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

The Schengen Area, comprising 26 European countries, allows travellers to move freely across its borders with a single visa. For travellers from non-European Union countries, obtaining a Schengen visa can sometimes be a daunting task, with the risk of rejection hanging over their plans. In 2022, visa approval rates varied significantly for different nationalities.

This article delves into the countries that were more likely to issue Schengen visas and those with the lowest rejection rates.

Slovakia, Greece, and Switzerland: Top Countries with Favorable Schengen Visa Approval Rates

Schengen Statistics for 2022 revealed that Slovakia, Greece, and Switzerland were the top three countries with the most favourable Schengen visa approval rates, boasting remarkably low rejection rates for visa applications. These statistics provide insights into the most hospitable destinations for travellers from various countries.

Slovakia

Slovakia exhibited a remarkably low rejection rate for Schengen visa applications, making it a welcoming destination for travellers from diverse nationalities. Notably, Slovak authorities issued visas to Turkish, South African, Filipino, Indonesian, Kosovar, Kazakh, Lebanese, and Chinese nationals with minimal rejections.

Greece

Greece emerged as a favourable destination for Egyptians and American residents, issuing Schengen visas with a low rejection rate. Travellers from these two nationalities found Greece to be a welcoming gateway to the Schengen Area.

Switzerland

Switzerland, known for its scenic landscapes, was another country with a low Schengen visa rejection rate. Travelers from various countries, including India, found Switzerland to be a welcoming destination for their European adventures.

Also Read: Schengen Visa: Reasons for Delays, Rejections, and How to Avoid Them

Country-specific Approval Rates: A Closer Look

To provide a comprehensive view of Schengen visa approval rates, let’s explore the data by the nationality of the applicants.

Turkey

Turkish citizens were the top visa applicants to EU countries in 2022, and their applications received relatively low rejection rates in countries such as Italy, Luxembourg, and Slovakia. Italy saw only 7.14% of applications rejected, while Luxembourg and Slovakia had even lower rejection rates, with 7.41% and 9.55% respectively.

Russia

Russian applicants also enjoyed favourable Schengen visa approval rates. Poland, Latvia, and the Netherlands had the lowest rejection rates for Russian travellers, with only 1.13%, 1.75%, and 2.09% of applications being denied, respectively.

India

Indian travellers faced diverse experiences with Schengen visa applications. Iceland had a low rejection rate of 5.48%, while Germany had a rejection rate of 11.2%. Switzerland, another preferred destination for Indian travellers, rejected only 13.1% of requests.

Morocco

Moroccan applicants experienced varying Schengen visa approval rates. Poland was the most welcoming, with a rejection rate of only 9.09%. Switzerland, on the other hand, had a slightly higher rejection rate of 13.1%, and Greek authorities rejected 22.1% of applications.

Algeria

Algerians had a higher application rate and, consequently, a higher rejection rate. Polish authorities rejected 35% of applications, while Spanish consulates rejected 38.9% of applicants. Finland was slightly more welcoming, with a rejection rate of 39.2%.

Saudi Arabia

Saudis encountered minimal rejections when applying for Schengen visas. Finnish authorities approved all 89 applications, and Austria and Switzerland had low rejection rates of 1.78% and 2.42% respectively. Spanish and Czech authorities also displayed favourable rates, rejecting only 2.5% and 0.33% of applications.

Thailand

Thai applicants had varying experiences with Schengen visa approval rates. Swiss authorities rejected 3.16% of applications, while Danish consulates had a higher rejection rate of 14.38%. Austrian authorities rejected 3.69% of Thai applications.

Tunisia

Tunisian travellers saw differing Schengen visa approval rates in 2022. Poland and Portugal had the lowest rejection rates, at 23.05% and 23.22% respectively, while Norway approved both of the two applications it received.

Egypt

Egyptian applicants encountered few rejections when applying for Schengen visas. Slovenian authorities rejected only 6.6% of applications, while Greek consulates had a low rejection rate of 10.1%. Sweden approved all applications from Egyptians.

South Africa

South African applicants experienced low rejection rates in various Schengen countries. Slovakia rejected only one applicant, while Hungary had a 2.74% rejection rate. Greek consulates were particularly accommodating, rejecting only 3.1% of applicants.

Philippines

Filipino applicants had generally favourable Schengen visa approval rates. Greek authorities rejected only 2.1% of applications, while German consulates approved the majority of applicants, with a low 3.09% rejection rate. Slovakia denied only 0.8% of applications.

Kuwait

Kuwaiti nationals found the Schengen visa application process relatively smooth. Malta rejected only three out of 176 applications. Italy had a 3.3% rejection rate, and Norway approved all seven requests.

Indonesia

Indonesian applicants had a smooth journey, with Austria having the lowest rejection rate, rejecting only 0.36% of applications. Greek consulates had a slightly higher rejection rate of 0.62%, and Slovakia denied just two applications.

Kosovo

Kosovar travellers encountered favourable Schengen visa approval rates in Lithuania and Slovakia, with rejection rates of 0.20% and 8.89%, respectively. Greek authorities had a 5.45% rejection rate, and Italy rejected 4.53% of applications.

Belarus

Belarusian applicants faced minimal rejections. Finland and Czechia had low rejection rates of 0.58% and 0.59% respectively, while France and Italy rejected only 0.78% and 0.59% of applications.

Kazakhstan

Kazakh applicants received no rejections from the Netherlands, Slovakia, and Norway, but Greek and Italian consulates rejected 2.14% and 5.67% of applications. Estonia and Switzerland had slightly higher rejection rates, with 6.07% and 6.09% respectively.

Lebanon

Slovenia had a low 1.77% rejection rate for Lebanese applicants, while Slovakia, Greece, and Switzerland had slightly higher rejection rates of 10.58%, 11.17%, and 16.97% respectively.

China

Chinese nationals enjoyed favourable experiences in Slovakia and Iceland, with rejection rates of 1.79% and 2.47%, respectively. Finland, however, exhibited a slightly higher 2.59% rejection rate.

The following table shows the countries with the lowest Schengen visa rejection rates for specific nationalities in 2022:

Conclusion

By understanding the visa approval rates in Schengen countries, travellers can make more informed decisions and enhance their chances of a successful visa application.

It’s important to note that these rates are subject to change and may vary based on the specific circumstances of each application. Be sure to consult the latest information from the respective embassies and consulates when planning your trip. Safe travels!