Easiest Countries to Get a Schengen Visa
Last Updated : 16 Aug 2024
Tired of facing rejected Schengen visa applications after a long and confusing process? You're not alone. Many travellers struggle with the daunting paperwork and unclear requirements, only to be disappointed. With around 8.4 million visa requests approved out of 10.3 million, the process can indeed be challenging. But these numbers don't have to be unsolvable problems.
At Atlys, we've dedicated our time to uncovering the easiest countries to get a Schengen visa, ensuring you have the best chance of approval.
If you plan to explore the European wonders, follow the information below to get the easiest Schengen visa and make an informed decision when choosing your next destination.
Rely on Atlys, the world’s leading visa platform, for expert guidance and support to increase your chances of obtaining a Schengen visa.
12 Easiest Countries to Get a Schengen Visa in 2024
If you are planning to visit the Schengen area, then go through the information to find out the easiest countries to get a Schengen visa with the lowest visa denial rate:
- 1
Iceland
- 2
Switzerland
- 3
Latvia
- 4
Italy
- 5
Luxembourg
- 6
Lithuania
- 7
Slovakia
- 8
Germany
- 9
Austria
- 10
Greece
- 11
Poland
- 12
Hungary
1. Iceland
Rejection rate: 2.2% (2023).
Iceland is the Schengen country with the highest visa approval rate. Over the last three years, the rejection rate has gone from 9.7% in 2021 to 2.2% in 2023. Despite having an increase of 19,800 visas over the three years, the country still managed to decrease the rejection rate.
The continuous improvement in visa approval rates reflects Iceland’s commitment to welcoming international visitors, driven by its detailed immigration website and efficient consulate operations.
Key insights: Iceland’s efficient processing system allows the country to remain the easiest Schengen country to obtain a visa, with only one out of every 17,42 applications being rejected.
Annual rates (2019 - 2023):
- 1
2019: 1.2%.
- 2
2020: 4%.
- 3
2021: 9.7%.
- 4
2022: 1.9%.
- 5
2023: 2.2%.
Application:
One of Iceland’s major reasons for a higher visa approval rate is its guidelines and support for visa applications. The application starts with an online form, which leads to submitting the required documents at an embassy or dedicated office. For additional details, Iceland’s Immigration website provides helpful information.
2. Switzerland
Rejection rate: 10.7% (2023).
Switzerland, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and high quality of life, is the Schengen country with the second-most approved visas. Although the rejection rate increased to 13% in 2021, the country managed to bring it back down to 10.7% in 2023.
This is a major win for Switzerland, especially since the total number of visa applications in 2021 was only 114,025, a small number compared to 2023, which received over 600,000.
The steady improvement in rejection rates highlights Switzerland’s efforts to enhance its visa approval process. This includes implementing more transparent guidelines and improving applicant support to ensure the accuracy of the applications. Switzerland’s prime location, surrounded by Germany, France, and Italy, makes it an ideal destination for travellers.
Key insights: Switzerland has successfully reduced its rejection rate over the last three years despite a significant increase in applications. Only one out of every 9.35 applications is rejected.
Annual rates (2019 - 2023):
- 1
2019: 7.8%.
- 2
2020: 10.8%.
- 3
2021: 13%.
- 4
2022: 12%.
- 5
2023: 10.7%.
Application:
Switzerland's visa application process is noted for its clarity and efficiency. The country provides detailed guidelines and robust support through its consulates. A unique aspect is Switzerland's focus on prompt communication, offering timely updates on application status.
3. Latvia
Rejection rate: 11.7% (2023).
Latvia remains a highly accessible destination for travellers, consistently ranking as the third easiest country to obtain a Schengen visa. Despite the challenges posed by global travel disruptions, seeing a drop of over 80% in visa applications, the country still managed to keep the rejection rate under 12%.
Even with a substantial decrease in the total number of applications, Latvia's commitment to facilitating international travel remains strong. The country's streamlined application process and efficient consulate operations continue to help genuine travellers successfully obtain visas.
Key insights: Latvia continues to facilitate international travel with a high approval rate, even with reduced application numbers.
Annual rates (2019 - 2023):
- 1
2019: 2.4%.
- 2
2020: 2.7%.
- 3
2021: 3.5%.
- 4
2022: 9.5%.
- 5
2023: 11.7%.
