worst countries to apply for a Schengen visa is Estonia, which in 2023 rejected 33.1 per cent of the applications it received, followed by Belgium with 26.5 per cent. Sweden and Croatia complete the top five, with rejection rates of 23.1 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively.

The average rejection rate amongst the Member States in 2023 was 54.2 per cent.

• How to Choose the Right Schengen Travel Insurance Policy to Avoid Visa Denial?

Top Stories

Getting an italian visa is most difficult for these nationalities, greece to grant golden visas to entrepreneurs investing €250,000 in startups, france’s normandy ports director warns of longer queues when entry/exit system launches, norway advises middle east & pakistan schengen visa applicants not to purchase tickets before visa approval, these 4 countries have simplified their eu blue card rules so far in 2024, germany begins controls at all land borders today, eu sees 39% drop in irregular border crossings so far this year, belgium to implement new changes to work permit regulations from october 1, eu extends entry ban for over 2,200 russian individuals & entities for another 6 months, eu sets new record: issued over 3.7 million first residence permits in 2023, portugal granted over 7,000 work visas to brazilians in first 8 months of 2024, denmark: athletes’ support personnel to be excluded from work permit requirements, eu citizens travelling to uk will have to pay €11 authorisation from april 2025, latvia to restrict property purchases by russians, indian national caught attempting to travel to the eu with fake swedish visa, spain ready for constructive solutions to ensure freedom of movement at border with gibraltar, eu & armenia launch political level dialogue on visa liberalisation, lufthansa to compensate thousands to indian student after failing to inform him about transit visa requirements, over 27,100 work permits issued in ireland in first 8 months of 2024, over 1 in 5 brits may opt not to travel to eu after entry/exit system goes live.

• Editorial Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Terms & Conditions

• Destinations
• Hotels & Homestays
• Food & Drink
• People & Culture
• Mindful Travel
• Readers' Travel Awards
• Escape to Rajasthan
• READERS TRAVEL AWARDS
• #LOVEGREATBRITAIN
• TAJ SAFARIS
• BOUTIQUE HOTELS
• CNT TOP RESTAURANT AWARDS
• DESTINATION WEDDING GUIDE
• DON’T TRAVEL WITHOUT IT
• #UNDISCOVERAUSTRALIA
• ESSENTIALLY RAJASTHAN

These 3 countries rejected nearly 50% of Schengen Visa requests from India

The  Schengen visa statistics for 2022 are out. Indian travellers filed over 6 lakh visa applications in 2022–the third highest in the world, but also faced a steep rejection rate of 18%.  Estonia ,  Malta and  Slovenia rejected the highest percentage of Schengen visa applications from India last year, while Germany, Italy and Hungary were most accommodating. Here are the details:

How did Schengen visa applications from India perform?

As per data by  Schengen Visa Info ,  a website that reports on the matter,  Estonia rejected the highest share of visas from India in 2022, canning 56% of 1,986 applications.  Malta declined 506 of 1,220 visas at a 45% rejection rate.  Slovenia rejected 44.5% of 2,732 visas. Going by volume, a different set of countries end up rejecting a higher number of visas. In 2022:  Switzerland rejected 13,984 of 1,06,025 visas, though the country’s overall rejection rate was significantly lower than the average at 13%.  France rejected 19.9% or 27,681 of 1,38,643 visas and  Spain declined 14,852 or 18.5% of 80,098 visas.  Austria rejected 5,945 of 24,791 visas at a 24% rejection rate, while  Greece rejected 34.7% or 9,118 of 27,457 and  Portugal turned down 1,593 of 5,326 visas (29.9%).  Sweden got 27,775 applications, and rejected 5,110 or 18.7% of them.

Best countries for Schengen visas for India travellers

It might also help to know that  Germany ( check flights ) had the lowest rejection rate for Indians, having rejected only eight out of 6,345 Schengen visas at the Bengaluru consulate, one application in Kolkata and two in Chennai.  Italy ( check flights ) and  Hungary ( check flights ) were next in line, with rejection rates of 11.5% (794 of 6,909 visas rejected) and 12.1% (1,098 of 9,046 visas rejected) respectively.

Where does India stand in the Schengen visa market?

Consulates around the world recorded 75,72,755 short-term Schengen visa applications last year.  Türkiye has taken the first spot with the most number of requests (7,78,409) and  Russia comes second (6,87,239).  India stood at number three–with Indians making 6,71,928 uniform visa applications to the Schengen region in 2022. Out of these, 1,21,188 were declined at the rejection rate of 18%. This is higher than the average rejection rate across the world, which stands at 17.9%. Only  Algeria fared worse than India in terms of numbers, with 1,79,409 of total Schengen visa applications being rejected.

Is there a trend?

Visa patterns may change over years. The world saw a significantly larger volume of applications in 2022 as compared to the year before that. In 2021, only 29,26,104 applications were filed all over. And yet, the numbers still haven’t matched up to pre-covid years. That’s not the only thing–average visa rejection rates too have gone up in 2022 from 13.4% in 2021. But the bright spots were Sweden, which declined only 18.7% of visa requests from India last year, against 42.26% in 2021, and Switzerland, which also granted a lot more visas to Indians in 2022, with the rejection rate dropping to 13% last year from 21% in 2021. France too issued more Schengen visas to Indian travellers last year than in 2021, with its rejection rate dipping from 30.8% to 19.9%.

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.