Planning a Europe Trip in 2025? These 10 Schengen Countries Have the Highest Visa Rejection Rates
Discover the 10 Schengen countries with the highest visa rejection rates in 2024. Learn which destinations are toughest to get visas for and how to boost your chances of approval for a hassle-free European adventure.
Planning a European getaway in 2025? You’re not alone—but before you start charting out dream destinations and booking those picturesque train rides, here’s a reality check you can’t ignore: Schengen visa rejections are climbing. As per the latest data from the European Commission, 1.7 million of the 11.7 million visa applications filed in 2024 were denied—that’s nearly 1 in 7 hopeful travellers turned away. While some countries continue to welcome visitors with relative ease, others have become much stricter, with rejection rates approaching 40%. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or applying for the first time, knowing which Schengen countries are the hardest to get into can save you from disappointment—and help you apply with confidence. Based on 2024 figures, here are the 10 Schengen countries with the highest visa rejection rates. (Image: Canva)
2/11
1. Malta – The Toughest Gatekeeper (38.5% Rejection Rate) This sunny Mediterranean island may look like paradise, but it’s the toughest Schengen country to get into. In 2024, Malta rejected nearly 4 out of every 10 applications—a whopping 16,905 denials out of just 45,578. (Image: Canva)
3/11
2. Estonia – Small But Strict (27.2% Rejection Rate) Estonia might charm you with its digital-first culture and medieval towns, but it's not so welcoming at the visa counter. It rejected over 3,200 applications from a modest pool of 12,125. (Image: Canva)
4/11
3. Belgium – High Volume, High Scrutiny (24.6% Rejection Rate) Whether you’re drawn by Brussels, Bruges, or Belgian chocolates, be warned: Belgium denied over 61,000 applications in 2024. (Image: Canva)
4. Slovenia – Don’t Be Casual (24.5% Rejection Rate) Slovenia may be one of Europe’s hidden gems, but it’s far from an easy visa win. Out of just 18,171 applications, more than 4,400 were rejected. (Image: Canva)
6/11
5. Sweden – Popular Yet Picky (24% Rejection Rate) From the Northern Lights to Stockholm’s historic charm, Sweden is a dream destination. But with 44,576 rejections in 2024, it also makes applicants sweat. (Image: Canva)
7/11
6. Denmark – A Detail-Driven Process (23.7% Rejection Rate) Known for hygge and scenic coastlines, Denmark also comes with a detailed visa process. Over 31,000 applications didn’t make it through. (Image: Canva)
8/11
7. Croatia – The New Kid with High Standards (19.3% Rejection Rate) Now officially in the Schengen club, Croatia is catching up fast—and not in a forgiving way. It denied 8,003 of 42,165 applications in 2024. (Image: Canva)
8. Poland – Rising Star, Tough Watchdog (17.2% Rejection Rate) Poland’s vibrant cities and rich history are drawing more tourists each year—but don’t expect a free pass. Nearly 20,000 applications were denied in 2024. (Image: Canva)
10/11
9. France – The Most Popular, Yet Not the Easiest (15.8% Rejection Rate) France receives the highest number of visa applications—over 3 million in 2024—but nearly half a million were denied. (Image: Canva)
11/11
10. Czech Republic – Less Talked About, Still Demanding (15.8% Rejection Rate) With fewer applications but the same rejection rate as France, the Czech Republic can surprise unprepared travelers. Over 23,000 denials in 2024 prove that. (Image: Canva)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
