Easiest Countries to Get a Schengen Visa (Updated)
Easiest Countries to Get a Schengen Visa (Updated)
Frustrated by Schengen visa rejections after navigating a long, confusing application process? You’re not alone. Millions of travellers face overwhelming paperwork and unclear requirements every year, only to be denied. In 2024 alone, out of 11.7 million Schengen visa applications, nearly 1.7 million were rejected, resulting in a rejection rate of 14.8%.
At Atlys, we’ve done the hard work for you. After analysing thousands of Schengen visa applications, we have identified the easiest countries to get a Schengen visa. We aim to help you maximise your chances of approval and minimise unnecessary stress. By applying through one of these easier Schengen countries, you’ll also be free to travel throughout all 29 countries in the Schengen area.
TLDR: The Easiest country in 2024 to get a Schengen visa is Iceland, with a 93.53% visa success rate, and Malta is the toughest country to get a Schengen visa, with a 37.09% visa rejection rate.
12 Easiest Countries to Get a Schengen Visa
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:
List of Schengen countries with the lowest visa rejection rates:
Iceland- 6.47%
Romania- 9.28%
Slovakia- 9.98%
Bulgaria- 10.02%
Portugal- 10.77%
Latvia- 10.81%
Italy-10.89%
Switzerland-11.27%
Luxembourg-12.59%
Hungary-12.77%
Norway-12.80%
Greece-13.13%
1. Iceland
Visa Rejection Rate: 6.47% (2024)
Iceland is the easiest Schengen country to obtain a visa, boasting a high approval rate of 93.53%. Over the past three years, its rejection rate has seen notable fluctuations, from 9.7% in 2021 to 2.2% in 2023 and rising slightly to 6.47% in 2024. Despite processing nearly 19,800 more visa applications during this period, Iceland has maintained an impressive approval rate.
This consistent performance reflects the country’s strong commitment to facilitating travel. A well-structured immigration process, detailed guidance on official platforms, and efficient consular operations have contributed to its continued success.
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 1,742 applications being rejected.
Iceland's annual visa rejection rates (2019 - 2024):
2019: 1.2%.
2020: 4%.
2021: 9.7%.
2022: 1.9%.
2023: 2.2%.
2024: 6.47%
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. Romania
Visa rejection rate: 9.28% (2024)
In March 2024, Romania officially joined the Schengen Area, marking a significant step forward in European integration. Since then, it has proven to be one of the more accessible Schengen countries for visa applicants, with a low rejection rate of just 9.28% in 2024. More than 90% of applicants were granted a visa, making Romania an attractive option for travellers seeking a smooth and successful entry into the Schengen Zone.
Application:
Romania's visa process is known for its efficiency, clear documentation requirements, and a streamlined application system. While its rejection rate is slightly higher than Iceland’s, Romania still ranks ahead of many Western European countries regarding visa accessibility, offering both ease and reliability for international travellers.
3. Slovakia
Visa Rejection rate: 9.98% (2024).
The Slovakia visa success rate is 90.02%. 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 2024, Slovakia approved 12,689 visas, and in 2023, Slovakia received 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.
Slovakia visa annual rejection rates (2019 - 2024):
2019: 6.1%.
2020: 4%.
2021: 2.7%.
2022: 9.7%.
2023: 12.9%.
2024: 9.98%
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.
4. Bulgaria
Visa Rejection rate: 10.02% (2024).
In March 2024, Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen Area, marking a major milestone in its European integration. Since then, it has recorded a visa approval rate of 89.98%, making it one of the most accessible Schengen destinations. With a clear and structured visa process, Bulgaria is becoming an increasingly attractive option for travellers seeking smooth entry into Europe.
5. Portugal
Visa Rejection rate: 10.77% (2024).
In 2024, Portugal achieved a visa approval rate of 89.23%, a significant improvement compared to 53.1% in 2023 and 58.0% in 2022. This dramatic rise reflects Portugal’s focused efforts to streamline its visa application process, improve consular efficiency, and align with broader Schengen standards.
Such progress positions Portugal as one of the fastest-improving Schengen countries regarding visa accessibility. The country's consulates are increasingly known for clear guidelines, more transparent processing, and better support for applicants, contributing to a more positive experience for travellers.
Key Insight:
Portugal's rapid improvement in visa approval rates makes it an excellent choice for applicants seeking a higher chance of success when applying to the Schengen Area.
Portugal visa annual rejection rates (2019 - 2024):
2019: 20.3%
2020: 30.0%
2021: 12.1%
2022: 18.1%
2023: 16.0%
2024: 10.77%
Application:
Portugal’s visa application process is known for its structured approach and accessibility. The country offers clear guidelines through its embassies and visa centres. A key feature is the emphasis on scheduled appointments and thorough documentation, ensuring an organised and transparent application experience.