Application:
To apply for a Latvia visa, travellers must complete the application form online and submit it to the closest embassy or consulate. Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website provides detailed information about the application and the consulates in your country.
4. Italy
Rejection rate: 12% (2023).
Italy continues to be a major attraction for tourists worldwide. In the last three years, it has constantly been the third most visited Schengen country each year, approving almost 1 million visas in 2023. The country has seen a slight improvement in rejection rates, with 12% in 2023 compared to 12.7% in 2022.
The country clearly wants to continue reducing rejection rates by implementing methods such as enhanced applicant support and a streamlined application process. Italy's iconic attractions, like the Colosseum, its perfect location, and easy access to various Mediterranean countries make it a top destination for travellers.
Key insights: Italy continues to strive to reduce visa rejection rates. Despite the high volume of applications, the country has efficiently managed to keep the rejection rate under 13%.
Annual rates (2019 - 2023):
- 1
2019: 7.7%.
- 2
2020: 11.5%.
- 3
2021: 9.8%.
- 4
2022: 12.7%.
- 5
2023: 12%.
Application:
Italy’s visa application process involves completing an online form and submitting documents at the nearest embassy or consulate. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website provides detailed instructions and support.
5. Luxembourg
Rejection rate: 12.7% (2023).
Luxembourg, a small landlocked country in western Europe with various picturesque landscapes, has seen a fluctuation in its visa rejection rates over the past five years. Despite the increase in the last two years, Luxembourg still managed to have the fifth lowest rejection rate (12.7%) out of all the Schengen countries.
Luxembourg leads the Schengen countries with the fewest applications, receiving 11,227 in 2023, likely due to its small population and limited tourism marketing. Fortunately, the low number of applications allows the country to focus better on each application, providing enhanced support and ensuring a smoother processing experience for applicants.
Key insights: Luxembourg leverages its low application numbers to enhance visa processing and support, maintaining the fifth-lowest rejection rate in the Schengen area.
Annual rates (2019 - 2023):
- 1
2019: 3.9%.
- 2
2020: 5.2%.
- 3
2021: 1.2%.
- 4
2022: 10.5%.
- 5
2023: 12.7%.
Applications:
Luxembourg’s visa process requires you to visit an appointment at an embassy or consulate to submit the physical application form and necessary documents. Use the Luxembourg Immigration website to find the diplomatic mission in your country.
6. Lithuania
Rejection rate: 12.8% (2023).
Lithuania has seen a notable increase in visa rejection rates over the past five years, leading to 12.8% in 2023. Despite this rise, Lithuania remains an attractive destination for travellers, focusing on increasing the number of applications after the COVID-19 pandemic, going from 24,764 in 2021 to 30,668 in 2023.
Lithuania keeps its visa rejection rate low by streamlining the application process and offering clear, detailed guidelines. The robust support services help applicants meet all requirements, and efficient handling by diplomatic missions ensures thorough yet swift reviews.
Key insights: Despite increased rejection rates, it remains one of the five easiest countries to obtain a Schengen visa.
Annual rates (2019 - 2023):
- 1
2019: 1.3%.
- 2
2020: 2.1%.
- 3
2021: 2.8%.
- 4
2022: 7.8%.
- 5
2023: 12.8%.
Application:
Lithuania’s visa application begins with an online form, after which you must submit your supporting documents at the nearest Lithuanian embassy or consulate in your country.
7. Slovakia
Rejection rate: 12.9% (2023).
Slovakia has experienced fluctuations in its visa rejection rates over the past five years, with an increase in the last two years. Despite these changes, Slovakia remains an attractive destination for travellers, reflecting its efforts to effectively manage and streamline the visa application process.
The increase in rejection rates indicates that the number of visitors is increasing. In 2023, Slovakia received a total of 13,468 visa applications compared to 2021’s 3886. The country's efficient procedures and supportive approach to applicants help keep rejection rates low, making it the seventh easiest Schengen country to obtain a visa.
Key insights: Slovakia's visa rejection rates have fluctuated over the past five years, but the country continues to attract an increasing number of visitors.
Annual rates (2019 - 2023):
- 1
2019: 6.1%.
- 2
2020: 4%.
- 3
2021: 2.7%.
- 4
2022: 9.7%.
- 5
2023: 12.9%.
