Schengen visa applications rise in 2024 but remain below 2019 levels

Key Takeaways

• Schengen visa applications rose 13.5% to 11.7 million in 2024, led by France, Spain, and Germany.
• Rejection rates dropped to a three-year low of 14.8%, but France and Spain’s rates remain above average.
• Top applicant countries: China, Türkiye, India; Russian applications declined due to continuing restrictions.

The Schengen Visa plays a central role for travelers wanting to visit most countries in Europe with just one permit. The year 2024 has brought major changes in travel patterns and demand for Schengen visas, with new application numbers and trends for popular countries such as France and Spain. This article looks at the latest data on Schengen visa applications, key countries involved, rejection patterns, and the important factors that explain these shifts. The facts here draw from official European government sources, visa statistics reports, and analysis published by VisaVerge.com.

Summary: Schengen Visa Applications in 2024

In 2024, Schengen visa applications grew strongly, reaching 11.7 million. That is a 13.5% increase over the previous year’s 10.3 million applications. France held its lead as the most popular country for Schengen visas, with Spain and Germany following. Despite this growth, overall application numbers are still below the pre-pandemic high of almost 17 million recorded in 2019. The data shows both old patterns and fresh trends among those applying to visit the Schengen Area.

Key findings from the 2024 statistics include:
– France received over 3 million visa applications, more than one-quarter of the global total.
– Spain saw a rise, with 1.6 million applications, now ahead of Germany.
– Germany got 1.5 million applications, dropping to third place in popularity.
– The overall rejection rate for Schengen visas dropped, now at its lowest level in three years.
– Application numbers from countries like India surged, while applications from Russia lagged due to new changes.

The sections below break down these trends in detail, explaining what the numbers show and what they might mean for applicants and Schengen countries in the coming years.

Schengen Visa Application Growth: 2023 vs. 2024

The official data shows that Schengen visa submissions jumped from 10.3 million in 2023 to 11.7 million in 2024, an increase of 13.5%. However, application volumes have yet to reach the peak levels seen before COVID-19, when numbers hit nearly 17 million in 2019. This shows a strong recovery, though the region has not yet returned to its pre-pandemic pace.

A bar chart based on the data might look like this:

• 2019: 17 million applications
• 2023: 10.3 million applications
• 2024: 11.7 million applications

The chart would show a fall after 2019, with a gradual rise through 2023 and 2024. While application numbers are climbing, they still need to catch up fully after the pandemic shock.

Applications by Country: France, Spain, Germany, and Others

France 🇫🇷 continues as the first choice for most people seeking a Schengen visa. In 2024, French consulates received over 3 million applications. This means that more than 25% of all Schengen visa submissions around the world went through France. Of these, 2,549,735 were approved, while France’s consulates rejected applications at a rate of 15.8%. This rate is slightly above the average for all Schengen countries.

Spain 🇪🇸 moved up to second place in 2024, overtaking Germany. It handled 1.6 million Schengen visa applications, with a rejection rate of 15.7%. This is also above the general Schengen average. The rise in Spain’s volume shows its growing popularity among travelers wanting to visit Europe.

Germany 🇩🇪 now sits in third spot, with 1.5 million visa applications in 2024. In the past, Germany was often second to France. One positive point for Germany is its more favorable rejection rate at 13.7%, which is lower than both France and Spain.

Italy remained steady, keeping fourth place with more than one million applications. Greece moved up to become the fifth most popular Schengen destination, replacing the Netherlands from its prior position.

A table summarizing these numbers:

What does this ranking tell us? France remains attractive for both leisure and business visitors, while Spain’s increasing numbers may reflect changes in travel habits or new marketing efforts. Germany, with its somewhat lower rejection rate, could appeal to those concerned about their chances of approval.

Who Are the Top Applicants? Country of Origin Trends

Applicants from China, Türkiye, and India made up the largest groups trying for a Schengen visa in 2024, matching the pattern from 2023.

• Chinese citizens were the top group for both Spain and Germany, with 254,571 and 263,088 applications to these countries.
• For France, Algerians applied the most, with 352,295 submissions. They were followed by Moroccans (282,153) and Indians (197,959).
• Russia, once the largest source of Schengen applications, has slipped to fifth position, just after Morocco.

If we put these numbers in a simple list, the order of top groups for France by number of applications would be:
1. Algeria 🇩🇿
2. Morocco 🇲🇦
3. India 🇮🇳

For Spain and Germany, Chinese applicants are the largest group by far. These patterns show how different Schengen states attract visitors from different regions of the world.

Schengen Visa Rejection Rates: Patterns and Progress

The rejection rate for Schengen visas tracks how many applications are denied. In 2024, this number dropped to 14.8%. This is the lowest in the last three years, as the rate was 16% in 2023 and 17.9% in 2022. A dropping rejection rate means that a higher share of people applying for a Schengen visa are now being allowed to visit Europe.

