If you’re planning a trip to Europe this year, you may want to take a closer look at which Schengen countries are the most difficult when it comes to visa approvals—particularly if you’re applying from countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Morocco, China, or Russia.
Recent data from 2024 reveals significant disparities in visa rejection rates among Schengen member states.
While some nations maintain relatively open policies, others are far more selective—scrutinizing applications closely and rejecting a high number of requests.
Here are the top five Schengen countries where securing a visa is likely to be the most challenging:
1. Malta – Rejection Rate: 38.5%
Although Malta is known for its beautiful coastlines and Mediterranean charm, it holds the highest visa refusal rate among Schengen states.
• Applications received: 45,578
• Applications rejected: 16,905
Why Malta is strict:
• Limited embassy and consular staff
• Extremely careful review of all documents
• Slow processing timelines
• Even minor errors in applications can lead to denials
2. Estonia – Rejection Rate: 27.2%
Estonia, a tech-savvy Baltic nation, also has a tough stance on Schengen visa approvals—especially for first-time applicants.
Key reasons for difficulty:
• Close examination of past travel records
• High importance placed on financial stability
• Extra caution with applicants traveling alone
• Increased scrutiny for nationals from India, Egypt, and the UAE
3. Belgium – Rejection Rate: 24.6%
Belgium, home to the European Union headquarters, handles a large volume of visa applications—and rejects many of them.
Common challenges:
• Frequent issues with incomplete or inconsistent documentation
• Lack of clarity in travel purpose can lead to automatic rejection
• The high number of applications leads to strict vetting
4. Slovenia – Rejection Rate: 24.5%
Although Slovenia processes fewer Schengen applications overall, its rejection rate remains high.
What makes it difficult:
• Missing travel insurance
• Incomplete hotel or flight bookings
• Vague or disorganized travel plans
5. Sweden – Rejection Rate: 24%
Sweden places strong emphasis on an applicant’s social and economic ties to their home country. In 2024, it denied over 44,000 applications.
Key reasons for rejection:
• Detailed checks on employment, family status, and financial records
• Stricter scrutiny for nationals from regions considered politically or economically unstable
Honourable Mention: Denmark – Rejection Rate: 23.7%
While not in the top five, Denmark remains one of the more difficult countries for visa seekers. Over 31,000 applicants were turned down in 2024.
Reasons for Denmark’s tough stance:
• Rigorous verification of travel purposes
• Harsh penalties for inconsistencies or falsified documents
Advice for 2025 Schengen Visa Applicants
If you’re planning to apply for a Schengen visa this year, ensure your documentation is complete, consistent, and clearly outlines your travel purpose.
Applicants are advised to show strong ties to their home country, such as family, employment, or property, and to be completely transparent throughout the process.
Thorough preparation can significantly improve your chances—even when applying to countries known for high rejection rates.
