{"id":114240,"date":"2025-05-19T11:48:07","date_gmt":"2025-05-19T11:48:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/114240\/"},"modified":"2025-05-19T11:48:07","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T11:48:07","slug":"france-spain-germany-remain-popular-picks-for-schengen-visas-from-china-india-turkiye-morocco-and-russia-as-european-tourism-climbs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/114240\/","title":{"rendered":"France, Spain, Germany Remain Popular Picks for Schengen Visas from China, India, T\u00fcrkiye, Morocco, and Russia as European Tourism Climbs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\" title=\"Home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Home<\/a> \u00bb <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/category\/visa-and-passport-news\/\" title=\"VISA AND PASSPORT NEWS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VISA AND PASSPORT NEWS<\/a> \u00bb France, Spain, Germany Remain Popular Picks for Schengen Visas from China, India, T\u00fcrkiye, Morocco, and Russia as European Tourism Climbs <\/p>\n<p class=\"text-date\">  Monday, May 19, 2025<\/p>\n<p><img class=\"wp-image-855814 br-lazy\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0naHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmcnIHZpZXdCb3g9JzAgMCA4NTAgODUwJz48L3N2Zz4=\" data-breeze=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VISA-APPLIATION-K1-4-850x850.jpg\" title=\"Visa appliation k1 - travel and tour world\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"850\" alt=\"\" data-br data-br\/><\/p>\n<p>After several years of pandemic-induced travel downturns, 2024 has marked a major milestone for international travel to Europe. Demand for <strong>Schengen visas<\/strong> has surged, with the Schengen Area\u2014comprising 29 countries with open internal borders\u2014receiving <strong>11.7 million visa applications<\/strong> this year, reflecting a <strong>13.5% increase from 2023<\/strong>. While the numbers still lag behind the <strong>pre-pandemic peak of nearly 17 million in 2019<\/strong>, the upward trend signals a strong resurgence of interest in <strong>Schengen visas<\/strong> for tourism, business, and family travel across Europe.<\/p>\n<p>According to newly released figures from Schengen.News (May 18, 2025), visa rejection rates have also <strong>dropped to 14.8%<\/strong>, down from 16% in 2023 and 17.9% in 2022. This is the <strong>lowest rejection rate in three years<\/strong>, suggesting greater accessibility for third-country nationals seeking entry into Europe.<\/p>\n<p>Key 2024 Schengen Visa Trends at a Glance<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Total applications filed<\/strong>: 11,716,723 (13.5% increase from 2023)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Top destinations<\/strong>: France, Spain, Germany<\/li>\n<li><strong>Top applicant countries<\/strong>: China, India, T\u00fcrkiye<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rejection rate<\/strong>: 14.8% (down from 16% in 2023)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Highest rejection rates<\/strong>: Bangladesh (54.9%), Pakistan (47.5%)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Countries with most visa refusals<\/strong>: France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Netherlands<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>France, Spain &amp; Germany Remain Schengen\u2019s Big ThreeFrance: The Reigning Visa Champion<\/p>\n<p>France has cemented its status as the most sought-after Schengen destination. In 2024, French consulates received <strong>over 3 million visa applications<\/strong>\u2014more than <strong>a quarter of all global Schengen visa submissions<\/strong>. Of these:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>2,549,735 visas were approved<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Rejection rate<\/strong>: 15.8% (above average)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Top applicant nationalities<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Algerians<\/strong>: 352,295 applications<\/li>\n<li><strong>Moroccans<\/strong>: 282,153<\/li>\n<li><strong>Indians<\/strong>: 197,959<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Despite its high demand, France also <strong>leads in outright visa rejections<\/strong>, denying <strong>over 481,000 applications<\/strong>\u2014a figure reflecting both its popularity and stringent vetting standards.<\/p>\n<p>Spain Surges to Second Place<\/p>\n<p>Spain overtook Germany to become the <strong>second most popular Schengen destination<\/strong>, with <strong>1.6 million applications filed<\/strong>. The rejection rate, <strong>15.7%<\/strong>, was nearly identical to France\u2019s, but still above the Schengen average.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Top applicant group<\/strong>: Chinese nationals (254,571 applications)<\/p>\n<p>Spain\u2019s popularity is fueled by:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mediterranean appeal<\/li>\n<li>Easier appointment access in some regions<\/li>\n<li>Consistently high tourism capacity post-COVID<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Germany Drops to Third<\/p>\n<p>Germany saw <strong>1.5 million visa applications<\/strong>, primarily from <strong>Chinese applicants (263,088)<\/strong>. With a <strong>rejection rate of 13.7%<\/strong>, it fared better than France and Spain in terms of visa issuance, although it issued <strong>fewer total visas<\/strong> than France.