Easiest Schengen Visas: The 10 Countries to Apply to

Are you planning a trip to Europe but feeling unsure about which countries offer the easiest Schengen visas? You are not alone. In fact, lots of non-EU travelers fear their visas could be rejected. 

When it comes to applying for a Schengen Visa, most EU embassies have the same requirements. However, the rates of visa rejections can vary significantly from one embassy to another.

Certain Schengen countries are notorious for their high rejection rates, while others boast an impressive track record of issuing visas seamlessly. If you’ve ever wondered which countries offer the easiest Schengen visas, wonder no more!

Here’s a breakdown of the 10 Schengen countries where visa officers typically approve over 90% of applications.

1. Estonia

According to EU statistics, Estonia tops the list as the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from, with a mere 1.5% rejection rate. This implies that 98.5% of applicants received a favorable response for their visa applications. Plus, Estonia does not typically receive a lot of visa applications compared to other EU countries. This means that it has shorter wait times for interview appointments.

2. Lithuania

With just a 2.1% rejection rate, Lithuania is another Baltic state offering a smooth Schengen Visa application process. Nearly 98% of applicants were granted short-term visas to the Schengen Area.

3. Latvia

Sharing borders with Estonia and Lithuania, Latvia joins its Baltic counterparts with a 2.7% rejection rate. This means that 97.3% of applicants successfully obtained a Schengen Visa to travel to Europe.

4. Finland

Finland is among the easiest countries to secure a visa for Europe. With only a 3.7% rejection rate, approximately 96.3% of applicants received positive responses.

5. Iceland

With a remarkable 96% approval rate and only 4% rejections, obtaining a Schengen Visa from Iceland can be a smooth process, if you meet all the requirements. 

6. Slovakia

With a rejection rate mirroring Iceland’s at 4%, Slovakia stands out as the third country with the lowest number of applications. This implies less crowded embassies and consulates, translating to shorter wait times for appointment scheduling for applicants.

7. Poland

Despite receiving a relatively large number of visa applications, Poland maintains its status as an accessible destination for obtaining a Schengen Visa. With only a 4.8% rejection rate, Poland boasts an impressive 95.2% approval rate.

8. Luxembourg

As one of the countries with the lowest number of Schengen Visa applications, Luxembourg provides a favorable setting for visa applicants. With a rejection rate of only 5.2%, nearly 94.8% of applicants secured short-term visas to Europe.

9. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic saw a 5.5% rejection rate for short-term applications, resulting in 94.5% of applicants receiving positive responses. However, it’s important to mention that the Czech Republic ranks 5th in terms of the number of Schengen Visa applications received, which could lead to longer appointment wait times.

10. Austria

Wrapping up the list, Austria provides a relatively straightforward Schengen Visa application process. With a 94.4% chance of receiving a positive response, applicants encountered a rejection rate of 5.6%. This makes obtaining an Austrian visa one of the easiest Schengen visas to secure.