Easiest Schengen Visa Countries: Top 10 European States with Highest Approval Rates

Travelers planning a European trip often search for the easiest Schengen visa countries to improve their chances of approval. Approval rates from previous years show that some European states accept a much higher number of visa applications than others.

Although official figures for 2025 are not yet released, past approval data still offers useful guidance. Across the Schengen area, the average approval rate was about 52.2 percent, but several countries performed far above that level.

Countries with the Highest Schengen Visa Approval Rates

According to reported statistics, these are considered the easiest Schengen visa countries based on approval percentages:

• 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%

These numbers indicate that applicants submitting complete documents often receive approvals in these destinations more frequently than in others.

Rankings Change Every Year

The list of easiest Schengen visa countries can change from year to year. In 2023, nations such as Germany, Latvia, Poland, and Lithuania were among the top performers.

However, shifts in visa demand, security policies, and application volumes can change approval trends annually.

Choosing the Right Embassy for Your Application

Travel experts advise applying at the embassy of the country where you will stay the longest. This is known as the “main destination” rule under Schengen visa guidelines.

If your trip includes only one country, the application must be submitted directly to that country’s embassy, consulate, or visa center.

Submitting an application to the wrong authority can delay processing or even result in rejection.

Rising Demand for Schengen Visas

Demand for European travel continues to grow. In 2024, Schengen countries received more than 11.7 million visa applications.

This high demand often leads to limited appointment slots and longer processing times, particularly during peak travel seasons.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

Even in the easiest Schengen visa countries, approval is not guaranteed. Authorities carefully examine every application.

Common reasons for refusal include missing documents, unclear travel plans, inconsistent information, or weak proof of financial stability and ties to the applicant’s home country.

Experts recommend submitting complete documents and a clear travel itinerary to increase approval chances.