6. Latvia
Visa rejection rate: 10.81% (2024).
The Latvia visa success rate is 89.19%. 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, which saw a drop of over 80% in visa applications, the country still managed to keep the rejection rate under 12%.
Despite a substantial decrease in the 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 facilitates international travel with a high approval rate, even with reduced application numbers.
Latvia's annual visa rejection rates (2019 - 2024):
2019: 2.4%.
2020: 2.7%.
2021: 3.5%.
2022: 9.5%.
2023: 11.7%.
2024: 10.81%.
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.
7. Italy
Visa rejection rate: 10.89% (2024).
Italy's visa success rate is 89.11%, reflecting its continued appeal as a top destination for global travellers. Over the past three years, Italy has consistently ranked as the third most visited Schengen country, issuing nearly 1 million visas in 2023 alone. The country has also shown a modest improvement in rejection rates, decreasing from 12.7% in 2022 to 12% in 2023 and 10.89% in 2024.
The country wants to continue reducing rejection rates by implementing 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%.
Italy visa annual rejection rates (2019 - 2024):
2019: 7.7%.
2020: 11.5%.
2021: 9.8%.
2022: 12.7%.
2023: 12%.
2024: 10.89%
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.
8. Switzerland
Visa rejection rate: 11.27% (2024).
Switzerland is one of the easiest schengen countries with an 88.73% visa success rate in 2024. It is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and high quality of life. Although the rejection rate increased to 13% in 2021, the country brought it back down to 10.7% in 2023. However, the rejection rates increased in 2024 by 11.27%.
This marks a significant achievement for Switzerland, particularly considering the sharp rise in visa applications, from just 114,025 in 2021 to over 600,000 in 2023 and 636,077 in 2024. The country's ability to manage this surge effectively underscores the strength of its visa processing system.
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 reduced its rejection rate over the last three years despite significantly increasing applications. Only one out of every 9.35 applications is rejected.
Switzerland's annual visa rejection rates (2019 - 2023):
2019: 7.8%.
2020: 10.8%.
2021: 13%.
2022: 12%.
2023: 10.7%.
2024: 11.27%
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.
9. Luxembourg
Visa rejection rate: 12.59% (2024).
Luxembourg's tourist visa success rate is 87.41%. It is a small landlocked country in western Europe with various picturesque landscapes, which has seen a fluctuation in its visa rejection rates over the past five years. Despite the increase in the last two years, Luxembourg still had the ninth lowest rejection rate (12.59%) out of all the Schengen countries.
Luxembourg leads the Schengen countries with the fewest applications, receiving 11,227 in 2023 and 13,007 in 2024, 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.
Luxembourg visa annual rejection rates (2019 - 2023):
2019: 3.9%.
2020: 5.2%.
2021: 1.2%.
2022: 10.5%.
2023: 12.7%.
2024: 12.59%
Applications:
Luxembourg’s visa process requires you to visit an embassy or consulate for an appointment to submit the physical application form and necessary documents. Use the Luxembourg Immigration website to find the diplomatic mission in your country.
10. Hungary
Visa rejection rate: 12.77% (2024).
Hungary’s visa success rate stands at 87.23%. Known as the land of waters, Hungary attracts thousands of tourists annually with its renowned thermal lakes and baths. In 2024, the country received 251,364 visa applications, with a rejection rate of 12.77%. This improved over 2023, when 215,799 applications were filed and 15.1% were rejected. Despite slight fluctuations in rejection rates, Hungary remains the tenth easiest Schengen country to apply for a visa, reflecting its continued accessibility for travellers.
The country has kept its approval rate at the top tenth by enhancing its visa application process and providing detailed application guidelines.
Key insights: Hungary received 251,364 visa applications in 2024, with a rejection rate of 12.77%. The country achieved this by enhancing its application process, providing detailed guidelines, and improving support for applicants.
Hungary visa annual rejection rates (2019 - 2024):
2019: 7.8%.
2020: 9.1%.
2021: 4.8%.
2022: 15.1%.
2023: 15.1%.
2024: 12.77%.
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.
11. Norway
Visa rejection rate: 12.80% (2024).
Norway’s visa success rate stands at 87.20%, making it the eleventh easiest Schengen country to obtain a visa. In 2024, Norway received 149,988 visa applications, with a rejection rate of 12.80%, a notable improvement from 2023, when the rejection rate was 15.9% out of 108,536 applications. This decline in rejections highlights increased accessibility for travellers seeking to visit the country.
Key insights: In 2024, Norway received 149,988 visa applications, with a rejection rate of 12.80%, indicating a positive trend compared to the previous year.
