Dreaming of exploring Europe but worried about visa rejections? Some easy Schengen visa countries have the lowest rejection rates, faster processing times, and higher approval chances—making your trip smoother. In this Schengen visa guide, we’ll break down the most tourist-friendly countries to obtain a Schengen visa from, highlight those with stricter policies, and provide essential tips to increase your chances of approval in 2025.

Which Schengen visa is easy to get? Explore the easiest country to get Schengen visa

The easiest Schengen visa to obtain depends on several factors, including your nationality, travel history, and the purpose of your visit. However, some Schengen countries, with Iceland leading the list, are generally considered easier to get approved for due to:

• Lower rejection rates, meaning most applicants receive their visa.

• Faster processing times, resulting in less waiting.

• More relaxed documentation requirements, reducing the chances of rejection.

• Higher rates of issuing Multiple Entry Visas (MEVs), allowing frequent travelers easier access in the future.

By applying to an "easy Schengen visa country" with a strong record of visa approvals, travelers can avoid unnecessary complications and increase their chances of obtaining a visa. So, let's explore the easiest & hardest Schengen visa countries according to the latest official EU data.

Only Type C (Short-Stay) visas are considered—this does not include national visas (long-term stays).

Easy Schengen visa countries with the lowest rejection rates for 2025 applications

The following countries have historically had low visa rejection rates, making them the best choices for applicants seeking an easy approval in 2025:

• Iceland remains the easiest country to obtain a Schengen visa from, with an extremely low rejection rate.

• Italy, Latvia, and Lithuania continue to be popular choices due to their high approval rates.

• Switzerland and Austria offer efficient and structured processing.

• Germany, Greece, and Poland are favorable options despite receiving a large number of applications.

• Luxembourg has fewer applicants, meaning applications face less competition.

Applying for a visa from one of these countries significantly increases the chances of approval compared to others with higher rejection rates.

What about Bulgaria and Romania?

As of January 1, 2025, Romania and Bulgaria became full members of the Schengen Area, with land border checks officially removed. This follows the earlier lifting of air and sea border controls on March 31, 2024. Their full integration into Schengen is expected to enhance travel, trade, and tourism, further strengthening the EU's internal market. Based on past visa policies and their approach to tourism, Bulgaria and Romania are expected to be among the easier Schengen visa countries in 2025 due to:

• Tourism focus: Actively promoting tourism, likely issuing visas with fewer restrictions than stricter countries like Belgium or Malta.

• Lower application volume: Fewer visa requests compared to high-demand countries like France or Germany, leading to faster processing and less scrutiny.

• Previous visa policies: Historically high approval rates for national visas suggest a lenient approach to Schengen visas.

• Geopolitical factors: Likely to encourage visa approvals to boost economic growth and strengthen EU ties.

Although no official data exists yet, Bulgaria and Romania’s rejection rates are expected to be 10–15%, similar to Italy (12%), Latvia (11.7%), and Lithuania (12.8%).

Schengen countries with the highest visa rejection rates

While some Schengen countries are relatively easy, others have a reputation for strict visa policies and higher rejection rates, such as:

High demand destinations

Some Schengen countries receive far more visa applications than others. High-demand embassies may have longer processing times and higher scrutiny.

How to get your Schengen visa easy

Here’s how you can maximize your chances of Schengen visa approval in 2025:

• Apply to a country with a low rejection rate – Iceland, Italy, Latvia, and Lithuania are among the easiest.

• Avoid applying through high-rejection countries.

• Make sure your application is complete – Missing documents are one of the most common reasons for rejection.

• Show financial stability – Provide proof of income and bank statements.

• Book travel insurance, flights, and accommodations in advance – This strengthens your application.

• Request a Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) if eligible – Frequent travelers have a better chance of approval.

• Check ETIAS requirements if you are from a visa-exempt country – Even if you do not need a visa, ETIAS will be required for short stays.

How ETIAS affects Schengen visa applicants

Schengen ETIAS applies to visa-free travelers from over 60 countries (such as the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia) who previously did not need any pre-travel authorization. While ETIAS does not replace the Schengen visa, it will introduce extra security checks, which may also affect how embassies review visa applications.

By preparing in advance and applying through the right country, travelers can increase their chances of getting a Schengen visa easily in 2025.

Schengen countries list: Where to start your EU visa application in 2025?

As of February 2025, the Schengen Area comprises 31 countries:

1. Austria

2. Belgium

3. Bulgaria

4. Croatia

5. Czech Republic

6. Denmark

7. Estonia

8. Finland

9. France

10. Germany

11. Greece

12. Hungary

13. Iceland

14. Italy

15. Latvia

16. Liechtenstein

17. Lithuania

18. Luxembourg

19. Malta

20. Netherlands

21. Norway

22. Poland

23. Portugal

24. Romania

25. Slovakia

26. Slovenia

27. Spain

28. Sweden

29. Switzerland

30. Cyprus

31. Montenegro

Please note that visa requirements and procedures may vary slightly between countries. It's advisable to consult the official website of the consulate or visa application center of the country you are applying to for the most accurate and up-to-date information.