An IMGW News Report
Navigating the Schengen visa landscape can be challenging, especially for applicants from non-EU countries. The rejection rates for visa applications vary significantly across the 27 Schengen member states, with some countries exhibiting notably stringent criteria. According to 2023 statistics from the European Commission, the following five countries have the highest rejection rates for visa applications.
“The rejection rate dropped from 17.9% in 2022 to 16% in 2023. In terms of nationalities, Russians, Chinese, and Indians submitted the most applications, while those from Guinea and Nigeria faced the highest rejection rates.”
1. Malta
Malta leads the pack with a staggering rejection rate of 37.6%. Of the 33,306 visa applications submitted in 2023, 12,261 were declined. Algerian applicants faced the harshest scrutiny, with a rejection rate of 90.35%. Ghana and Morocco also had high rejection rates at 62.69% and 60.37%, respectively.
2. Estonia
Estonia is not far behind, rejecting 33.1% of its visa applications. The country saw 7,091 applications, with Egyptians facing the highest rejection rate of 59.5%. Other nationalities, including applicants from the UAE and India, also encountered significant challenges, with rejection rates of 57.9% and 49.7%, respectively.
3. Belgium
Belgium ranks third, with a rejection rate of 26.5%. Out of 225,951 applications, 60,148 were turned down. The most affected nationalities included Senegalese applicants (67.8%), Angoleans (66.44%), and Nigerians (62.45%).
4. Sweden
In Sweden, 23.1% of visa applications were rejected in 2023, totalling around 60,148 declines. Iranians faced the most scrutiny, with a rejection rate of 76.65%. Pakistani and Lebanese applicants also experienced high rejection rates, at 69.49% and 66.21%, respectively.
5. Denmark
Denmark recorded a rejection rate of 21.2%, with 21,509 of 107,872 applications declined. While Moroccans faced a 100% rejection rate (from only two applications), Iranians and Pakistanis also had high rejection rates of 76.65% and 69.49%, respectively.
Overall Trends in Schengen Visa Applications
In 2023, the Schengen area received a total of 10,327,572 visa applications, a notable increase of 2.5 million from the previous year. Approximately 8.5 million visas were issued, while 1.6 million applications were rejected, reflecting an overall rejection rate of about 16%. Interestingly, the number of multiple-entry visas issued decreased slightly, from 58% in 2022 to 54.2% in 2023.
Despite the growing number of applications, there is some optimism. The rejection rate dropped from 17.9% in 2022 to 16% in 2023. In terms of nationalities, Russians, Chinese, and Indians submitted the most applications, while those from Guinea and Nigeria faced the highest rejection rates.
Conclusion
In conclusion, visa applicants must be aware of the varying rejection rates across Schengen countries. Understanding these statistics can aid in better preparation for application processes, especially for those from nationalities that are frequently rejected. Iceland remains the most accessible country for Schengen visas, while applicants targeting Malta should prepare for more stringent scrutiny.
Data Source: Link
