If you’re planning a trip to Europe, you might be looking ahead to early 2026, or perhaps trying to fit something in before the end of 2025. Either way, if you need a Schengen visa, knowing where you’re most likely to get approved can save you time, money, and frustration.
Although official 2025 visa data hasn’t been published yet, last year’s statistics from 2024 offer the most reliable insight. Some countries were far more welcoming to applicants than others and if you’re applying soon, these trends are worth understanding.
Top 10 Easiest Countries to Get a Schengen Visa
If you’re wondering which country is the easiest to get a Schengen visa from, last year’s data provides a clear answer. While the overall approval rate across all Schengen countries was around 52.2 percent, some nations approved a much higher percentage of applications, making them ideal options for travelers looking to improve their chances.
Based on official approval rates, these countries are the easiest to get a Schengen visa from:
- Iceland – 91.25 per cent of Schengen visa applications were approved.
- Slovakia – 89.25 per cent
- Italy – 88.72 per cent
- Romania – 88.36 per cent
- Switzerland – 88.12 per cent
- Hungary – 87.23 per cent
- Norway – 87.20 per cent
- Greece – 85.86 per cent
- Austria – 85.78 per cent
- Luxembourg – 85.65 per cent
In 2023, the ten countries with the highest approval rates for Schengen visas were Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
High Approval ≠ Free Choice: Understand the Visa Rules
Seeing countries like Iceland or Slovakia with high approval rates might tempt some travelers to apply there even if they don’t plan to visit. This practice is called visa shopping, and it goes against Schengen Visa Code regulations.
When you apply for a Schengen visa, you are required to submit your application based on your actual travel plans. Here’s how to do it correctly:
- If visiting only one country: Apply at that country’s embassy or visa center. For example, if your entire trip is to Germany, submit your application to the German consulate.
- If visiting multiple Schengen countries: Apply through the country where you will spend the most time. This is known as your “main destination.”
- If your time is evenly split: Apply through the country you will enter first. This is known as your “first point of entry.”
Your application must be submitted to one of the following:
- The embassy or consulate of your destination country
- An official visa application center authorized by that embassy
- The embassy of another Schengen country that has formal permission to process visas on behalf of your destination country
If your application is submitted to the wrong place, it may be rejected or returned without being processed. Worse, this could affect your future Schengen applications by raising red flags.
Not sure where to apply? Use our free Schengen Visa Wizard to instantly find out which embassy or consulate you should apply to.
Countries That Dropped in Rankings
Some countries that performed well in 2023 dropped in 2024. Germany, Latvia, Poland, and Lithuania, for example, were no longer among the top ten approval countries.
While no official explanation was given, increased demand, tighter policies, or staffing changes could be contributing factors.
Visa Demand Remained High in 2024
Travel to Europe continued to climb last year. Schengen states received over 11.7 million visa applications in 2024. Based on early observations, interest remained high throughout most of 2025.
More applications often result in longer processing times and more selective approvals. Applying early and choosing the right consulate can help avoid these issues.
Your Nationality Still Affects Your Approval Odds
Where you apply is important, but so is your nationality. Some applicants had a much higher chance of success, often due to smaller application volumes, strong documentation, or good diplomatic relations.
Liberian Citizens Had the Highest Approval Rate
In 2024, Liberian citizens submitted 125 visa applications. Of those, 122 were approved — a success rate of 97.6 percent.
Although the number of applications was small, it reflects a favorable situation for travelers from Liberia.
Other Nationalities With High Approval Rates
Several other countries also showed strong success rates:
- Vanuatu – 95.79% (250 out of 261 approved)
- Zambia – 88.87% (2,444 out of 2,750 approved)
- Botswana – 83.10%
- Niger – 78.86%
These figures are based on lower total volumes, but still offer useful guidance.
Other Countries Faced Lower Approval Rates
Not all applicants had it easy. For instance, Comoros had an approval rate of only 36 percent, with 1,037 visas granted out of 2,853 applications.
Here are some other examples:
- Guinea-Bissau: 43.84%
- Haiti: 52.02%
- Burundi: 58.63%
- Tajikistan: 60.54%
Applicants from these countries may need to be extra thorough in preparing documents and selecting the appropriate consulate.
Approval Rates Are Only Part of the Story
A country with a 90 percent approval rate is not a guaranteed success. Your application can still be rejected if your paperwork is incomplete, your itinerary is unclear, or your financial proof is weak.
That said, applying through a country with a high approval rate and following the correct visa submission process significantly improves your odds.
Tips for Applicants in Late 2025 or Early 2026
To give yourself the best chance, consider the following:
- Apply early. Embassies are often booked up weeks in advance, especially before the holidays.
- Choose your consulate based on your itinerary. Avoid visa shopping by applying where you’re actually traveling.
- Check and re-check your documents. Most rejections happen due to missing or inconsistent paperwork.
- Pick the right time. Avoid submitting your application during late November and December if you can.
- Include a clear cover letter. Briefly explain your travel plans, financial situation, and return intent.
Where This Data Comes From
All figures in this article are based on 2024 visa statistics published by SchengenVisaInfo. These sources aggregate official data from embassies and consulates across the Schengen Area.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we approach the final quarter of 2025, recent trends suggest that countries like Iceland, Slovakia, and Romania will likely remain among the most efficient and favorable for visa applicants.
In addition, the European Union is gradually rolling out a digital visa platform. This may speed up processing times in 2026, although implementation varies by country.
Final Takeaway
If you’re planning to apply for a Schengen visa before the end of 2025 or during the first half of 2026, use 2024 data to make informed decisions.
Apply early, avoid visa shopping, and choose a consulate based on your real travel plans. Countries like Iceland, Switzerland, and Romania continue to be reliable choices for travelers looking for a smoother application experience.
