Struggling with repeated Schengen visa refusals after dealing with a lengthy and often confusing application process? You’re definitely not the only one. Every year, millions of travellers submit piles of documents, try to decode vague eligibility rules, and still end up rejected. In 2024, approximately 11.7 million Schengen visa applications were submitted, and almost 1.7 million were refused, leading to an overall rejection rate of 14.8%.
That’s where VisaFast comes in. We’ve taken the complexity out of the process by reviewing and analysing thousands of Schengen visa applications. Based on this data, we’ve identified the countries where approval rates are highest, helping applicants reduce uncertainty and improve their chances of success. Applying through one of these easier Schengen countries still grants you access to all 29 nations within the Schengen zone, allowing seamless travel across Europe.
TL;DR: In 2024, Iceland stands out as the easiest country to obtain a Schengen visa, boasting a 93.53% approval rate. On the other end of the spectrum, Malta is the most difficult, with a 37.09% rejection rate.
12 Countries Where Getting a Schengen Visa Is Easiest
If you’re planning a trip to the Schengen region, review the details below to discover which countries have the lowest visa refusal rates, making them more applicant-friendly.
Schengen countries ranked by lowest visa rejection percentage:
- 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 continues to rank as the most accessible Schengen country for visa applicants, with an impressive 93.53% approval rate. While rejection figures have shifted over recent years—moving from 9.7% in 2021 down to 2.2% in 2023, before increasing modestly to 6.47% in 2024—the overall success rate has remained consistently high. This stability is particularly notable given that Iceland processed nearly 19,800 additional visa applications during the same period.
This strong performance highlights Iceland’s proactive approach to international travel facilitation. Clear instructions on official portals, a structured immigration framework, and efficient consular services all play a role in sustaining its high approval outcomes.
Key insight: Thanks to its streamlined processing system, Iceland remains the easiest Schengen country to secure a visa, with roughly one rejection for every 1,742 applications.
Iceland visa rejection trends (2019–2024):
- 2019: 1.2%
- 2020: 4%
- 2021: 9.7%
- 2022: 1.9%
- 2023: 2.2%
- 2024: 6.47%
Application Process:
Iceland’s high approval rate is largely supported by its applicant-friendly visa framework. The process begins with an online application, followed by document submission at an embassy or authorised visa centre. Applicants can also consult Iceland’s official Immigration portal for step-by-step guidance and updates.
2. Romania
Visa Rejection Rate: 9.28% (2024)
In March 2024, Romania officially joined the Schengen Area, marking an important milestone in its integration with Europe. Since then, the country has emerged as a relatively visa-friendly destination, recording a 9.28% rejection rate in 2024. With more than 90% of applicants receiving approval, Romania has quickly become an appealing entry point into the Schengen region.
Application Details:
Romania’s visa system is known for its clarity and efficiency. Clear documentation requirements and a structured submission process make it a dependable choice for travelers. Although its rejection rate is slightly higher than Iceland’s, Romania still performs better than many established Western European Schengen states.
3. Slovakia
Visa Rejection Rate: 9.98% (2024)
Slovakia recorded a visa approval rate of 90.02% in 2024. While rejection rates have fluctuated over the past five years—particularly increasing in the last two—the country remains a strong option for Schengen visa applicants. These changes largely reflect rising interest and growing application volumes rather than stricter policies.
In 2024, Slovakia approved 12,689 visas, while 13,468 applications were submitted in 2023, a sharp increase compared to just 3,886 applications in 2021. Despite this growth, efficient procedures and an applicant-supportive approach have helped keep refusal rates under control, placing Slovakia among the easier Schengen countries to apply through.
Key insight: Although rejection rates have varied, Slovakia continues to attract a growing number of visitors each year.
Slovakia visa rejection rates (2019–2024):
- 2019: 6.1%
- 2020: 4%
- 2021: 2.7%
- 2022: 9.7%
- 2023: 12.9%
- 2024: 9.98%
Application Process:
Applicants should begin by locating the appropriate Slovak diplomatic mission via the official mission directory. An appointment must then be scheduled to submit the completed application form along with all required supporting documents.
4. Bulgaria
Visa Rejection Rate: 10.02% (2024)
Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen Area in March 2024, marking a major advancement in its European integration journey. Following accession, the country achieved a visa approval rate of 89.98%, making it one of the more accessible Schengen destinations. Bulgaria’s clearly defined visa procedures and structured application requirements contribute to its growing popularity among international travelers.
5. Portugal
Visa Rejection Rate: 10.77% (2024)
In 2024, Portugal recorded a visa approval rate of 89.23%, representing a dramatic improvement from 53.1% in 2023 and 58.0% in 2022. This sharp upward trend reflects focused efforts to modernize visa operations, improve consular efficiency, and better align with Schengen-wide standards.
As a result, Portugal now stands out as one of the most rapidly improving Schengen countries in terms of visa accessibility. Applicants benefit from clearer guidance, more transparent processing, and enhanced support across Portuguese consulates.
Key insight: Portugal’s sharp rise in approval rates makes it a strong option for travelers seeking a higher likelihood of Schengen visa approval.
