Looking for a Schengen Visa? Avoid These 5 Countries with the Highest Rejection Rates

In 2023, Schengen visa rejection rates varied significantly across member countries. Malta had the highest rejection rate, while Estonia, Belgium, Sweden, and Denmark followed closely. Find out which nationalities were most affected.
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Travellers from non-EU countries need a visa to enter the Schengen Area. However, visa rejection rates differ across the 27 Schengen countries, with some being stricter than others.

To maximize your chances of securing a Schengen Visa, it’s advisable to be mindful of the countries with the highest rejection rates. By avoiding these destinations, you can significantly improve your prospects of obtaining a Schengen visa and embarking on your European adventure.

Schengen Countries with Highest Visa Rejection Rates

Based on 2023 statistics, certain countries stand out for their high visa rejection rates. Here are the top five countries most likely to reject Schengen visa applications in 2024-25.

1. Malta – Highest Rejection Rate

Malta leads with the highest Schengen visa rejection rate in 2023, making it the toughest destination for travellers seeking entry to the Schengen Area. Despite its small size, Malta processes a significant number of visa applications each year. Out of 33,306 visa requests in 2023, 37.60% (12,261 applications) were denied, showing how stringent the process can be.

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  • Algerian applicants faced the harshest rejection rate, with a staggering 90.35% refusal.
  • Ghana and Morocco followed, with rejection rates of 62.69% and 60.37%, respectively.

These statistics indicate that applicants from certain countries, particularly in Africa, face a much higher likelihood of rejection when applying for Maltese visas.

2. Estonia – Over 60% Rejected

Estonia, known for its digital advancements and openness, surprisingly has one of the highest Schengen visa rejection rates. In 2023, 61.4% of visa applications were denied. With only 4,347 total applications, this high rejection rate may be linked to the relatively low number of applications, suggesting stricter scrutiny.

  • Egyptians had the highest rejection rate at 59.5%.
  • Applicants from the UAE and India also saw high rejection rates at 57.9% and 49.7%, while Chinese travellers had the lowest rejection rate at just 7.3%.

Estonia’s tough visa policies might surprise many, considering its reputation as a tech-savvy and welcoming nation.

3. Belgium – One in Four Applications Rejected

Belgium is another Schengen country with a high visa rejection rate, rejecting over one-quarter of its visa applications in 2023. Known for its rich history and international institutions, Belgium processes a large volume of visa requests, with 225,951 applications filed in 2023. Unfortunately, 60,148 of those applications were denied, giving Belgium a 26.6% rejection rate.

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  • Senegalese applicants were the most affected, with a 67.8% rejection rate.
  • Angoleans and Nigerians followed closely, facing rejection rates of 66.44% and 62.45%, respectively.

Visa applicants from African nations seem to be disproportionately affected, which could be due to a variety of diplomatic and procedural reasons.

Also Read: Schengen Visa Rejection Rates by Nationality: Check Easiest Countries to Get a Visa From

4. Sweden – Tough on Visa Issuance

Sweden, a popular destination for its stunning landscapes and high quality of life, also has a stringent visa process. In 2023, 23.1% of the 260,248 visa applications were rejected. This positions Sweden among the tougher Schengen countries for visa issuance.

  • Iranians were the most rejected, with 76.65% of their applications denied.
  • Pakistanis and Lebanese travellers had rejection rates of 69.49% and 66.21%, respectively.

Though Sweden is known for its humanitarian values, the high rejection rates for these nationalities could indicate strict entry requirements or political considerations.

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5. Denmark – Strict but Selective

Denmark, known for its high living standards and social welfare systems, maintains a rigorous Schengen visa process. In 2023, Denmark had a 21.2% rejection rate, with 21,509 of the 107,872 applications turned down. The country’s selectiveness could be attributed to stringent immigration policies, particularly when it comes to applicants from certain regions.

  • Moroccans faced a 100% rejection rate, though only two applications were submitted.
  • Iranians and Pakistanis also had high rejection rates, at 76.65% and 69.49%, respectively.

Denmark’s visa policies may be reflective of broader immigration concerns, particularly with applicants from countries experiencing political or economic instability.

Also Read: Schengen Visa Rejections: Indian Travellers Lose Over 109 Crores

Increase Your Chances of Getting a Schengen Visa

To enhance your chances of securing a Schengen visa, it’s essential not only to avoid the countries with high rejection rates mentioned above but also to follow these helpful tips. By implementing these strategies, you can significantly improve your likelihood of a successful visa application.

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1. Apply Early: Submitting your application well ahead of your travel dates gives consulates ample time to review and reduces the risk of last-minute rejections due to incomplete documentation.

2. Complete and Accurate Documentation: Ensure all required documents are properly filled out and up to date, including your application form, travel insurance, itinerary, and proof of accommodation. Double-check everything before submission.

3. Provide Financial Proof: Demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your stay. This includes bank statements showing regular income and sufficient savings for your trip.

4. Tailor Your Itinerary: Provide a detailed, realistic travel plan that clearly outlines your purpose of travel, places to visit, and how long you will stay in each location. Avoid making it too vague or unrealistic.

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5. Show Ties to Your Home Country: To reduce the chance of rejection, provide evidence that shows your intention to return to your home country, such as employment contracts, property ownership, or family responsibilities.

6. Avoid Visa Shopping: Apply for your Schengen visa from the country where you will spend the most time, not necessarily the first country you will enter. Visa shopping, or applying to countries with perceived easier visa processes, can lead to rejection.

7. Provide Honest Information: Always be truthful in your application and during interviews. Inconsistent or false information can lead to permanent visa bans.

Also Read: 10 Common Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejection – And How to Avoid Them

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Conclusion

When planning a trip to the Schengen Area, it’s essential to be aware of the varying visa rejection rates among different countries. Understanding these trends can help travellers prepare accordingly and increase their chances of a successful visa application.


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Manish Khandelwal
Manish Khandelwal

Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.

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