Applying for a Schengen Visa? Steer Clear of These 5 Countries with the Most Rejections

The percentage of member nations who rejected Schengen visa applications in 2023 differed greatly. The countries with the greatest rejection rates were Malta, closely followed by Estonia, Belgium, Sweden, and Denmark. Discover which countries were most impacted.

A visa is required for entry into the Schengen Area for visitors from non-EU nations. All 27 Schengen nations have different rates of visa denial, with some being more stringent than others.

It’s wise to be aware of the nations with the greatest refusal rates to increase your chances of obtaining a Schengen visa. You may greatly increase your chances of getting a Schengen visa and starting your European trip by staying away from these locations.

Schengen Countries with Highest Visa Rejection Rates

Certain countries stand out for having high rates of visa rejection, according to figures from 2023. The top five nations where Schengen visa applications are most likely to be denied in 2024–2025 are listed below.

1. Malta

Malta is the hardest place for visitors looking to enter the Schengen Area, with the highest rate of Schengen visa refusal in 2023. Malta is a small country, yet it handles a large volume of visa applications annually. 37.60% (12,261 applications) of the 33,306 visa requests made in 2023 were denied, demonstrating how strict the procedure can be.

Algerian applications were rejected at a rate of 90.35%, the highest of any country. Following rejection percentages of 62.69% and 60.37%, respectively, were Ghana and Morocco. Based on these figures, candidates asking for Maltese visas from specific countries—especially those in Africa—have a significantly higher chance of being denied.

2. Estonia

Estonia is renowned for its openness and technological prowess, but it also has one of the highest Schengen visa rejection rates (2023): 61.4% of visa applications were denied. Given that there were only 4,347 total applications, this high rejection rate may be related to the relatively low number of applications, indicating stricter scrutiny.

The highest rejection rate was 59.5% for Egyptians, followed by those from the UAE and India at 57.9% and 49.7%, and China at 7.3%. Given Estonia’s reputation as a tech-savvy and welcoming country, many may be taken aback by its strict visa policies.

3. Belgium

Belgium, which will reject more than 25% of its visa applications in 2023, is another Schengen nation with a high rate of visa denial. Belgium, a country well-known for its international institutions and rich history, handles a significant number of visa applications; in 2023, 225,951 applications were submitted. Sadly, 60,148 of those applications were turned down, yielding a rejection percentage of 26.6% for Belgium.

The applicants from Senegal were the most affected, with a rejection rate of 67.8%. Following closely behind, with rejection rates of 66.44% and 62.45%, respectively, were Angolans and Nigerians. African countries appear to be disproportionately affected when applying for visas; this could be for several procedural and diplomatic reasons.

4. Sweden

Sweden has a strict visa application process and is a well-liked travel destination due to its breathtaking scenery and excellent standard of living. Out of the 260,248 visa applications submitted in 2023, 23.1% were denied. This puts Sweden in the category of Schengen nations with stricter visa requirements.

Iranian applicants were the most likely to be turned down—76.65% of them. Rejection rates for passengers from Pakistan were 69.49%, while those from Lebanon were 66.21%. Despite Sweden’s reputation for humanitarianism, the high percentages of rejection for these nationalities may point to tight entrance restrictions or political factors.

5. Denmark

Denmark upholds a strict Schengen visa application procedure and is renowned for its social assistance programs and good living conditions. Denmark had a rejection rate of 21.2% in 2023, meaning that 21,509 out of 107,872 applications were denied. Strict immigration laws may be the reason for the nation’s selectiveness, especially for applicants from specific areas.

Moroccan applicants were rejected 100% of the time, despite the fact that just two were filed. Rejection rates were similarly high for Pakistanis and Iranians, at 69.49% and 76.65%, respectively. Denmark’s visa regulations might be a reflection of more general worries about immigration, especially when it comes to applicants from nations that are unstable politically or economically.

Boost Your Prospects of Obtaining a Schengen Visa

Not only should you stay away from the nations with the high rejection rates listed above, but you should also heed these helpful suggestions if you want to increase your chances of getting a Schengen visa. You may greatly increase your chances of getting your visa application approved by putting these tactics into practice.

• Apply Early: By sending in your application well in advance of your intended trip dates, you give consulates plenty of time to review it and lower your chances of having it rejected at the last minute for lack of supporting paperwork.
• Comprehensive and Precise Recordkeeping: Make sure that your application form, travel insurance, itinerary, and proof of accommodations are all correctly completed and current. Verify everything one more time before submitting.
• Give Financial Proof: Show that you have the resources necessary to pay for your stay. This includes bank documents that demonstrate consistent income and adequate savings for your journey.
• Customize Your Schedule: Give a thorough, practical trip itinerary that specifies your goals, the locations you will visit, and the length of time you will spend at each stop. Don’t make it overly unrealistic or ambiguous.
• Represent Your Country of Origin: Provide proof of your desire to return home, such as job contracts, property ownership, or family duties, to lessen the likelihood that you would be rejected.
• Prevent Visa Shopping: Apply for your Schengen visa from the nation you want to spend the most time in, not the one you entered initially. Rejection can result from “visa shopping,” or applying to nations with allegedly simpler visa procedures.
• Give Truthful Information: Be honest at all times, both on your application and in the interview. False or inconsistent information may result in a permanent ban on visas.

Conclusion

Knowing which countries reject visas at various rates is crucial when making travel plans to the Schengen Area. Travelers can improve their chances of getting a visa by being aware of these trends and making appropriate preparations.