Where are Schengen visas most often approved in 2025? Top countries with the highest success rates, application tips and how to increase your chances of getting a visa before 2026

Are you planning a trip to Europe at the end of 2025 or are you already planning your first trip in 2026? Then it’s worth finding out in advance which countries are best to apply for a Schengen visa to – to increase your chances of success and avoid unnecessary refusals.

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In the guide you will find:

- current requirements for Schengen visas;

- rules of entry, insurance and stay;

- tips for choosing a route and booking accommodation;

- recommendations for travel in 2025–2026.

Download your guide and travel confidently!

Countries with the highest Schengen visa approval rates at the end of 2025

Although official data for 2025 has not yet been published, SchengenVisaInfo statistics for 2024 show a clear trend: some consulates remain significantly “friendlier” to applicants. The TOP 10 countries where it is easiest to get a Schengen visa include:

- Iceland – 91.25% of approved applications;

- Slovakia – 89.25%;

- Italy – 88.72%;

- Romania – 88.36%;

- Switzerland – 88.12%;

- Hungary – 87.23%;

- Norway – 87.20%;

- Greece – 85.86%;

- Austria – 85.78%;

- Luxembourg – 85.65%.

For comparison, the average approval rate across the Schengen area was around 52%.

Should you apply in the country with the highest approval rate?

“Visa shopping” is a dangerous temptation. Many travelers try to apply to a country where visas are issued more often. But this violates the rules of the Schengen Code. You only need to apply:

- to the country you are actually visiting;

- or to the one where you will spend the most time;

- if the duration of the trip is equal - to the consulate of the country you enter first.

Submitting documents “in the wrong place” can not only lead to a refusal, but also negatively affect future attempts to obtain a visa.

Countries where the level of Schengen visa approval has decreased

Compared to 2023, Germany, Latvia, Poland and Lithuania have dropped in the ranking of countries with the highest approval rate. Experts attribute this to a large influx of applicants and changes in domestic policy.

How many Schengen visa applications were submitted?

In 2024, the Schengen countries received over 11.7 million visa applications – and the trend is set to continue in 2025. This means longer processing times and more thorough document checks.

Therefore, if you are planning to apply for a Schengen visa in 2025 – apply in advance, especially if you are planning a trip before the winter holidays.

Does the applicant’s nationality affect the Schengen visa approval rate?

The data also shows that the chances of obtaining a Schengen visa are affected not only by the consulate, but also by the applicant’s nationality. For example, in 2024:

- Liberia – 97.6% of successful applications,

- Vanuatu – 95.79%,

- Zambia – 88.87%,

- Botswana – 83.10%,

- Niger – 78.86%.

Guinea-Bissau (43.84%), Haiti (52%) and Tajikistan (60%) had the lowest rates.

How to increase your chances of success when applying for a Schengen visa?

To increase your chances of obtaining a Schengen visa, we recommend:

1. Apply in advance. Book your application date at least 4-6 weeks in advance.

2. Stick to your itinerary. Consulates check that your reservations match your itinerary.

3. Check your documents. The most common reason for refusal is the lack of proof of finances or the purpose of the trip.

4. Attach a cover letter. Briefly explain your travel plans and your intention to return.

5. Avoid “hot” dates. November-December are the busiest months.

What changes to the Schengen visa application procedure can be expected in 2026?

The EU is preparing to introduce a single digital visa platform, which should simplify the application process and reduce processing times. The system is expected to be operational in most Schengen countries in 2026.

Need help with applying for a Schengen visa?

Use the services of our migration specialists - they will help you:

- check your documents before applying;

- choose the right consulate;

- prepare a cover letter and make an appointment for application.

Avoid mistakes that lead to visa refusal - apply for documents with professionals.

If you plan to get a Schengen visa at the end of 2025 or at the beginning of 2026 - focus on the data for 2024. Iceland, Romania, Switzerland and Slovakia remain the most reliable options for applying, and success depends not only on the choice of consulate, but also on the documents, route and timeliness of application submission.

Let us remind you! From October 12, 2025, the new EES entry-exit system has been operational in Europe. We have already told you who needs to register, what biometric data is collected, how the control process is carried out, how to prepare for travel and much more useful information.

Photo – Freepik

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