Portugal visa rejection history (2019–2024):
- 2019: 20.3%
- 2020: 30.0%
- 2021: 12.1%
- 2022: 18.1%
- 2023: 16.0%
- 2024: 10.77%
Application Process:
Portugal’s visa system emphasizes organisation and clarity. Applications are handled through embassies and visa centres with scheduled appointments, well-documented requirements, and transparent procedures that help ensure a smoother applicant experience.
6. Latvia
Visa Rejection Rate: 10.81% (2024)
Latvia remains one of the more approachable Schengen destinations for visa applicants, frequently ranking among the easiest countries to apply through. Even during periods of global travel disruption—when visa applications dropped by over 80%—Latvia maintained a rejection rate below 12%, underscoring its consistent support for legitimate travel.
This performance is backed by an efficient consular system and a streamlined application process that continues to benefit genuine visitors.
Key data point: Latvia sustains high approval rates despite fluctuations in application volumes.
Latvia visa rejection rates (2019–2024):
- 2019: 2.4%
- 2020: 2.7%
- 2021: 3.5%
- 2022: 9.5%
- 2023: 11.7%
- 2024: 10.81%
Application Process:
Applicants must complete the visa application through the relevant embassy portal and submit documents at the designated consular office. Comprehensive guidance on requirements and local missions is available on Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: [https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/applying-visa].
7. Italy
Visa Rejection Rate: 10.89% (2024)
Italy continues to be one of the most popular Schengen destinations, recording a visa approval rate of 89.11% in 2024. For the past three years, Italy has consistently ranked as the third most visited Schengen country, issuing close to one million visas in 2023 alone. Encouragingly, rejection rates have steadily declined, dropping from 12.7% in 2022 to 12% in 2023, and further down to 10.89% in 2024.
Italian authorities have been actively working to reduce refusals by improving applicant assistance and simplifying procedures. Combined with world-famous attractions such as the Colosseum, its strategic Mediterranean location, and excellent connectivity to neighboring countries, Italy remains a top choice for international travellers.
Key insight: Despite handling a very high volume of applications, Italy has successfully kept its visa rejection rate below 13%.
Italy visa rejection rates (2019–2024):
- 2019: 7.7%
- 2020: 11.5%
- 2021: 9.8%
- 2022: 12.7%
- 2023: 12%
- 2024: 10.89%
Application Process:
Applicants must complete an online form and submit supporting documents at the nearest Italian embassy or consulate. Detailed instructions and official guidance are available on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
8. Switzerland
Visa Rejection Rate: 11.27% (2024)
Switzerland remains one of the more accessible Schengen countries, with an 88.73% visa approval rate in 2024. Known for its scenic landscapes and high standard of living, the country has shown resilience in managing visa demand. While rejection rates peaked at 13% in 2021, they declined to 10.7% in 2023 before rising slightly to 11.27% in 2024.
This performance is particularly notable given the sharp rise in applications—from 114,025 in 2021 to more than 600,000 in 2023, and 636,077 in 2024. Switzerland’s ability to process this surge efficiently reflects the strength and adaptability of its visa system.
Efforts to enhance transparency, clarify requirements, and improve applicant support have played a key role in maintaining steady approval outcomes. Its central European location, bordering Germany, France, and Italy, further adds to its appeal.
Key insight: Despite a major increase in applications, Switzerland has kept rejection rates relatively low, with only one out of every 9.35 applications being refused.
Switzerland visa rejection rates (2019–2024):
- 2019: 7.8%
- 2020: 10.8%
- 2021: 13%
- 2022: 12%
- 2023: 10.7%
- 2024: 11.27%
Application Process:
Switzerland’s visa procedure is recognised for its clarity and efficiency. Applicants benefit from detailed official guidelines, strong consular support, and timely communication regarding application status.
9. Luxembourg
Visa Rejection Rate: 12.59% (2024)
Luxembourg recorded a tourist visa approval rate of 87.41% in 2024. This small, landlocked Western European country has seen variations in rejection rates over the past five years, including a modest increase in recent years. Even so, Luxembourg still ranks among the Schengen countries with the lowest rejection rates, standing at 12.59% in 2024.
The country also receives the fewest visa applications in the Schengen area—11,227 in 2023 and 13,007 in 2024—largely due to its smaller population and limited tourism promotion. This lower volume allows authorities to dedicate more attention to each case, resulting in smoother processing and better applicant support.
Key insight: Luxembourg uses its low application volume to deliver more focused visa processing, helping it maintain one of the lowest rejection rates in the Schengen region.
Luxembourg visa rejection rates (2019–2024):
- 2019: 3.9%
- 2020: 5.2%
- 2021: 1.2%
- 2022: 10.5%
- 2023: 12.7%
- 2024: 12.59%
Application Process:
Applicants must attend an in-person appointment at a Luxembourg embassy or consulate to submit their application and documents. The appropriate diplomatic mission can be located through the official Luxembourg Immigration website.