Still, there is a big difference in approval rates among countries. France, for example, had more total visa rejections than any other Schengen country, with over 481,000 applications denied. This reflects both how many people want to visit France and its strict checks on applications. Spain, too, has a relatively high rejection percentage.

By contrast, Germany’s rejection rate is a bit lower than the Schengen average, which could mean its review process is either somewhat easier to pass or that Germans are better at filtering applications before review.

People thinking about applying for a Schengen visa might find these numbers useful, as they highlight which countries may be a bit tougher on approving applicants.

Reasons Why Application Numbers Are Rising (But Still Behind 2019)

Though more people are applying for Schengen visas than before, total applications have not come back to 2019 highs. Several reasons help explain this:

• Restrictions for Russian citizens remain in place, dampening recovery in total volume. Russia used to be a leading source of applications.
• High rejection rates in past years may have discouraged some travelers from even starting a visa application.
• The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still being felt. Some may remain cautious, and it takes time for travel ties to build up again after a pause.

India 🇮🇳 stands out as an exception. Early 2025 data show Indian demand for Schengen visas growing by 29%. This jump links to a growing middle class in India and stronger travel connections with European countries.

A graph tracking application numbers by country over time might show India curving upward steeply since the pandemic, while Russian numbers have declined.

The Importance and Use of This Data

For anyone who needs a Schengen visa, these figures matter. Approval rates, top application countries, and trends give a clearer picture of what to expect. If someone is choosing where to apply for a Schengen visa, these numbers might guide their choice toward a country with a better track record of approvals. For instance, if someone applies through Germany, they may face slightly better odds than in France or Spain.

For European governments, tracking these numbers helps with planning and policy. Understanding where applications are coming from and which countries are growing in demand helps them handle workloads and develop fair visa rules.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, keeping up with the latest Schengen visa trends helps prospective travelers prepare documents, select the right consulate, and plan trips more confidently.

Potential Applicants: Key Takeaways

• If you want to visit France 🇫🇷 or Spain 🇪🇸 on a Schengen visa, you are joining millions who prefer these destinations. They are the most popular, but they also check applications closely.
• Germany 🇩🇪 might offer your application a better chance, judging by recent approval percentages.
• The overall likelihood of getting a Schengen visa is improving, since rejection rates are the lowest they have been in several years.
• If you are from India, you are part of a group with fast-growing numbers seeking travel to Europe.
• If you are from Russia, you might face stricter rules and a longer wait due to current restrictions.
• Past worries about high rejection rates may be easing, which could encourage more people to apply next year.

Limitations and Cautions When Reading the Data

While these immigration numbers reveal much about travel between Schengen states and the rest of the world, there are some limitations:

• Data for some countries (like Italy and Greece) are less detailed in the published reports.
• Rejection rates do not always show the reason for refusal. Reasons could include incomplete paperwork, lack of proof for a return ticket, or other missing documents.
• Numbers can shift fast due to new political rules, changes in health policy, or sudden events.

Applying for a Schengen Visa: Where to Start

Anyone who wants to apply for a Schengen visa can find details and the correct forms on the official EU visa policy website. This site offers step-by-step guides on how to complete the process for France, Spain, Germany, and all Schengen members.

Conclusion: What to Expect in the Future

Looking ahead, several trends appear likely. Schengen visa demand will probably keep rising as more people feel comfortable traveling after the pandemic. France and Spain will likely stay on top for tourist and business visits, though the gap between Germany and Spain may shift with changing travel habits. India’s growing middle class could move it even higher among applicant countries, while restrictions on Russia may continue to keep its numbers down.

Those thinking about a Schengen trip should check the latest data, choose target countries carefully, and be ready with all the needed information and paperwork. Lower rejection rates are a positive sign, showing a more open approach by Schengen states—even as certain destinations, especially France and Spain, remain careful in their review.

All in all, the Schengen visa remains a preferred way for people from all over the globe to experience Europe’s cultural, business, and family ties. The 2024 numbers show increasing confidence and interest, with countries like France, Spain, and Germany shaping the movement of millions across European borders. Expect these patterns to keep changing as more travelers look to the Schengen Area for their next trip.

Learn Today

Schengen Visa → A permit allowing travel to 27 European countries without border checks, enabling both tourism and short-term business.
Rejection Rate → The percentage of visa applications refused by consulates, showing how strict or lenient a country is.
Consulate → A diplomatic office where visa applications are reviewed and issued for foreign visitors to a specific country.
Applicant Country → The country from which people are submitting their Schengen visa applications, reflecting travel demand trends.
VisaVerge.com → A website providing reports, statistics, and analysis on global visa policies, trends, and travel regulations.

This Article in a Nutshell

The Schengen Visa remains essential for easy travel across most European countries. In 2024, applications jumped to 11.7 million, led by France, Spain, and Germany. Approval is easier now, but careful preparation is needed. Data-driven decisions help applicants choose the right country and improve their chance of success.
— By VisaVerge.com

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