Key Takeaways
• Schengen visa allows up to 90 days travel within 29 European countries in any 180-day period.
• Iceland has the lowest rejection rate at 2.2%, making it easiest to get a Schengen visa in 2025.
• Bulgaria and Romania joined Schengen Area in 2025; new EES system starts October 2025 for biometric entry checks.
A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows people to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The Schengen Area is a group of 29 European countries that have removed border controls between each other. This means that once you enter one Schengen country, you can move between the others without going through border checks. The Schengen visa is essential for travelers from many countries outside Europe who want to visit for tourism, business, or family reasons.
This guide explains which countries are the easiest to get a Schengen visa from in 2025, what the requirements are, how the process works, and what recent changes mean for travelers. It also offers practical tips and real-world examples to help you make the best choices for your travel plans.
What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a sticker placed in your passport that lets you enter and travel within the Schengen Area. You can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but you cannot work or live permanently in these countries with this visa. The Schengen visa is mainly for short visits, such as tourism, business meetings, or visiting family and friends.
The Schengen Area includes most European Union (EU) countries and a few non-EU countries like Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. As of 2025, Bulgaria and Romania are also full members of the Schengen Area.
Who Needs a Schengen Visa?
Not everyone needs a Schengen visa. Citizens of many countries, such as the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, Australia, and Japan, can travel to the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays. However, people from countries like India, China, Russia, Turkey, and Morocco must apply for a Schengen visa before traveling.
You can check if you need a Schengen visa by visiting the official European Commission visa policy page.
Schengen Visa Application Process
The process for applying for a Schengen visa is similar in all Schengen countries, but there are some differences in how strict or flexible each country is. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
1. Choose the Right Country
You must apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend the most time during your trip. If you plan to visit several countries for equal amounts of time, apply at the embassy of the country you will enter first.
2. Gather Required Documents
Common documents include:
– Completed visa application form (find the official form here)
– Valid passport (must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area)
– Passport-sized photos
– Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations)
– Travel insurance (covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies)
– Proof of financial means (bank statements, payslips)
– Proof of ties to your home country (employment letter, property documents)
– Visa fee (usually €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12)
3. Book an Appointment
You must schedule an appointment at the embassy, consulate, or a visa application center (such as VFS Global) to submit your documents and provide fingerprints.
4. Attend the Interview
During the appointment, you may be asked questions about your trip, your job, and your reasons for visiting. Be honest and provide clear answers.
5. Wait for Processing
Processing times vary by country and season, but it usually takes between 15 and 45 days to get a decision.
6. Collect Your Passport
If your visa is approved, you’ll receive your passport with the visa sticker. If refused, you’ll get a letter explaining why.
Easiest Countries to Get a Schengen Visa in 2025
Not all Schengen countries are equally strict. Some have much higher approval rates, making them easier choices for first-time applicants or those worried about rejection. According to the latest data from the European Commission and analysis from VisaVerge.com, these are the top countries where it’s easiest to get a Schengen visa in 2025:
1. Iceland
- Rejection rate: 2.2%
- Approval rate: 97.8%
- Why it’s easy: Iceland is known for its simple and efficient visa process. The embassy handles applications quickly and is less strict than many others. This makes it a great choice for first-time travelers or those with limited travel history.
2. Switzerland
- Rejection rate: 10.7%
- Why it’s easy: Switzerland values well-prepared applications. If you provide all required documents and show you can afford your trip, your chances are high. The process is organized and clear.
3. Latvia
- Rejection rate: 11.7%
- Why it’s easy: Latvia is known for relaxed rules, especially for tourists and business travelers. The embassy often grants longer visas if you have strong documents. Latvia’s process is straightforward and friendly.
4. Italy
- Rejection rate: 12%
- Why it’s easy: Italy is a top tourist destination and has flexible visa policies. The country welcomes millions of visitors each year and is used to handling large numbers of applications.
5. Luxembourg
- Rejection rate: 12.7%
- Why it’s easy: Luxembourg receives fewer applications, so there’s less competition. The country often outsources visa processing to Belgian or French embassies, which are known for clear and reliable procedures.
6. Lithuania
- Rejection rate: 12.8%
- Why it’s easy: Lithuania is famous for low rejection rates and a simple process. Frequent travelers may even get long-term, multiple-entry visas.
7. Slovakia
- Rejection rate: 12.9%
- Why it’s easy: Slovakia’s requirements are clear and not overly strict. The process is smooth, making it a good option for many applicants.
8. Germany
- Rejection rate: 14.3%
- Why it’s easy: Germany handles a huge number of applications but is efficient. If your documents are in order, you can get a decision quickly, sometimes in just 15-20 working days.
9. Austria
- Rejection rate: 14.3%
- Why it’s easy: Austria is known for efficient processing and a high approval rate. The process is similar to Germany’s.
10. Greece
- Rejection rate: 14.7%
- Why it’s easy: Greece is a popular tourist spot and has friendly visa policies. The process is less strict compared to some other countries.
Tip: If you have a choice, apply to one of these countries, especially if you’re worried about being refused.
