| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Over 11.7 million short-stay Schengen visa applications were filed in 2024, up 13.6% from 2023. Overall, 9.7 million Schengen Visas were granted by the member states. The global refusal rate decreased to 14.8%, showing improved acceptance rates. China, Türkiye, and India led in the number of applications submitted. |
According to the European Commission, 2024 saw a strong recovery in visa demand with 11.7 million Schengen visa applications submitted, marking a:
- +13.6% increase from 2023 (10.3 million)
- +56% increase from 2022 (7.5 million)
- Still down 31% compared to 2019 (17 million, pre-pandemic)
Overall, 9.7 million Schengen visas were granted by the member states, including single and multiple entry routes. Notably, Bulgaria and Romania began issuing Schengen visas (instead of national visas) starting March 31, 2024, contributing to the surge.
In 2024, France granted the most Schengen visas, receiving over 3 million applications, making it the top destination for short-stay travel to the Schengen Area.
Germany followed with more than 1.5 million visa applications, confirming its position as a central hub for business and tourism in Europe. Spain ranked third, handling approximately 1.63 million applications, while Italy came next with over 1.23 million.
Switzerland also saw high demand, processing more than 636,000 visa requests. Other leading countries that granted a significant number of Schengen visas included the Netherlands (728,656), Greece (710,024), Belgium (255,564), Austria (262,017), and Hungary (251,364).
These ten Schengen states collectively managed the majority of visa applications in 2024, reflecting their continued appeal and importance within the European travel ecosystem.
Visas Issued: Growing, But Below Pre-Pandemic Levels
| Year | Visas Issued | Change YoY |
| 2022 | 7.5 million | — |
| 2023 | 8.5 million | +13.3% |
| 2024 | 9.7 million | +14.1% |
- Over 50% of these were multiple-entry visas
- Additionally, 85,119 visas were issued at external Schengen borders
Top Countries by Schengen Visa Applications in 2024
The following are the top countries as far as visa applications submission is concerned:
| Country | Applications (2024) | Applications (2023) | % Increase |
| China | 1,779,255 | 1,117,365 | +59.3% |
| Türkiye | 1,173,917 | 1,055,885 | +11.2% |
| India | 1,108,239 | 966,687 | +14.6% |
| Morocco | 606,800 | 591,401 | +2.6% |
| Russia | 606,594 | 520,387 | +16.6% |
Schengen Visa Refusal Rates: Where It Got Easier (or Tougher)
The overall refusal rate dropped from 16% in 2023 to 14.8% in 2024. However, results varied significantly by country:
| Country | Refusal Rate (2023) | Refusal Rate (2024) |
| Russia | 10.6% | 7.5% |
| Türkiye | 16.1% | 14.5% |
| Iran | 30.3% | 26.0% |
| Cape Verde | 24.0% | 13.4% |
| Syria | 46.0% | 27.0% |
| Nigeria | 40.8% | 45.9% |
| Senegal | 42.1% | 46.8% |
| Bangladesh | 43.3% | 54.9% |
| Ecuador | 24.4% | 29.6% |
| Congo (Brazz.) | 35.3% | 43.0% |
Rejected applicants spent €145 million on application fees in 2024—€14.3 million more than in 2023.
Easiest Schengen Countries to Get a Visa (2024)
If you’re planning to apply for a Schengen visa, these countries had the highest approval rates in 2024:
| Country | Approval Rate |
| Iceland | 91.25% |
| Slovakia | 89.25% |
| Italy | 88.72% |
| Romania | 88.36% |
| Switzerland | 88.12% |
| Hungary | 87.23% |
| Norway | 87.20% |
| Greece | 85.86% |
| Austria | 85.78% |
| Luxembourg | 85.65% |
Countries with High Approval Rates for Their Citizens
Some third countries had particularly high visa approval rates for their citizens:
| Country | Approval Rate |
| Liberia | 97.6% |
| Vanuatu | 95.79% |
| Zambia | 88.87% |
| Botswana | 83.10% |
| Niger | 78.86% |
| Burundi | 58.63% |
| Tajikistan | 60.54% |
| Guinea-Bissau | 43.84% |
| Haiti | 52.02% |
| Comoros | 36.35% |
Visa Rejections and Financial Impact
| Year | Rejected Applications | Estimated Cost to Applicants |
| 2023 | 1.6 million | €130.7 million |
| 2024 | 1.7 million | €145 million |
This highlights the growing financial burden on applicants with rejected visa requests, driven by increasing demand.
The 2024 Schengen Visa statistics reflect a strong rebound in travel demand, especially from countries like China, Türkiye, and India. While overall visa approval rates improved, disparities remain in rejection rates by country. Choosing the right consulate for travelers can still significantly impact your chances of approval.