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March 18, 2025 | 06:18 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Europe is truly an endearing travel destination, with a never-ending list of experiences it has to offer—from charming villages, to vibrant cities and scenic natural landscapes. However, before going on any of the journies, you’re sure to obtain a Schenegen visa first hand.
Although it can feel like a daunting hurdle, a Schengen visa can be easily obtained if you apply through the right countries with simpler processes and lower rejection rates. That way, you’re set to maximize the chances of approval and ready to embark on a journey across the 29 European countries.
List of the Easiest Countries to apply for Schengen Visa
Citing Travelo Biz, Atlys, and Policy Bazaar, this article will guide you to the easiest countries to apply for Schengen visa. Keep reading to find the complete list.
1. Iceland
Rejection rate: 2.2% (2023)
Iceland is the easiest country to apply for Schengen visa, with a rejection rate of around 2.2% in 2023. The figure dropped from 9.7% in 2021 just within two years, only one out of every 17,42 applications being rejected. Iceland warmly welcomes visitors and provides them with detailed immigration websites and efficient consulate operations.
2. Switzerland
Rejection rate: 10.7% (2023)
Switzerland stands out as the second-easiest country to apply for Schengen visa. In 2023, the rejection rate was 10.7%, a notable improvement from 13% in 2021. This decline reflects the country's commitment to providing clear and transparent guidelines, even with more than 600,000 applications received in 2023.
3. Latvia
Rejection rate: 11.7% (2023)
Latvia remains a visa-friendly Schengen country in 2023, with a rejection rate of 11.7%. While this figure is a slight increase from 9.5% in 2022, Latvia continues to offer a smooth application process for international travelers, supported by user-friendly procedures and efficient consulate operations.
4. Italy
Rejection rate: 12% (2023)
Italy boasts a rejection rate of 12% in 2023, a subtle improvement from 12.7% in 2022. Regardless of the high volume of applications, the country continues to refine its processing systems, such as improved applicant assistance and a simplified application procedure.
5. Luxembourg
Rejection rate: 12.7% (2023)
With a rejection rate of 12.7% in 2023, Luxembourg is the fifth-easiest country to apply for Schengen visa. According to Atlys, the small nation had the least number of applications among Schengen countries, totaling 11,227. That said, Luxembourg is able to implement a smoother application process, providing a solid chance of approval.
6. Lithuania
Rejection rate: 12.8% (2023)
While there’s a rise in Lithuania’s visa rejection rates, from 7.8% in 2022 to 12.8% in 2023, it still stands as an easy Schengen visa country. With 30,668 applications in 2023, the country maintains to optimize the application procedure by offering clear instructions and comprehensive support services. As a result, many visitors can easily enjoy the beauty of Lithuania, one of the cheapest European countries to visit.
7. Slovakia
Rejection rate: 12.9% (2023)
Though Slovakia has experienced a constant rise in its visa rejection rates, the country stays a reliable option for Schengen visa seekers. In 2023, the rejection rate stayed below 13%, reflecting the country's effective management of visa procedures and its supportive approach toward applicants.
8. Germany
Rejection rate: 14.3% (2023)
In 2023, Germany’s visa rejection rates stood at 14.3%, almost a 2% improvement from 16.2% in 2022. Many applicants appreciate how Germany has successfully enhanced its visa application process, particularly through clear document guidelines and improved transparency
9. Austria
Rejection rate: 14.3%
Tied with Germany, Austria’s visa rejection rate stands at 14.3% in 2023, showing a slight improvement from 15.9% in 2022. The country has consistently worked on enhancing the application experience.
10. Greece
Rejection rate: 14.7% (2023)
Greece is recognized as the tenth-easiest country to apply for Schengen visa, with a rejection rate of 14.7% in 2023. While this marks an increase from 12.5% in 2022, Greece still offers applicants a stronger chance of approval compared to countries outside the top 10
For those planning to travel to Europe, it’s great to consider applying for a Schengen visa through these countries. If you’re seeking more opportunity to live within the continent, be sure to explore the cheapest golden visa countries.
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