Application:
To apply for a Slovakia visa, visit the diplomatic mission’s website in your country. Then, you must book an appointment through the mission to submit your application form and the required supporting documents.
8. Germany
Rejection rate: 14.3% (2023).
Germany has significant historical importance and hosts the popular Oktoberfest, which attracts travellers worldwide. In 2023, Germany was the second most visited Schengen country, with over 1.4 million visa applications, of which more than 1.2 million were approved.
Germany has decreased the rejection rate by almost 2% in 2023, with 14.3% of visas rejected compared to 2022’s 16.2%. The recent decrease in rejection rates reflects Germany's continuous efforts to enhance its visa application process. The country has implemented an efficient online system and clear document guidelines to assist applicants.
Key insights: Germany's rejection rate decreased by nearly 2%, reflecting efforts to streamline the visa process and provide better support for applicants.
Annual rates (2019 - 2023):
- 1
2019: 9.8%.
- 2
2020: 14.1%.
- 3
2021: 15.9%.
- 4
2022: 16.2%.
- 5
2023: 14.3%.
Application:
To apply for a visa, you must visit the German Federal Foreign Office website and complete the online application form. Then, you must submit the required documents at the nearest embassy or consulate.
9. Austria
Rejection rate: 14.3% (2023).
Austria, the birthplace of Mozart and Beethoven, is renowned for its classical music. The country has managed to decrease the visa rejection rate from 2022, with 14.3% of visas rejected in 2023, compared to 15.9% in 2022. Austria still managed to decrease the rejection rate despite having an increase of 51.49% in applications.
Austria focuses on more efficient processing techniques to review each application thoroughly but swiftly. This focus on improving the application experience and reducing processing times has contributed to the lower rejection rates. Austria, similar to Switzerland, is in a prime location for travellers as Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary surround it.
Key insights: With an increase of 51.95% in visa applications, Austria has reduced the rejection rate through efficient processing and by understanding the needs of visa applicants.
Annual rates (2019 - 2023):
- 1
2019: 5.2%.
- 2
2020: 5.6%.
- 3
2021: 9.9%.
- 4
2022: 15.9%.
- 5
2023: 14.3%.
Application:
Austria’s visa application requires you to complete the Schengen visa application form and submit it with your documents to the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country. The Federal Ministry of Austria provides helpful information regarding Austria's visa.
10. Greece
Rejection rate: 14.7% (2023).
Greece has witnessed an increase in visa rejection rates over the last five years. However, the country’s rejection rate is still low enough to be included in the top ten easiest countries to obtain a Schengen visa. Despite the increase in the rejection rate, the country received an increase of 112% in visa applications from 2021 to 2023, making the uptick in rejections nothing to be concerned about.
Greece has focused on improving the efficiency of its visa processing, ensuring that each application is reviewed thoroughly yet swiftly. In addition, the country provides applicants with a new online application form and support to ensure accurate information.
Key insights: Greece's efficient processing and clear guidelines have maintained a relatively low rejection rate, contributing to its ranking among the top ten easiest countries to obtain a Schengen visa.
Annual rates (2019 - 2023):
- 1
2019: 4.5%.
- 2
2020: 8.4%.
- 3
2021: 6.3%.
- 4
2022: 12.5%.
- 5
2023: 14.7%.
Application:
To obtain a Schengen visa for Greece, you must submit your application form and required documents to the embassy or consulate in your country.
11. Poland
Rejection rate: 14.8% (2023).
Poland has experienced a gradual increase in visa rejection rates. However, the country’s visa application numbers have increased from 41,891 in 2021 to 124,057 in 2023. With this major increase, the rise in rejection rate is not to be concerned about.
Poland’s improved visa management system allows it to handle a growing number of applications while maintaining a high approval rate. The country has implemented clear guidelines and supportive diplomatic missions to help applicants meet the necessary requirements. These efforts ensure genuine travellers have the best chance of obtaining a visa despite the competitive environment.
Key insights: Poland's visa applications surged from 41,891 in 2021 to 124,057 in 2023, highlighting its strong visa management system. Despite gradually increasing rejection rates, clear guidelines and robust support services have ensured high approval rates for genuine travellers.
Annual rates (2019 - 2023):
- 1
2019: 3.7%.
- 2
2020: 4.8%.
- 3
2021: 5.6%.