10. Hungary
Visa Rejection Rate: 12.77% (2024)
Hungary achieved a visa approval rate of 87.23% in 2024. Popularly known as the “land of waters” for its thermal baths and lakes, the country attracted 251,364 visa applications in 2024, with 12.77% rejected. This marked an improvement over 2023, when 15.1% of 215,799 applications were refused.
Despite year-to-year fluctuations, Hungary remains the tenth easiest Schengen country for visa applicants. Authorities have strengthened the application framework by improving guidelines, clarifying requirements, and enhancing applicant support.
Key insight: Hungary handled over 250,000 applications in 2024 while reducing its rejection rate through improved processes and clearer documentation standards.
Hungary visa rejection rates (2019–2024):
- 2019: 7.8%
- 2020: 9.1%
- 2021: 4.8%
- 2022: 15.1%
- 2023: 15.1%
- 2024: 12.77%
Application Process:
Applicants must complete the official visa application form and schedule an appointment at the relevant Hungarian diplomatic mission to submit documents and biometric data.
11. Norway
Visa Rejection Rate: 12.80% (2024)
Norway recorded a visa success rate of 87.20% in 2024, ranking as the eleventh easiest Schengen country to obtain a visa. That year, the country processed 149,988 applications, with a rejection rate of 12.80%—a significant improvement compared to 15.9% in 2023, when 108,536 applications were submitted.
This downward trend in refusals signals growing accessibility for travellers planning to visit Norway.
Key insight: Norway reduced its visa rejection rate in 2024 despite a sharp increase in application volume.
Norway visa rejection rates (2019–2024):
- 2019: 5.6%
- 2020: 16.2%
- 2021: 26.2%
- 2022: 20.3%
- 2023: 15.9%
- 2024: 12.80%
Application Process:
Applications must be submitted online through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) portal. After completing the form and preparing the necessary documents, applicants must book an appointment at a Norwegian embassy, consulate, or authorised visa centre to provide biometrics.
12. Greece
Visa Rejection Rate: 13.13% (2024)
Greece posted a visa approval rate of 86.87% in 2024. Although rejection rates have risen gradually over the past five years, Greece still ranks among the 12 easiest Schengen countries for visa applicants. Notably, visa applications increased by 112% between 2021 and 2024, meaning the higher rejection rate largely reflects growing demand rather than stricter policies.
To manage this growth, Greece has focused on improving processing efficiency, introducing updated online application forms, and offering better applicant support to ensure accurate submissions.
Key insight: Clear guidelines and efficient processing have helped Greece maintain a relatively low rejection rate despite a surge in applications.
Greece visa rejection rates (2019–2024):
- 2019: 4.5%
- 2020: 8.4%
- 2021: 6.3%
- 2022: 12.5%
- 2023: 14.7%
- 2024: 13.13%
Application Process:
To apply for a Schengen visa to Greece, applicants must submit the official application form along with required documents at the Greek embassy or consulate in their country.
Which Schengen Countries Have the Strictest Visa Approval Rates?
Visa rejection rates in Schengen countries can vary significantly due to differences in their policies and the level of scrutiny applied to each application. Based on the most recent 2024 data from the European Union, the following Schengen nations 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%
When applying to these countries, make sure to carefully follow the visa requirements and avoid common Schengen visa rejection reasons.
What Are the Easiest Schengen Visas to Get from India?
Indians planning to visit the Schengen Area can focus on countries with lower rejection rates for better chances of approval:
- 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?
If you’re applying for a Schengen visa from Dubai, these countries have some of the lowest rejection rates:
- 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?
UK applicants can look into these Schengen countries, which have the lowest rejection rates for visa applications:
- 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?
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Schengen visa applications have surged, leading to higher rejection rates in some countries. The global rejection rate for Schengen visas was 13.4% in 2021, which rose to 17.9% in 2022 before slightly decreasing to 16% in 2023.
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 saw the highest rejection rates for Schengen visa applications in 2024.
Countries with the lowest Schengen visa rejection rates in 2024:
- 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 have the lowest rejection rates for Schengen visa applications in 2024.
Countries with the Most Schengen Visa Applications
Here are the top five countries with the highest number of Schengen visa applications in 2024. This list includes total applications, approvals, and rejections, offering an overview of visa trends and approval rates:
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
5: Russia
- Visa applications: 606,594
- Denied visas: 44,885
How is VisaFast Making Schengen Visa Applications Easier?
VisaFast simplifies the Schengen visa process by transforming it into a streamlined, user-friendly experience. The platform offers a game-like interface that guides applicants through each step, checks documents automatically, and helps schedule appointments quickly. With features like the “What If Evaluator,” users can identify and fix issues early, reducing the chances of a rejection. Most applications take just a few minutes to complete.
Final Thoughts: Simplify Your Schengen Visa Application with VisaFast
Choosing the right European destination can have a significant impact on your travel experience. The Schengen Area, rich in history and culture, provides a wealth of opportunities for exploration.
Countries like Iceland, with its high visa approval rate and stunning natural beauty, are some of the easiest to visit. Latvia and Lithuania also offer efficient visa systems and a blend of scenic and historical attractions. While navigating Schengen visa applications can be time-consuming, platforms like VisaFast can significantly simplify the process, increasing your chances of success.