Norway visa annual rejection rates (2019 - 2024):
2019: 5.6%
2020: 16.2%
2021: 26.2%
2022: 20.3%
2023: 15.9%
2024: 12.80%
Application:
The application process for a Schengen visa to Norway involves completing the visa application form online through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) portal. Once the form is submitted and the required documents are prepared, you must book an appointment at the Norwegian embassy, consulate, or an authorised visa application centre in your country to submit your application and provide biometric data.
12. Greece
Visa rejection rate: 13.13% (2024).
The Greece visa success rate is 86.87%. 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 12 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 2024, 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.
Greece visa annual rejection rates (2019 - 2024):
2019: 4.5%.
2020: 8.4%.
2021: 6.3%.
2022: 12.5%.
2023: 14.7%.
2024: 13.13%
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.
Which schengen countries have the strictest visa approval rates?
Schengen visa rejection rates vary across member countries due to differences in visa policies and the scrutiny applied to applications. Based on the latest data given by the European Union in 2024, the following Schengen countries have the highest visa rejection rates:
Schengen countries with the highest visa rejection rates in 2024:
Malta 37.09%
Estonia 27.14%
Slovenia 24.31%
Belgium 24.15%
Sweden 23.63%
Denmark 23.47%
Croatia 18.98%
Poland 17.28%
Czech Republic 15.76%
France 15.66%
So, when you apply for these countries, make sure you take extra care of the requirements and avoid the reasons for Schengen visa rejection.
What are the easiest schengen visas from India?
Indians who are planning to visit the schengen area can apply for the following countries, which have lower rejection rates:
Denmark – 8.41%
Belgium – 8.72%
Norway – 9.50%
Germany – 11.06%
Italy – 11.28%
Latvia – 11.84%
Switzerland – 12.02%
Hungary – 13.24%
Slovakia – 13.41%
Sweden – 14.44%
Which schengen visa is easy to get from Dubai?
People who are trying to get a schengen visa from Dubai can choose these schengen countries, and they have the lowest visa rejection rate:
Latvia – 6.21%
Romania – 15.47%
Portugal – 15.49%
Italy – 15.93%
Poland – 16.66%
Greece – 17.04%
Belgium – 17.91%
Spain – 18.07%
France – 18.76%
Netherlands – 20.15%
Which schengen visa is easy to get from the UK?
If you are applying for a Schengen visa from the United Kingdom, then these countries are best to go with the lowest schengen visa rejection:
Slovakia – 0.00%
Netherlands – 1.49%
Czech Republic – 1.94%
Romania – 2.47%
Poland – 2.99%
Portugal – 3.36%
Spain – 3.86%
Germany – 4.54%
Malta – 5.17%
France – 6.00%
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 2024:
Comoros – 61.48%
Bangladesh – 53.26%
Nigeria – 45.30%
Haiti – 44.95%
Senegal – 44.91%
Pakistan – 44.84%
Ghana – 44.52%
Congo (Brazzaville) – 43.60%
Bolivia – 42.17%
Mali – 41.27%
These countries had the highest Schengen visa rejection rates in 2024.
Countries with the lowest Schengen visa rejection rates:
France – 0.14%
Saint Lucia – 0.48%
Luxembourg – 0.55%
Denmark – 0.68%
San Marino – 0.74%
Austria – 0.79%
Liberia – 0.80%
Sao Tome and Principe – 0.86%
Honduras – 1.30%
Vanuatu – 1.53%
These countries had the lowest Schengen visa rejection rates in 2024.
Countries with the Most Schengen Visa Applications
Here are the five countries with the highest number of Schengen visa applications in 2024. We will delve into the total applications, approvals, and rejections, offering a detailed overview of visa trends and the overall approval process.
1: China
Visa applications: 1,779,255
Denied visas: 80,703
2: Turkey
Visa applications: 1,173,917
Denied visas: 170,129
3: India
Visa applications: 1,108,239
Denied visas: 165,266
4: Morocco
Visa applications: 606,800
Denied visas: 115,774
4: Russia
Visa applications: 606,594
Denied visas: 44,885
How is Atlys making a schengen visa application easy?
Atlys makes applying for a Schengen visa easy by turning the process into a simple, game-like experience. Its user-friendly platform guides applicants step-by-step, checks documents automatically, and helps book appointments quickly. With tools like the “What If Evaluator,” users can spot and fix issues early, reducing the chance of rejection. Most applications take just a few minutes to complete.
Final Thoughts: Simplify Your Schengen Visa Application with Atlys
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 for is explained. However, Schengen visa applications can take a lot of time, so you are advised to get help from Atlys.