If you’re planning a Europe trip before the year ends, one of the first questions that naturally comes to mind is: Which Schengen country is most likely to approve my visa? While 2025 data is still awaited, the 2024 approval rates offer the clearest insight into where applicants stood the best chance of success.
Top Countries With the Highest Schengen Visa Approval Rates (2024)
Based on official data compiled by SchengenVisaInfo, the following nations recorded the strongest approval percentages last year:
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%
This lineup differs noticeably from 2023, where Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Germany featured more prominently—underscoring how visa trends shift year to year.
High Approval Rates Don’t Mean You Can Apply Anywhere
Even if a country has a high approval rate, you must apply to the correct consulate based on your actual travel plan. Applying to a country you’re not visiting—commonly called visa shopping—violates Schengen rules and can lead to delays or outright rejection.
The submission rules are simple:
Single-country trip: Apply to that country.
Multi-country itinerary: Apply to the country where you will stay the longest.
Equal stay duration: Apply to the country you will enter first.
Applications must be filed only through embassies, consulates or authorised visa centres.
Countries That Dropped in 2024
Germany, Latvia, Poland and Lithuania—previously strong performers—did not make the top tier in 2024. While consulates haven’t provided reasons, increased demand and evolving staffing patterns may have been contributing factors.
High Approval Rate ≠ Guaranteed Visa
Even countries with approval rates above 90% routinely reject applications due to:
Incomplete documentation
Unclear itineraries
Insufficient financial proof
Inconsistencies in paperwork
Your personal documentation remains the key determinant.
Tips for Applicants Rushing to Apply Before Year-End
If you’re trying to secure a visa before December closes, follow these best practices:
Book appointments early—holiday season slots fill up fast.
Apply to the correct consulate—don’t choose based on approval rates alone.
Ensure all documents are accurate, complete and consistent.
Avoid peak filing weeks in late November–December.
Include a concise cover letter outlining your travel plan and ties to your home country.
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