Schengen Visa 2024: Countries with Easiest Time Getting a Schengen Visa in 2024

Applying for a Schengen visa might be confusing, but picking the correct nation can have a big impact. Find out which nations have the best acceptance rates in 2024 and get advice on how to increase the likelihood that your visa application will be approved.

If you’re hoping to travel throughout Europe in the summer of 2024, obtaining a Schengen visa will allow you to visit several different nations. However, the procedure for acquiring a visa can differ greatly between countries, which could affect your travel itinerary. Being aware of which nations have greater acceptance rates for visas might help you travel more smoothly and prevent hiccups.

This blog offers advice to increase your chances of approval as well as insights into the easiest and most difficult Schengen visa application processes.

Overview: Schengen Visa

You can visit 27 European countries with a Schengen visa without requiring additional visas. Within the Schengen Area are

• Belgium
• Austria
• Czech Republic
• Croatia
• Estonia
• Denmark
• France
• Finland
• Greece
• Germany
• Iceland
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Italy
• Lithuania
• Liechtenstein
• Malta
• Luxembourg
• Norway
• Netherlands
• Portugal
• Poland
• Slovenia
• Switzerland
• Slovakia
• Sweden
• Spain

Every nation has something different to offer, from Germany’s energetic cities to Greece’s charming towns, Norway’s breathtaking fjords to Italy’s historic attractions.

Easiest Countries to Get a Schengen Visa For

Travelers may find it beneficial to apply through specific nations to increase their chances of having their visa approved. Because of their high acceptance rates, Iceland, Switzerland, Latvia, and Italy are among the best options for a simple application process:

• Iceland: Known for its stunning scenery, Iceland has the lowest visa application process among Schengen countries, with a 97.8% approval rate.
• Switzerland: With an approval rate of 89.3%, Switzerland, known for its breathtaking mountains and tranquil lakes, is next in line.
• Latvia: With an approval rate of 88.3%, Latvia is a hidden gem in the Baltics that provides travelers with an easy route.
• Italy: With an 88% acceptance rate and beautiful coasts, Italy is a favorite destination for those seeking a visa.

Selecting one of these nations will greatly increase your chances of receiving a Schengen visa quickly.

Countries with Fast Schengen Visa Approval Rates

Even while the refusal rate for visas is a little higher in some countries, there is still a reasonable chance of getting one. These consist of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Luxembourg, Lithuania, and Greece:

• Luxembourg: The approval rate is 87.3% in this little, gorgeous nation.
• Lithuania: With an approval percentage of 87.2%, Lithuania is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and medieval heritage.
• Slovakia: Slovakia, which is renowned for its mountains and castles, has an approval rating of 87.1%.
• Germany and Austria: With their rich cultural heritage and recognizable landmarks, these two nations have approval rates of 85.7%.
• Greece: Greece, known for its stunning islands and historic sites, has an approval rating of 85.3%.

These nations nevertheless offer a good chance of having your visa approved, even though they are not as forgiving as the top four.

Countries with the Lowest Schengen Visa Approval Rates

Certain Schengen nations are renowned for having more stringent visa clearance procedures. Due to their lower approval percentages, travelers should exercise caution when visiting these countries:

• Malta: With an acceptance percentage of just 62.4%, Malta is currently the most difficult Schengen nation for visa applicants.
• Estonia: With a 66.9% approval percentage, Estonia is well-known for its digital innovation.
• Belgium: With a 73.5% approval rating, Belgium is a major center in Europe.
• Sweden and Croatia: With acceptance percentages of 76.9% and 80%, respectively, these two nations likewise provide difficulties.

Applying through nations with higher acceptance rates may reduce the chance of your visa being denied and provide a more seamless application procedure.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Schengen Visa Approved

Use these pointers to increase your chances of obtaining a Schengen visa:

• Select Your Application Country Carefully: Look into Schengen nations like Iceland or Switzerland that have lower rejection rates, then apply through them. Making this calculated decision will greatly increase your chances of getting your visa application approved.
• Make a detailed plan: Make use of trustworthy online travel agencies to plan your itinerary and lodging. This streamlines the procedure and gives you properly recorded travel schedules, which are crucial for your visa application.
• Obtain Appropriate Travel Insurance: Obtain travel insurance that complies with Schengen and covers repatriation and medical situations. It is necessary to have this coverage, and having it can keep your application from being turned down.
• Steer clear of common mistakes: Examine your visa application carefully for accuracy and completeness, making sure to check all supporting documentation, such as travel and lodging reservations. Rejections of applications due to incomplete or inaccurate submissions are frequent.
• Get the paperwork ready beforehand: assemble all required paperwork, including bank statements, travel itinerary, and evidence of your nationality. Having comprehensive and unambiguous paperwork indicates that you intend to return from your trip, which can help your application.

By reducing potential obstacles and raising the chance of approval, these comprehensive guidelines can contribute to a more seamless Schengen visa application procedure.

Future Changes in European Travel Rules and Requirements

Approximately 1.4 billion tourists will be required to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before they enter the EU by the middle of 2025. To make the application procedure even more accessible, the European Union intends to release an ETIAS mobile app. Keeping up with these modifications will assist in guaranteeing a seamless journey shortly.

The EU is also going to introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will electronically log biometric information, dates of arrival and departure, and specifics of visitors’ brief visits in addition to ETIAS. The goals of this system are to eliminate the need for passport stamps, speed up border crossings, and more effectively detect overstays.

Final Thoughts

Getting a Schengen visa is a crucial first step in organizing your travels across Europe. You can lessen the likelihood of failure by learning which nations provide the quickest routes to approval and by paying attention to important advice.