Which Countries Are the Easiest to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

The process of applying for a Schengen Visa is often tedious, stressful, and time-consuming. It can even feel like a bit of a gamble at times. Your chances of being approved for a Schengen Visa vary greatly, depending on where you're applying from and which Schengen country you are visiting.

To help you navigate this complex process, AXA has compiled data on Schengen countries' visa approval rates for 2023, listing them from the easiest to the most difficult. This practical information is designed to make your Schengen visa application process more predictable and increase your chances of approval.

Do I Need to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

First, you’ll want to confirm whether or not you need a Schengen Visa. If you’re traveling to one (or more) of the Schengen zone countries, and you’re reading this, chances are, you’ll need one. However, here’s a quick way to determine for sure.

Travelers Who Don’t Need a Schengen Visa for Stays Under 90 Days:

You do not need a Schengen Visa if you:

• Are already a citizen of one of the Schengen countries or any of the 29 European Union member countries.
• Have already been issued a Schengen Visa by one of the Schengen member countries, as long as your stay doesn’t exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
• Are a national of non-EU countries or territories that have signed visa-exemption agreements with the EU, such as the United States (U.S.), Canada, Australia, Brazil, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, and the U.K..

If you hold a passport from one of these countries, you can travel visa-free to the Schengen area for short stays (up to 90 days within six months). You only need to show your travel itinerary and a biometric passport (issued no more than 10 years ago and valid for at least 90 days beyond your departure date from the Schengen zone).

Important Heads-Up: ETIAS

Starting in mid-2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries, including U.S. citizens, will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) visa waiver before entering the Schengen Area. The ETIAS waiver will cost around $7 and can be easily obtained online.

Travelers Who Need a Schengen Visa

You will need a Schengen Visa if you are a citizen of one or more countries that don’t have a visa waiver agreement with the EU. This includes almost all of Africa, most of Asia, the Middle East, India, Russia, and more.

If this applies to you, don’t worry—we have all the information you need about what’s required, how to apply, and how to track your Schengen visa application.

Countries with the Highest and Lowest Schengen Visa Rejection Rates

Now that you know whether you need a Schengen Visa, let’s dive into the data on Schengen Visa rejection rates to help you choose where to apply. This could significantly impact your chances of success.

A Quick Overview of Schengen Visa Statistics in 2023

• Total Applications: 10,327,572 Schengen visa applications were submitted in 2023—up by 2.5 million compared to the previous year.
• Visa Issuance: Schengen consulates issued roughly 8.5 million visas, along with an additional 85,200 issued at the borders.
• Visa Rejections: Approximately 1.6 million applications were rejected, equating to a global rejection rate of 16%.
• Multiple Entry Visas (MEVs): 54.2% of issued visas were for multiple entries.
• Limited Territorial Visas (LTVs): Only 102,785 visas were issued with Limited Territorial Validity (LTV), which allows you to stay in specific Schengen countries, rather than all of them.

The Easiest Countries to Apply for a Schengen Visa in 2023

The following countries had the lowest rejection rates in 2023, making them the easiest to apply for a Schengen Visa:

1. Iceland: With a rejection rate of just 2.2%, Iceland had the highest approval rate in 2023.
2. Switzerland: A rejection rate of 10.7% made Switzerland another favorable destination.
3. Latvia: The rejection rate in Latvia was just 11.7%.
4. Italy: A 12% rejection rate.
5. Luxembourg: A rejection rate of 12.7%.

If you’re seeking easier approval odds, these countries are good options.

Countries with Higher Schengen Visa Rejection Rates

Conversely, some countries are much more difficult to obtain visas for. In 2023, Malta had the highest rejection rate, with 37.6% of all applications rejected. Here are the next most challenging countries:

1. Estonia: 33.1% rejection rate.
2. Belgium: 26.5% rejection rate.
3. Sweden: 23.1% rejection rate.
4. Denmark: 21.2% rejection rate.

It’s worth noting that Finland, Spain, and Croatia also had rejection rates approaching 20%.

Helpful Info for Your Schengen Visa Application

There’s more to consider than just the country you’re applying to. Here are some additional practical tips that will help make the Schengen visa application process smoother:

1. Required Documents: Ensure you submit all necessary documents, including a valid passport, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and a financial statement.
2. Medical Insurance: It is mandatory to have Schengen travel insurance that covers at least €30,000 (approximately $33,000, depending on exchange rates) in medical expenses.
3. Processing Time: The average visa processing time is about 15 days, although it could take as long as 30-60 days depending on your case.
4. Visa Costs: As of mid-2024, Schengen visa fees are approximately $95 for adults and $45 for children aged 6-12. Children under 6 are exempt from visa fees.

How AXA Can Help

If applying for a Schengen Visa, having the right Schengen travel insurance is mandatory. AXA offers Schengen travel insurance that exceeds the Schengen Visa requirements.

AXA Schengen travel insurance

Here's what you can expect from AXA Schengen travel insurance :

• $50,000 minimum medical coverage, far exceeding the Schengen visa requirement.
• Up to $100,000 coverage for medical expenses, including accidents and emergencies.
• Medical evacuation and repatriation.
• $500 in dental expenses.
• 24/7 emergency assistance, no matter where you are.
• No excess fees on medical claims.

AXA Schengen travel insurance plans are accepted by all Schengen consulates and embassies, ensuring your visa application won’t face any hiccups on the insurance front.

Why Choose AXA travel insurance?

1. Fast and Easy Online Purchase: You can buy AXA Schengen travel insurance plans online in just a few minutes, with instant access to your insurance certificate.
2. Wide Coverage: Our plans cover you across all Schengen countries, and depending on the plan, you could also be covered in other European countries, including the U.K.

By choosing AXA Schengen travel onsurance, you can travel with flexibility and an extra layer of coverage.