10 Schengen Countries With the Lowest Rejection Rate

Obtaining a Schengen visa (SV) is an important step for everyone who plans to visit Europe for traveling or meeting friends or family. Let's take a look at what this document is, how to obtain it, and also find out which countries issue it to foreigners for entry to a particular European state without any problems and why they may refuse to issue a visa.

Please note, that you should not attempt to obtain an SV from one country while planning a trip to another. This phenomenon is called "visa shopping" and is strongly condemned by the Schengen countries. Spoiling your reputation at the European level is not the best option for a traveler who plans to fly to EU countries regularly. 

What is an SV?

It is an official international travel document that allows its holder to enter 30+ European countries, including 27 Schengen countries. The visa allows the traveler to cross the borders of other Schengen member states without going through a document check at the border. This is why many citizens want to get Schengen - it opens the way to many countries of the world.

The most common short-term SV will enable you to stay in the zone for a maximum of 90 days in a 6-month period starting from the entry date. For those who travel frequently and extensively, there are multiple entry visas valid for up to 5 years. You should refer to the Schengen Visa guides to find more information. For more information, visit myschengen.com.

Reasons to Apply for Schengen Visa

The receipt of an SV is necessary for anyone who plans to travel to one or more European countries for one of the following reasons: 

• recreation and tourism;

• business trips;

• official visits;

• visiting friends or family;

• treatments, surgeries;

• short-term training;

• cultural and sporting events, 

• research and scholarly purposes;

• transit travel and others.

Depending on the purpose and frequency of visits, the consulate may issue a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa valid for 90 days. When submitting documents, it is important to provide the required information. 

Key Requirements for Applicants

EU visas are the most popular in the world, as more than 20 million applications come to the consulate for approval every year. Every trustworthy citizen who travels to Europe for a specific purpose is eligible. To get the cherished document, you need to prepare the following documents:

• a completed application form;

• a valid document confirming the applicant's identity;

• fresh photos that meet specific requirements;

• proof of residence and financial means to live in a European country;

• health insurance policy;

• A cover letter stating the purpose of the trip;

• a round-trip itinerary.

A copy of the child's birth certificate, a copy of the parents' valid visa, and the parent or guardian's consent if the child is traveling with one of the parents or alone are necessary for requesting an SV for a child. The embassy may require other documents, but this is on a case-by-case basis. 

You can apply for a visa at the embassy or the official visa center of the chosen state.

The fee for issuing an SV depends on the age of the applicant:

• for children from 6 to 11 years old – 40 euros;

• for people between 12 and 80 years of age – 80 euros;

• Applicants under the age of six and over 80 will not be charged.

The fee is an important part of the procedure and is non-refundable. 

List of 10 Countries with the Lowest Rejection Rate

The most recent SV denials for the 2022 statistical year as a percentage are as follows:

• Iceland – 1.9%;

• Lithuania – 7.8%;

• Latvia – 9.5%;

• Slovakia – 9.7%;

• Finland – 9.7%;

• Luxembourg – 10.5%;

• Poland – 11.6%;

• Switzerland – 12%;

• Greece – 12.5%;

• Italy – 12.7%.

Applicants who submit incomplete documents, provide untruthful or incomplete information about themselves, and make mistakes or inaccuracies are mostly rejected. They have health problems that require regular treatment and criminal records or sanctions. Lack of solid ties with the home country and lack of financial means to cover expenses abroad are frequent reasons for visa refusal. 

Lack of a clear purpose for travel may also raise concerns with the visa officer and result in a refusal. Failure to attend visa interviews or being unprepared for them are two other reasons for refusal. You should take seriously all the requirements of the consulate of the European country where you plan to travel and comply with all the established conditions.

Tips for Successful Schengen Visa Application

In order to get a European visa, use our tips:

• at least one month before the actual date of travel, submit a complete package of documents;

• provide full, truthful information about yourself;

• double-check everything;

• demonstrate to the visa officer that your ties to your home country are strong and that you plan to return home.

You will need detailed advice, for example, to clarify the types of Malta visas required to go to the island to study the language. According to Kevin Crossman (My Schengen Agency), having professional support, you get certain benefits and increase your chances of getting an SV the first time. The same applies to other members of your family. Trust the process to the experts, so your future travels will be pleasant and comfortable.

If you have chosen a program, but have any difficulties, contact the company’s specialists. Professional agents will help resolve the issue quickly, efficiently and inexpensively. You can enjoy the process and not worry about preparing documents.