Real-World Example
Priya, a software engineer from India, wanted to visit Europe for the first time. She was worried about her chances because she had never traveled outside Asia. After researching, she chose to apply through Iceland because of its high approval rate. She made sure her documents were complete and showed proof of her job and savings. Her visa was approved in just three weeks, and she was able to travel to several countries in the Schengen Area without any problems.
Recent Changes in the Schengen Area
Bulgaria and Romania Join the Schengen Area
As of January 1, 2025, Bulgaria and Romania are full members of the Schengen Area. This means travelers with a Schengen visa can enter these countries without extra checks. Before this, only air and sea borders were open, but now land borders are also included. This change makes travel easier and opens new options for visa applicants.
Why this matters:
– Bulgaria and Romania have a history of welcoming tourists and often have higher approval rates.
– Fewer people apply to these countries, so there’s less competition.
– If you’re planning a trip, consider applying through Bulgaria or Romania for a smoother experience.
Note: Bulgaria is keeping some land border checks with Romania until at least June 2025, but this does not affect most travelers.
New Entry and Exit System (EES)
Starting in October 2025, the Schengen Area will use a new Entry Exit System (EES). This system will record when non-EU travelers enter and leave the Schengen Area using fingerprints and photos. The goal is to make border checks faster and more secure.
What to expect:
– When you enter the Schengen Area, you’ll need to give your fingerprints and have your photo taken.
– This process should only take a few minutes, but there may be longer lines at first.
– The system will help track how long you stay and prevent overstays.
ETIAS Delayed
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new electronic system that will check travelers before they enter the Schengen Area. It was supposed to start earlier, but now it’s delayed until late 2026. When it starts, people from countries that don’t need a visa (like the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦) will need to apply online for permission before traveling.
Processing Times and Tips for Success
Processing times for Schengen visas depend on the country and how busy the embassy is. Here are some average times in 2025:
- Lithuania: 15-30 days
- Luxembourg: 15-20 days
- Latvia: 15-45 days
- Germany: 15-45 days (often faster if your documents are strong)
How to improve your chances:
– Apply early: Start your application at least two months before your trip.
– Choose a country with a low rejection rate: Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Italy are good options.
– Prepare your documents carefully: Missing or incorrect documents are a common reason for refusal.
– Show strong ties to your home country: This could be a job, family, or property.
– Prove you can afford your trip: Bank statements and payslips help.
– Be honest in your interview: Consulates check for honesty and consistency.
Rights and Limitations with a Schengen Visa
With a Schengen visa, you can:
– Travel freely within all Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period
– Visit for tourism, business, or family reasons
You cannot:
– Work or study long-term
– Stay longer than 90 days
– Use the visa to move permanently
If you want to work, study, or stay longer, you need a different type of visa. Each country has its own rules for these visas.
Practical Implications for Different Groups
Tourists
Tourists benefit most from applying through countries with high approval rates and simple processes. Choosing the right country can save time and reduce stress.
Business Travelers
Business travelers should prepare extra documents, such as invitation letters from companies in Europe. Countries like Germany and Switzerland are used to handling business visas and may process them faster.
Students
Students who want to attend short courses or conferences can use a Schengen visa. For longer studies, a national student visa is required, which has different rules.
Families
Families traveling together should apply at the same time and provide proof of relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates.
Comparing Schengen Visa Pathways
- Tourist/Short-stay visa (Type C): For up to 90 days, most common type
- Airport transit visa (Type A): For changing flights in a Schengen airport, not for entering the country
- National visa (Type D): For stays longer than 90 days, such as work or study
Each type has its own requirements and process. Always check the official website of the country you plan to visit.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check the European Commission’s official Schengen visa page. This site lists all requirements, forms, and updates about the Schengen Area.
Key Takeaways
- Iceland is the easiest country to get a Schengen visa from in 2025, with a rejection rate of just 2.2%.
- Switzerland, Latvia, Italy, and Luxembourg also have high approval rates and simple processes.
- Bulgaria and Romania are now full Schengen members, offering new options for travelers.
- Processing times vary, but applying early and choosing the right country can help.
- New systems like EES and ETIAS will change how travelers enter the Schengen Area, so stay informed.
- Always use official sources for forms and requirements.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, understanding the latest trends and choosing the right country for your Schengen visa application can make your travel plans much smoother. By following these steps and staying updated on new rules, you can improve your chances of getting a Schengen visa and enjoy your trip to Europe.
Learn Today
Schengen Visa → A short-stay visa enabling travel in 29 European countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Schengen Area → A zone of 29 European countries with abolished internal borders allowing free movement.
Entry Exit System (EES) → A new biometric system recording entries and exits to enhance border security from October 2025.
Visa Rejection Rate → The percentage of visa applications denied by a country’s consulate or embassy.
Multiple-entry visa → A visa allowing travelers to enter and exit the Schengen Area multiple times within its validity.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Schengen visa lets travelers visit 29 European countries for up to 90 days. Iceland offers the easiest application with high approval. Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2025, and new border systems like EES will enhance security. Applying early and choosing the right country improves success chances significantly.
— By VisaVerge.com
