Want to dramatically increase your chances of getting a Schengen visa approved on the first try?
Apply through one of these 7 “easy” Schengen countries. Their latest official refusal rates are shockingly low — some under 3%!
Here are the top 7 friendliest Schengen countries right now (based on the most recent European Commission statistics):
- Iceland – 2.2% refusal rate Perfect if you love nature and want almost guaranteed approval.
- Lithuania – 2.8% refusal rate Extremely welcoming to tourists and business travelers from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Latvia – 3.1% refusal rate Riga is rising fast as the go-to consulate for tough passports.
- Greece – 3.9% refusal rate Loves tourists! Especially strong for summer travel and island-hopping plans.
- Luxembourg – 4.1% refusal rate Very few applications = very high approval odds.
- Switzerland – 5.3% refusal rate Surprisingly lenient if you show strong finances and clear itinerary.
- Estonia – 5.7% refusal rate Tallinn has become the secret favorite for digital nomads and remote workers.
The Countries to Avoid Right Now (Highest Refusals)
- Malta – 37.6%
- Belgium – 28.4%
- Sweden – 24.1%
- France – 21.8%
- Germany – 20.9%
Golden Rule: Apply Through the Country Where You’ll Spend the Most Nights
You’re allowed to choose any of these friendly countries only if you’ll actually spend the longest part of your trip there (or enter first, if nights are equal).
Example: Plan 8 nights in Greece + 4 in Italy → apply at the Greek consulate → enjoy a 3.9% refusal risk instead of Italy’s 15%+.
Quick Tips to Make These Countries Even Easier
- Book real (or fully refundable) hotels and flights
- Get travel insurance from a European company (Allianz, AXA, etc.)
- Write a short cover letter explaining why you chose their beautiful country
- Show strong ties back home (job letter, property, family)
Submit Your Bank Details
Thousands of travelers from India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Turkey, and beyond are quietly using this exact strategy every month — and walking away with approved visas in 7–14 days.
Which country will you apply through? Drop it in the comments!