<\/p>\n<p>Who\u2019s Applying? Top Nationalities Driving Demand<\/p>\n<p>The top countries where Schengen visa applications were filed in 2024 are:<\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>China<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>India<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>T\u00fcrkiye<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Morocco<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Russia<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Russia\u2019s ranking at fifth continues a trend since 2022, where <strong>sanctions and travel restrictions<\/strong> have impacted outbound travel volumes.<\/p>\n<p>India, on the other hand, saw <strong>a 29% increase in demand in early 2025<\/strong>, per Schengen.News, reflecting rising middle-class mobility and stronger travel ties to Europe.<\/p>\n<p>Lower Rejection Rates Could Boost Tourism Recovery<\/p>\n<p>The drop in rejection rates to <strong>14.8%<\/strong> could signal more streamlined visa processing and policy recalibrations aimed at <strong>reviving European tourism<\/strong>. For context:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>2022 rejection rate<\/strong>: 17.9%<\/li>\n<li><strong>2023 rejection rate<\/strong>: 16%<\/li>\n<li><strong>2024 rejection rate<\/strong>: 14.8%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Still, the <strong>burden of high rejections<\/strong> falls heavily on nationals from several developing countries.<\/p>\n<p>Highest Rejection Rates by Nationality:<\/p>\n<tr>CountryRejection Rate<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Bangladesh<\/td>\n<td>54.9%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Pakistan<\/td>\n<td>47.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Guinea-Bissau<\/td>\n<td>47.0%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Senegal<\/td>\n<td>46.8%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Haiti<\/td>\n<td>46.3%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p>These rates are often due to:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Incomplete documentation<\/li>\n<li>Lack of financial proof<\/li>\n<li>Previous immigration violations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Meanwhile, countries like <strong>Malta<\/strong>, <strong>Belgium<\/strong>, and <strong>Sweden<\/strong> recorded the <strong>highest share of rejections by consulate<\/strong>, though specific consulate performance is not uniformly detailed.<\/p>\n<p>The Schengen Comeback: Still Room to Grow<\/p>\n<p>Despite the 13.5% annual increase in applications, the total is <strong>still nearly 5 million short of 2019 levels<\/strong>. Factors slowing the full rebound include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Geopolitical instability<\/strong>, especially Russia-related sanctions<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tougher entry criteria<\/strong> in some consulates<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lingering administrative backlogs<\/strong> from the pandemic years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Visa Hubs and Digital Transformation<\/p>\n<p>Several countries are modernizing the visa process to meet rising demand:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Denmark<\/strong> has launched <strong>new online application forms<\/strong> for EU residence permits<\/li>\n<li><strong>France<\/strong> has rolled out an <strong>automated appointment system<\/strong> in major Moroccan cities<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>EU\u2019s Entry\/Exit System (EES)<\/strong> and <strong>ETIAS<\/strong> (visa waiver for short stays) are now expected to roll out <strong>no earlier than 2027<\/strong>, despite prior projections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Outlook for 2025 and Beyond<\/p>\n<p>What to Expect:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Higher demand from India, China, and Latin America<\/strong> as travel confidence returns<\/li>\n<li><strong>Greater digitalization<\/strong> of application systems across Europe<\/li>\n<li><strong>Policy refinements<\/strong> to support labor market needs and tourism recovery<\/li>\n<li><strong>Continued barriers for nationals from high-rejection regions<\/strong>, unless diplomatic and socioeconomic improvements are made<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As Europe aims to <strong>attract skilled migrants, students, and tourists<\/strong>, 2024\u2019s visa numbers reflect a crucial turning point\u2014<strong>balancing security with accessibility<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Final Thoughts: A New Era for European Travel?<\/p>\n<p>The steady rebound of Schengen visa applications is a strong indicator that Europe remains a <strong>top global travel and work destination<\/strong>. With strategic policy reforms, better digital tools, and improved bilateral relations, 2025 could see the numbers climb closer to their pre-pandemic highs\u2014<strong>if not surpass them<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>For now, travelers and stakeholders alike can take comfort in the data: <strong>Europe is reopening\u2014not just its borders, but its doors to the world.