After several years of pandemic-induced travel downturns, 2024 has marked a major milestone for international travel to Europe. Demand for Schengen visas has surged, with the Schengen Area—comprising 29 countries with open internal borders—receiving 11.7 million visa applications this year, reflecting a 13.5% increase from 2023. While the numbers still lag behind the pre-pandemic peak of nearly 17 million in 2019, the upward trend signals a strong resurgence of interest in Schengen visas for tourism, business, and family travel across Europe.
According to newly released figures from Schengen.News (May 18, 2025), visa rejection rates have also dropped to 14.8%, down from 16% in 2023 and 17.9% in 2022. This is the lowest rejection rate in three years, suggesting greater accessibility for third-country nationals seeking entry into Europe.
Key 2024 Schengen Visa Trends at a Glance
- Total applications filed: 11,716,723 (13.5% increase from 2023)
- Top destinations: France, Spain, Germany
- Top applicant countries: China, India, Türkiye
- Rejection rate: 14.8% (down from 16% in 2023)
- Highest rejection rates: Bangladesh (54.9%), Pakistan (47.5%)
- Countries with most visa refusals: France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Netherlands
France, Spain & Germany Remain Schengen’s Big Three
France: The Reigning Visa Champion
France has cemented its status as the most sought-after Schengen destination. In 2024, French consulates received over 3 million visa applications—more than a quarter of all global Schengen visa submissions. Of these:
- 2,549,735 visas were approved
- Rejection rate: 15.8% (above average)
Top applicant nationalities:
- Algerians: 352,295 applications
- Moroccans: 282,153
- Indians: 197,959
Despite its high demand, France also leads in outright visa rejections, denying over 481,000 applications—a figure reflecting both its popularity and stringent vetting standards.
Spain Surges to Second Place
Spain overtook Germany to become the second most popular Schengen destination, with 1.6 million applications filed. The rejection rate, 15.7%, was nearly identical to France’s, but still above the Schengen average.
Top applicant group: Chinese nationals (254,571 applications)
Spain’s popularity is fueled by:
- Mediterranean appeal
- Easier appointment access in some regions
- Consistently high tourism capacity post-COVID
Germany Drops to Third
Germany saw 1.5 million visa applications, primarily from Chinese applicants (263,088). With a rejection rate of 13.7%, it fared better than France and Spain in terms of visa issuance, although it issued fewer total visas than France.
Who’s Applying? Top Nationalities Driving Demand
The top countries where Schengen visa applications were filed in 2024 are:
- China
- India
- Türkiye
- Morocco
- Russia
Russia’s ranking at fifth continues a trend since 2022, where sanctions and travel restrictions have impacted outbound travel volumes.
India, on the other hand, saw a 29% increase in demand in early 2025, per Schengen.News, reflecting rising middle-class mobility and stronger travel ties to Europe.
Lower Rejection Rates Could Boost Tourism Recovery
The drop in rejection rates to 14.8% could signal more streamlined visa processing and policy recalibrations aimed at reviving European tourism. For context:
- 2022 rejection rate: 17.9%
- 2023 rejection rate: 16%
- 2024 rejection rate: 14.8%
Still, the burden of high rejections falls heavily on nationals from several developing countries.
Highest Rejection Rates by Nationality:
| Country | Rejection Rate |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 54.9% |
| Pakistan | 47.5% |
| Guinea-Bissau | 47.0% |
| Senegal | 46.8% |
| Haiti | 46.3% |
These rates are often due to:
- Incomplete documentation
- Lack of financial proof
- Previous immigration violations
Meanwhile, countries like Malta, Belgium, and Sweden recorded the highest share of rejections by consulate, though specific consulate performance is not uniformly detailed.
The Schengen Comeback: Still Room to Grow
Despite the 13.5% annual increase in applications, the total is still nearly 5 million short of 2019 levels. Factors slowing the full rebound include:
- Geopolitical instability, especially Russia-related sanctions
- Tougher entry criteria in some consulates
- Lingering administrative backlogs from the pandemic years
Visa Hubs and Digital Transformation
Several countries are modernizing the visa process to meet rising demand:
- Denmark has launched new online application forms for EU residence permits
- France has rolled out an automated appointment system in major Moroccan cities
- The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS (visa waiver for short stays) are now expected to roll out no earlier than 2027, despite prior projections
Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
What to Expect:
- Higher demand from India, China, and Latin America as travel confidence returns
- Greater digitalization of application systems across Europe
- Policy refinements to support labor market needs and tourism recovery
- Continued barriers for nationals from high-rejection regions, unless diplomatic and socioeconomic improvements are made
As Europe aims to attract skilled migrants, students, and tourists, 2024’s visa numbers reflect a crucial turning point—balancing security with accessibility.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for European Travel?
The steady rebound of Schengen visa applications is a strong indicator that Europe remains a top global travel and work destination. With strategic policy reforms, better digital tools, and improved bilateral relations, 2025 could see the numbers climb closer to their pre-pandemic highs—if not surpass them.
For now, travelers and stakeholders alike can take comfort in the data: Europe is reopening—not just its borders, but its doors to the world.
The post France, Spain, Germany Remain Popular Picks for Schengen Visas from China, India, Türkiye, Morocco, and Russia as European Tourism Climbs appeared first on Travel And Tour World.