- 4
2022: 11.6%.
- 5
2023: 14.8%.
Application:
You must book an appointment through the official website to obtain a Schengen visa for Poland. Once confirmed, you must submit your application form and required documents on the day of your appointment.
12. Hungary
Rejection rate: 15.1% (2023).
Hungary, known as the land of waters, is popular for its thermal lakes and baths, which attract thousands of tourists annually. The country received 215,799 visa applications in 2023, of which only 15.1% were rejected. Despite seeing a slight increase in rejected visas, the country is the twelfth easiest country to apply for a Schengen visa.
The country has kept its approval rate at the top twelfth by enhancing its visa application process and providing detailed application guidelines.
Key insights: Hungary received 215,799 visa applications in 2023, with a rejection rate of 15.1%. The country achieved this by enhancing its application process, providing detailed guidelines, and improving support for applicants.
Annual rates (2019 - 2023):
- 1
2019: 7.8%.
- 2
2020: 9.1%.
- 3
2021: 4.8%.
- 4
2022: 15.1%.
- 5
2023: 15.1%.
Application:
The application process for a Schengen visa to Hungary involves completing the visa application form and gathering the required documents. Once completed, you must book an appointment at the diplomatic mission in your country to submit your application and supporting documents.
Who needs to apply for a Schengen visa?
Before applying for a Schengen visa, it is important to understand whether you need a visa to visit a Schengen country. If you are travelling to a Schengen country or multiple countries, there is a high chance that you will need one. Here is the condition in which you don’t require a visa:
- 1
If you are already a citizen of one or more schengen countries.
- 2
If you already have a visa from one of the Schengen countries under the stay of 90 days per 180 days validity.
- 3
If you are a national of non-EU countries and territories that have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU. These include Australia, Brazil, Canada, Macao, Mexico, the U.K., the U.S., Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, and roughly 50 more.
So, if you are a passport holder of any visa-exempt country, you can travel to the Schengen zone for a short stay of 90 days within 180 days of validity. In this case, you must show your flight itinerary and biometric passport. However, it's important to note that even visa-exempt travellers may be subject to additional checks at the border.
Which countries have the highest and lowest Schengen visa rejection rates?
During COVID-19, the number of tourists arriving in Schengen countries declined, but after COVID-19 ended, these numbers quickly increased. The increase in applications also leads to an increase in the rejection rate. In 2021, the schengen visa rejection rate worldwide was 13.4%, which increased to 17.9% in 2022. And then in 2023, it decreased to 16%.
Here are the nationalities with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates in 2023:
Countries with the lowest Schengen visa rejection rates:
Top 5 countries applying for Schengen visas
Here are the five countries with the highest number of Schengen visa applications in 2023. We will delve into the total applications, approvals, and rejections, offering a detailed overview of visa trends and the overall approval process.
1: China:
- 1
Visa applications: 1,117,365.
- 2
Approved visas: 1,043,149.
- 3
Denied visas: 60,554.
2: Turkey:
- 1
Visa applications: 1,055,885.
- 2
Approved visas: 867,646.
- 3
Denied visas: 169,514.
3: India:
- 1
Visa applications: 966,687.
- 2
Approved visas: 811,290.
- 3
Denied visas: 151,752.
4: Morocco:
- 1
Visa applications: 591,401.
- 2
Approved visas: 437,029.
- 3
Denied visas: 136,367.
5: Russia:
- 1
Visa applications: 520,387.
- 2
Approved visas: 448,890.
- 3
Denied visas: 54,293.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right European destination can significantly impact your travel experience. The Schengen Area, with its diverse and culturally rich countries, offers countless opportunities for exploration.
Iceland tops the list with its high visa approval rate and unique natural wonders, making it an accessible and breathtaking destination. Lithuania and Latvia follow closely, offering efficient visa policies and a mix of historical and natural attractions. So, the answer to your question about which European country is easy to get a visa to is explained. However, Schengen visa applications can take a lot of time, so you are advised to get help from Atlys.
How we reviewed this article:
Our experts continually monitor the official sources for any changes, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
- Current Version
16 Aug 2024
Written By:
Sathish Ramcharan
Edited By:
Gustav Mummbrauer
25 Jul 2024
Written By:
Sathish Ramcharan
Edited By:
Sathish Ramcharan