Which countries are the easiest to get a Schengen visa in 2024?
The summer vacation season is in full swing, so it's time to apply for a Schengen visa to travel around Europe. Find out more about the easiest and most difficult countries to get a Schengen visa in
You should start the process of applying for a Schengen visa a few weeks before your planned trip. This depends on the availability of seats at the embassy or visa center of the Schengen country you plan to visit. It is important to note that sometimes even making an appointment can take months, especially in countries with a high volume of Schengen visa applications.
The first step is to make an appointment, which can take quite a while. In some cases, the wait can last several months. After making an appointment, travelers have to wait several weeks until the day of submission of documents. After submitting the documents, the application usually takes about two to three weeks to be processed. All this time, travelers are waiting for their passports to be returned with the hope of a positive response.
This process requires advance planning and preparation, as delays can affect your plans. Always consider the possibility of delays when planning your trip and try to apply as soon as possible after your travel plans become concrete. This will help to avoid unforeseen complications and ensure that you receive your Schengen visa on time.
Which countries have the highest chances of obtaining a Schengen visa?
The data of the Schengen visa statistics for 2023 allowed us to determine the top ten easiest countries to obtain a Schengen visa for the summer of 2024:
1. Iceland - 2.2% of refusals;
2. Switzerland - 10.7% of refusals;
3. Latvia - 11.7% of refusals;
4. Italy - 12% of refusals;
5. Luxembourg - 12.7% of refusals;
6. Lithuania - 12.8% of refusals;
7. Slovakia - 12.9% of refusals;
8. Germany - 14.3% of refusals;
9. Austria - 14.3% of refusals;
10. Greece - 14.7% of refusals.
If you want to visit any of the EU member states, apply for a visa at the visa centers of one of these ten countries. You can always visit other countries with the same Schengen visa. Just make sure that the country that issued the visa will be your main destination.
Planning a trip or move abroad? An important part of a successful trip is an insurance policy, as it guarantees high-quality medical care anywhere in the world and can protect you from unnecessary expenses while travelling. You can buy insurance from trusted agents on the Visit World portal.
Which countries have the highest Schengen visa refusal rates?
For those who are planning to get a Schengen visa this summer, it is important to consider the countries with a high refusal rate. For example, Malta is known for its strict approach, having rejected 37.65% of applications in 2023. Thus, you should avoid applying to the consulates of this country.
Estonia is second on the list of countries with a high rejection rate, having rejected 33.1% of applications in 2023. It is followed by Belgium with a rate of 26.5%. Sweden and Croatia also have a significant percentage of rejections - 23.1% and 20%, respectively.
On average, in 2023, 54.2% of Schengen visa applications were rejected among the member states. Therefore, to increase the chances of successfully obtaining a visa, you should choose countries with a lower refusal rate and carefully prepare the necessary documents.
Thus, the easiest Schengen visas for the summer of 2024 are issued by Iceland, Switzerland, Latvia, and Italy. These countries have a lower refusal rate, which reduces the applicant's chances of receiving a negative response to their application. Malta, Estonia, and Belgium are the worst countries in the world to obtain a Schengen visa due to their high refusal rate.
Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World
To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need travel insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.
Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Travel guide for 200 countries;
Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;
Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);
Medical insurance all over the world.
Recommended articles
3 min
TreatmentMedical tourism in Thailand: important details for foreigners
The history of medical tourism in Thailand dates back to the 60s of the last century, when the construction of large hotels, clinics, and salons began. Now this country is one of the largest medical tourism centers in the world. Learn more about popular medical services and necessary documents for medical and recreational tourism in Thailand
13 cze. 2024
More details2 min
TravelsHow much will a trip to the Maldives cost in 2024: flight, accommodation, meals, entertainment
The Maldivian islands attract tourists with their heavenly landscapes and romantic vacations. Find out how much a vacation at one of the world's most luxurious resorts will cost and what expenses to consider
17 cze. 2024
More details3 min
PopularBest restaurants in the world 2024: The World's 50 Best Restaurants rating
For many people, the main motivation for traveling is the opportunity to try the colorful cuisine of other countries. Learn more about the best restaurants in the world in 2024 according to The World's 50 Best Restaurants
17 cze. 2024
More details3 min
EventsAlready this Friday, Euro-2024 will start in Germany. In addition to spectacular competitions, tourists will be able to enjoy numerous sights and cultural events here. Find out what to see in Germany during the break between matches and where it is better for tourists to stay
13 cze. 2024
More detailsAll materials and articles are owned by VisitWorld.Today and are protected by international intellectual property regulations. When using materials, approval from VisitWorld.Today is required.