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tags: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/china\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">china<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/eu-visa-policy\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">EU visa policy<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/europe-travel-2024\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Europe travel 2024<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/france\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">france<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/france-visa-2024\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">France visa 2024<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/germany\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">germany<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/germany-schengen-visa\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Germany Schengen visa<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/india-2\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">India<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/morocco\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">morocco<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/schengen-area-travel\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Schengen Area travel<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/schengen-visa-application\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Schengen Visa Application<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/schengen-visa-rejection-rate\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Schengen visa rejection rate<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/schengen-visa-statistics-2024\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Schengen visa statistics 2024<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/schengen-visa-trends\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Schengen visa trends<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/schengen-visas\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">schengen visas<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/spain\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">spain<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/spain-visa-application\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Spain visa application<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/turkiye\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">T\u00fcrkiye<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/news\/article\/tag\/visa-rejection-rates\/\" rel=\"tag noopener\" target=\"_blank\">visa rejection rates<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"gofollow\" data-track=\"NzMsNiwxLDYw\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/ttwapp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"br-lazy\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0naHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmcnIHZpZXdCb3g9JzAgMCAwIDAnPjwvc3ZnPg==\" data-breeze=\"https:\/\/www.travelandtourworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/leaderboard-app-design24.jpg\" style=\"max-width: 728px; height: auto\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Home \u00bb VISA AND PASSPORT NEWS \u00bb France, Spain, Germany Remain Popular Picks for Schengen Visas from China,&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":114241,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5310],"tags":[1395,44314,2000,51604,299,51605,44046,36,42546,51606,1824,51607,43122,730,6489,51616,51617,51608,51609,51610,51611,51612,51613,104,42549,51614,12474,43155,44610,51615],"class_list":{"0":"post-114240","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-germany","8":"tag-china","9":"tag-china-travel-news","10":"tag-eu","11":"tag-eu-visa-policy","12":"tag-europe","13":"tag-europe-travel-2024","14":"tag-european-travel-news","15":"tag-france","16":"tag-france-travel-news","17":"tag-france-visa-2024","18":"tag-germany","19":"tag-germany-schengen-visa","20":"tag-germany-travel-news","21":"tag-india","22":"tag-morocco","23":"tag-morocco-news","24":"tag-russia-travel-news","25":"tag-schengen-area-travel","26":"tag-schengen-visa-application","27":"tag-schengen-visa-rejection-rate","28":"tag-schengen-visa-statistics-2024","29":"tag-schengen-visa-trends","30":"tag-schengen-visas","31":"tag-spain","32":"tag-spain-travel-news","33":"tag-spain-visa-application","34":"tag-trkiye","35":"tag-turkey-travel-news","36":"tag-visa-and-passport-news","37":"tag-visa-rejection-rates"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation failed: Text character limit of 500 exceeded"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/114240","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=114240"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/114240\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/114241"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=114240"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=114240"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=114240"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}