The 10 Easiest Schengen Countries to Get a Visa in 2025 (With Processing Times)

Are you contemplating a journey to Europe? In 2025, identify the Schengen countries that are the simplest to obtain a visa for. This guide provides travelers with the necessary information to select the most efficient and effective methods for obtaining approval, including visa rejection rates, processing times, and smart recommendations.

The Schengen visa application process can be challenging to navigate, but selecting the appropriate destination can significantly increase your likelihood of approval. The top 12 Schengen countries with the lowest visa rejection rates, as determined by recent data, are the optimal choices for travelers who desire a more seamless application process. ​

Schengen visas are obtained with the least difficulty in the following countries:

Forget the tedious documentation and the nervous anticipation! These countries have the greatest Schengen visa approval rates, which makes your European adventure more feasible.

1. Iceland 🇮🇸

Iceland has the lowest rejection rate in Europe, making it one of the simplest countries to obtain a Schengen visa. Although it lacks embassies in every country, applicants who submit applications through Denmark or Norway can still anticipate a seamless process.

• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 2.2%

• Processing Time: 10 to 15 business days

• Blue Lagoon, Northern Lights, and Golden Circle are among the most popular attractions.

• The Reason It Is Simple: The assessment criteria are lenient and the number of applicants is low.

2. Switzerland 🇨🇭

Switzerland is one of the more efficient Schengen nations. Its embassies are renowned for their professionalism, despite their popularity.

• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 10.7%

• Processing Time: 15 calendar days

• Alps, Geneva, and Lucerne are among the most popular attractions.

• The Reason It Is Simple: Early availability and consistent communication

3. Latvia 🇱🇻

For individuals who are applying for Schengen for the first time, Latvia is an excellent choice. Digital nomads, vacationers, and short-term visitors are all welcomed by the nation, which maintains transparent visa regulations.

• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 11.7%

• Processing Time: 10 to 15 business days

• Riga, Jurmala Beach, and Gauja National Park are among the most popular attractions.

• The Reason It Is Simple: A reduction in the number of visa applications and explicit documentation requirements

4. Italy 🇮🇹

Italy processes a substantial volume of Schengen visa applications annually and has enhanced the efficiency of online booking and application monitoring.

• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 12%

• Processing Time: 10 to 15 business days

• Rome, Venice, and Florence are among the most popular tourist destinations.

• The Reason It Is Simple: A visa officer who is supportive and has a flexible appointment system

5. Luxembourg 🇱🇺

Luxembourg is a small country, but its embassies are efficient and provide fast Schengen visa approvals with minimal traffic. Luxembourg is able to concentrate on delivering superior support and facilitating a more seamless processing experience for each applicant, as it receives the fewest applications among Schengen nations.

• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 12.7%

• Processing Time: 10 to 15 business days

• Luxembourg City and Vianden Castle are among the most popular attractions.

• The Reason It Is Simple: Staff that is efficient and has a low application burden

6. Lithuania 🇱🇹

Lithuania is renowned for its leniency toward applications that are well-documented and for its simplified visa procedures, which promote tourism and business travel.

• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 12.8%

• Processing Time: 7–15 business days

• Vilnius Old Town, Trakai Castle, and the Curonian Spit are among the most popular attractions.

• The Reason It Is Simple: Increasing diplomatic presence and promoting tourism

7. Slovakia 🇸🇰

Slovakia is an underrated option due to its equitable processing and reduced number of visa applications, which facilitates the process of obtaining entry for travelers.

• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 12.9%

• Processing Time: 10 to 15 business days

• Slovak Paradise, High Tatras, and Bratislava are among the most popular attractions.

• The Reason It Is Simple: A reduced number of applicants and straightforward documentation

8. Germany 🇩🇪

The Schengen Visa type C issued by Germany permits travel for a maximum of 90 days. Their applicants are able to effectively navigate the process as a result of the plain document guidelines and efficient online system they have implemented.

• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 14.3%

• Visa Processing Time: 10–20 days

• Miniatur Wunderland, Munich Marienplatz, and the Reichstag Building are among the most popular attractions.

• The Reason It Is Simple: Efficient documentation evaluation and well-established visa centers.

9. Austria 🇦🇹

Austria maintains a moderate rejection rate while ensuring that travelers with comprehensive documentation are processed efficiently.

• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 14.3%

• Processing Time: 10 to 15 business days

• Vienna, Salzburg, and Hallstatt are among the most popular tourist destinations.

• The Reason It Is Simple: Stable visa volume and efficient consulates

10. Greece 🇬🇷

Greece provides flexible visa processing procedures, particularly for visitors. Its consulates are accustomed to managing high volumes with efficiency.

• Visa Rejection Rate (2023): 14.7%

• Processing Time: 10 to 15 business days

• Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos are among the most popular destinations.

• The Reason It Is Simple: Visa processing that is driven by tourism and expedited approvals

Key Steps for Applying for a Schengen Visa

Although selecting a "easier" country may increase your prospects, it is essential to submit a well-crafted application. The following is a comprehensive description of the procedure:

• Determine the appropriate embassy or consulate: Apply through the embassy or consulate of your primary destination in the Schengen Area.

• Fill out the application form: Complete the official Schengen visa application form with precision and thoroughness.

• Acquire the Necessary Documents: This typically comprises your passport, travel insurance, evidence of accommodation, flight reservations, financial resources, and any necessary supporting documents that are pertinent to your travel objectives.

• Arrange an appointment: The majority of embassies and consulates necessitate that you schedule an appointment to submit your application and provide biometric data, including your fingerprints and photograph.

• Participate in the interview (if necessary): Be prepared to provide information regarding your travel arrangements and intentions.

• Please pay the visa fee: Currently, the standard fee for a Schengen visa is €80 for adults.

Pro Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Approval for a Schengen Visa

• Even if you intend to visit multiple Schengen states, it is advisable to apply through a country with a low rejection rate. Ensure that it serves as your primary destination or initial entry point.

• Schedule appointments in advance, as they tend to fill up rapidly, particularly during high season.

• Please submit comprehensive documentation, which should include evidence of your familial connections, employment, and property in your country of origin.

• Errors on the application form should be avoided, as they may result in immediate rejection.

• Utilize travel insurance, confirmed flight reservations, and accommodation information to substantiate your argument.

Concluding thoughts

Although rejection rates are significant, approval is contingent upon your profile and the documents you submit. For the greatest likelihood of obtaining a Schengen visa approval, it is advisable to submit to countries with simpler visa applications and lower rejection rates.