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Planning a trip to Europe? Discover the easiest Schengen countries to get a visa in 2025. This guide covers visa rejection rates, processing times, and smart tips to help travelers choose the best and fastest options for getting approved with ease.
Navigating the Schengen visa application process can be daunting, but choosing the right destination can significantly enhance your chances of approval. Based on recent data, here are the top 12 Schengen countries with the lowest visa rejection rates, making them ideal choices for travelers seeking a smoother application experience.
Easiest Countries to get Schengen visa
Forget endless paperwork and nail-biting waits! These countries boast the highest Schengen visa approval rates, making your European adventure more attainable
1. Iceland 🇮🇸
Iceland offers one of the easiest Schengen visa approvals, with the lowest rejection rate in Europe. Though it doesn’t have embassies everywhere, applicants applying through Denmark or Norway can still enjoy smooth processing.
• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 2.2%
• Processing Time: 10–15 working days
• Popular Attractions: Blue Lagoon, Northern Lights, Golden Circle
• Why It’s Easy: Low volume of applicants and lenient assessment criteria
2. Switzerland 🇨🇭
Switzerland is one of the more efficient Schengen states. Despite being popular, its embassies have a reputation for professionalism.
• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 10.7%
• Processing Time: 15 calendar days
• Popular Attractions: Alps, Geneva, Lucerne
• Why It’s Easy: Consistent communication and early slot availability
3. Latvia 🇱🇻
Latvia is ideal for first-time Schengen applicants. The country welcomes digital nomads, tourists, and short-term visitors with transparent visa rules.
• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 11.7%
• Processing Time: 10–15 working days
• Popular Attractions: Riga, Jurmala Beach, Gauja National Park
• Why It’s Easy: Clear documentation requirements and fewer visa applications
4. Italy 🇮🇹
Italy processes a large number of Schengen visa applications annually and has improved online booking and application tracking.
• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 12%
• Processing Time: 10–15 working days
• Popular Attractions: Rome, Venice, Florence
• Why It’s Easy: Flexible appointment system and supportive visa officers
5. Luxembourg 🇱🇺
Though Luxembourg is small, its embassies are efficient and offer quick Schengen visa approvals with less traffic. With the fewest applications among Schengen nations, Luxembourg can focus on providing enhanced support and ensuring a smoother processing experience for each applicant.
• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 12.7%
• Processing Time: 10–15 working days
• Popular Attractions: Luxembourg City, Vianden Castle
• Why It’s Easy: Low application load and efficient staff
6. Lithuania 🇱🇹
Lithuania is known for being lenient with well-documented applications and encourages tourism and business travel through simplified visa processes.
• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 12.8%
• Processing Time: 7–15 working days
• Popular Attractions: Vilnius Old Town, Trakai Castle, Curonian Spit
• Why It’s Easy: Encouraging tourism and expanding diplomatic presence
7. Slovakia 🇸🇰
Slovakia is an underrated choice with fewer visa applications and fair processing, making it easier for travelers to secure entry.
• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 12.9%
• Processing Time: 10–15 working days
• Popular Attractions: Bratislava, High Tatras, Slovak Paradise
• Why It’s Easy: Smaller number of applicants and simple paperwork
8. Germany 🇩🇪
Germany’s type C Schengen Visa offers travel for up to 90 days. Their implementation of an efficient online system and clear document guidelines aids applicants in navigating the process effectively.
• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 14.3%
• Visa Processing Time: 10–20 days
• Popular Attractions: Miniatur Wunderland, Munich Marienplatz, Reichstag Building
• Why It’s Easy: Well-established visa centers and Efficient documentation review.
9. Austria 🇦🇹
Austria balances a moderate rejection rate with efficient processing, especially for travelers with complete documentation.
• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 14.3%
• Processing Time: 10–15 working days
• Popular Attractions: Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt
• Why It’s Easy: Efficient consulates and stable visa volume
10. Greece 🇬🇷
Greece offers lenient visa processing, especially for tourists. Its consulates are used to handling high volumes with speed.
• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 14.7%
• Processing Time: 10–15 working days
• Popular Attractions: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos
• Why It’s Easy: Tourism-driven visa processing and quick approvals
Schengen Visa Application: Key Steps
While choosing an “easier” country increases your chances, a well-prepared application is crucial. Here’s a general overview of the process:
• Identify the Correct Embassy/Consulate: Apply through the embassy or consulate of your main destination within the Schengen Area.
• Complete the Application Form: Fill out the official Schengen visa application form accurately and completely.
• Gather Required Documents: This typically includes your passport, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, flight bookings, financial means, and supporting documents based on your purpose of travel.
• Schedule an Appointment: Most embassies/consulates require you to schedule an appointment to submit your application and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
• Attend the Interview (if required): Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans and intentions.
• Pay the Visa Fee: The standard Schengen visa fee is currently €80 for adults.
Pro Tips to Improve Your Schengen Visa Approval Odds
• Apply through a low-rejection country even if you plan to visit multiple Schengen states. Just make sure it’s your main destination or first point of entry.
• Book early appointments as slots fill up quickly, especially in peak season.
• Provide strong documentation, including proof of ties to your home country (job, property, family).
• Avoid mistakes on the application form—errors can lead to instant rejection.
• Use travel insurance, confirmed flight bookings, and accommodation details to strengthen your case.
Final Thoughts
While rejection rates are important, approval also depends on your profile and the documents you submit. Consider applying to countries with easier processes and lower rejection histories for the best shot at getting your Schengen visa approved.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/easiest-schengen-countries-visa-2025-processing-times/
