More than half of all Schengen visa applications were approved in 2024, with Iceland, Slovakia, and Italy leading the list of the most visa-friendly countries.
In 2024, the overall Schengen visa approval rate reached 52.20%, signaling that Schengen states collectively approved more than half of all visa applications submitted throughout the year. This trend marks a critical reference point for global travelers planning a visit to Europe, particularly as visa application season intensifies during the summer months.
According to recently released statistics, Iceland once again claimed the top spot among Schengen countries with the highest visa approval rate. The Nordic nation approved 91.25% of all visa applications it received in 2024, despite a significant rise in application volume.
Iceland Leads in Visa Approvals Despite Increase in Applications
Iceland has consistently remained one of the most reliable destinations for Schengen visa approval. Although its 2024 approval rate (91.25%) saw a slight drop from 94.26% in 2023, the overall number of visa applications surged dramatically.
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Visa applications received in 2024: 35,416
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Visa applications received in 2023: 22,541
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Year-over-year increase: 57.1%
This sharp rise in application volume demonstrates growing interest in Iceland as a gateway to Europe and reinforces its reputation for efficiency in processing visa applications.
Top 10 Schengen Countries with the Highest Visa Approval Rates in 2024
Apart from Iceland, several other Schengen countries demonstrated high approval rates, offering favorable odds for visa applicants this summer. The following countries had the highest visa acceptance rates in 2024:
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Iceland – 91.25%
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Slovakia – 89.25%
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Italy – 88.72%
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Romania – 88.36%
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Switzerland – 88.12%
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Hungary – 87.23%
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Norway – 87.20%
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Greece – 85.86%
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Austria – 85.78%
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Luxembourg – 85.65%
These countries are currently considered the "easiest" places to obtain a Schengen visa in 2024. For travelers hoping to maximize their chances of approval, applying through consulates of the above nations may offer an advantage.
By comparison, in 2023, the top ten countries for visa approval included Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
Top Nationalities Most Likely to Receive a Schengen Visa in 2024
Approval rates also varied significantly depending on the applicant's nationality. Data from 2024 indicates that citizens from several African and Pacific nations had the highest likelihood of obtaining a Schengen visa.
Countries with the highest approval rates among applicants:
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Liberia – 97.6% (122 out of 125 applications approved)
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Vanuatu – 95.79% (250 out of 261 applications approved)
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Zambia – 88.87% (2,444 out of 2,750 applications approved)
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Botswana – 83.10% (1,357 out of 1,633 applications approved)
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Niger – 78.86% (1,940 out of 2,460 applications approved)
Other nationalities with notable approval outcomes include:
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Tajikistan – 60.54% (2,433 of 4,019 applications approved)
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Burundi – 58.63% (2,189 of 3,735 approved)
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Haiti – 52.02% (2,400 of 4,614 approved)
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Guinea-Bissau – 43.84% (1,901 of 4,336 approved)
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Comoros – 36.35% (1,037 of 2,853 approved)
Although Liberia and Vanuatu had fewer total applications, their exceptionally high approval rates demonstrate strong bilateral relations with Schengen states and effective visa documentation from applicants.
What This Means for Travelers in 2024
For travelers aiming to visit Europe in the summer of 2024, these statistics offer valuable insights:
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Choose wisely where you apply: If eligible, applying through consulates of countries with higher approval rates (e.g., Iceland, Slovakia, or Italy) could improve your chances.
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Be aware of nationality-based trends: Nationals from countries with historically higher approval rates may continue to see better outcomes if documentation is complete and accurate.
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Prepare early and thoroughly: As application volumes rise, especially during peak travel seasons, early preparation and submission are crucial to avoid delays or denials.
With more than 50% of Schengen visa applications being approved, the landscape remains favorable for travelers—particularly those who apply to high-approval countries and prepare well-documented applications.
