Iceland, Slovakia, Italy, Romania, Switzerland, Hungary, Norway, Greece, Austria, Luxembourg, Latvia And Poland Lead Schengen Visa Approvals With Powerful Growth And Record High Success Rates In 2024

Monday, May 26, 2025

The Schengen countries Iceland, Slovakia, Italy, Romania, Switzerland, Hungary, Norway, Greece, Austria, Luxembourg, Latvia, and Poland have set new benchmarks in visa approvals for 2024, reflecting streamlined processes and stronger international travel demand. Their exceptional approval rates are opening doors to millions of travelers worldwide, facilitating smoother access and enhancing tourism growth across Europe.

The latest visa application statistics released by SchengenVisaInfo, as reported by Business Today, offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of travel and visa approvals across the Schengen Area in 2024. These figures not only reflect changing travel demand patterns but also reveal which countries are currently the most accessible for non-EU visitors seeking entry to Europe.

Iceland Leads with a Remarkable Increase in Visa Applications

One of the standout developments in 2024 is the dramatic increase in visa applications submitted to Iceland. The Nordic island nation received 35,416 visa requests this year, marking a significant surge of fifty-seven percent compared to the 22,541 applications recorded in 2023. This robust growth underscores Iceland’s rising popularity as a travel destination, driven by its stunning natural landscapes, expanding tourism infrastructure, and growing international appeal.

However, despite this sharp increase in demand, Iceland’s visa approval rate saw a modest decline, registering at ninety-four percent in 2023. While still impressively high compared to many other Schengen countries, this slight drop may indicate the pressures on immigration authorities as they process a growing number of applications, necessitating more stringent scrutiny to maintain security and compliance standards.

Schengen Zone Average Approval Rate Remains Relatively Low

In contrast to Iceland’s high approval rates, the overall Schengen Area maintains a much lower average visa acceptance figure. The latest data reveal that the average approval rate across the entire zone is just fifty-two point two percent. This comparatively modest figure illustrates the challenges many travellers face when applying for Schengen visas, highlighting the variability of visa policies and processing efficiencies across member countries.

This average is shaped by both high-approval countries and others with more restrictive or stringent visa policies. The difference reflects factors such as each country’s immigration strategy, bilateral relations with applicant countries, security concerns, and administrative capacity. For applicants, understanding these disparities is crucial for planning travel and improving the chances of securing a visa.

Countries with High Visa Approval Rates in 2024

Aside from Iceland, several other Schengen countries recorded notably high visa approval rates in 2024, indicating a relatively smooth application process for visitors. Slovakia and Italy both achieved approval rates of eighty-nine percent, demonstrating welcoming visa policies for incoming travellers. Romania and Switzerland followed closely, each with eighty-eight percent approvals.

Additionally, Hungary, Norway, Greece, Austria, and Luxembourg rounded out the top ten countries with the most favorable visa approval statistics. These nations have evidently streamlined their application processes or maintained policies that facilitate easier access for tourists, business visitors, and other travellers.

For non-European Union applicants, these statistics serve as a useful guide when considering which countries to target for their visa applications, especially in cases where multiple Schengen states might be visited during a trip.

Emerging Changes in the Top Ten List

The 2024 data also reveal some shifts in the composition of the top ten countries with the highest visa approval rates. Romania and Norway made notable entries into this elite group, replacing Latvia and Poland, which were part of the previous year’s rankings.

Romania’s rise is particularly significant given its historical position as a non-Schengen member with plans to join the zone in the future. The country’s increased visa approval rate may signal improvements in administrative efficiency or changing diplomatic relations that benefit applicants.

Similarly, Norway’s inclusion reflects the Scandinavian nation’s commitment to facilitating travel while balancing security considerations. Although not an EU member, Norway is part of the Schengen Area and has managed to maintain high visa approval percentages, making it an attractive entry point for many travellers.

Implications for Non-EU Travellers

For travellers from outside the European Union, navigating the Schengen visa application process can be complex and unpredictable. The region comprises twenty-six countries, each with its own consular offices, rules, and criteria for visa issuance. Consequently, the visa approval rates provide valuable guidance for prospective visitors on which countries offer the most accessible pathways for obtaining entry permits.

Choosing to apply through countries with higher approval rates may increase the likelihood of success, especially for travellers with itineraries that include multiple Schengen states. Moreover, the data underline the importance of understanding each country’s specific visa policies, documentation requirements, and processing times.

Broader Context: Travel Recovery and Policy Adjustments

The surge in visa applications to countries like Iceland aligns with the broader global trend of travel recovery following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As borders have reopened and tourism demand has rebounded, many destinations in Europe have witnessed renewed interest from international visitors seeking experiences ranging from nature and adventure tourism to cultural exploration.

At the same time, European countries continue to refine their visa policies and border controls in response to evolving geopolitical and security challenges. These adjustments affect approval rates and processing efficiencies, making the monitoring of annual statistics an important task for travel professionals, government agencies, and travellers alike.

In 2024, Iceland, Slovakia, Italy, Romania, Switzerland, Hungary, Norway, Greece, Austria, Luxembourg, Latvia, and Poland have achieved outstanding visa approval rates. This progress is boosting travel accessibility and driving growth in European tourism.

The 2024 visa application and approval data published by SchengenVisaInfo and reported by Business Today reveal important trends shaping travel to the Schengen Area. Iceland’s significant growth in visa applications, alongside consistently high approval rates, marks the country as a top destination for global travellers. Meanwhile, the overall Schengen zone’s approval average indicates a varied landscape where some countries provide smoother access than others.

With Slovakia, Italy, Romania, Switzerland, Hungary, Norway, Greece, Austria, and Luxembourg also offering strong approval rates, non-EU visitors have several attractive options when planning European journeys. Keeping abreast of these evolving figures allows travellers to make informed decisions, improve their chances of visa success, and enjoy a seamless entry into one of the world’s most popular travel regions.