Schengen visa denials: 5 countries with the highest rejection rates

Getting a Schengen visa is like a Herculean task that many get tired with just the thought of undergoing the lengthy process of obtaining it. This visa offers visitors access to 29 countries in the Schengen Area, which is a big deal too. As such, securing this visa can be an ordeal that you might not like. Meanwhile, there are some countries that have a record of higher rejection rates than others. To help you better deal with the process and which country should you pick for the visa, here are top 5 countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates, highlighting the difficulties travellers may face.

France is a popular tourist destination that is known for some of the iconic landmarks, and attracts a huge number of visitors annually. As per the reports, French authorities denied 436,893 visa applications in 2023, which resulted in a rejection rate of 16.6%. In this scenario, it’s also important to note that France processes the most Schengen visa applications annually, which in a way increases the chances of rejection due to the sheer volume of applications.

Spain ranks second, with 251,000 visa applications rejected in 2023. While the rejection rate of 15% isn't the highest, it still represents a significant number of disappointed applicants. If you're planning a trip to Spain, ensure that all your paperwork and documents are thoroughly prepared to avoid rejection.

Germany is a popular tourist destination, known for its efficient and well-organized systems that ensure tasks are accomplished smoothly. However, it has seen a notable rise in visa rejections. Reports indicate that German authorities denied 208,000 visa applications in 2023. As a result, when applying for a German Schengen visa, it is crucial to provide thorough and meticulously prepared documentation. Additionally, Germany tends to impose stricter application requirements compared to other Schengen countries.

In 2023, Italy rejected 133,000 Schengen visa applications, highlighting a significant refusal rate even as countless travelers aspire to visit iconic spots like Rome and Venice. If you're planning a trip to this stunning country, it's crucial to meticulously prepare your visa application to prevent delays in the approval process.

If reports are to go by, the Netherlands saw one of the biggest spikes in the number of visa refusals in the year 2023. Nearly 114,000 applications were turned down, according to the records, which indicates a 61.9% rise in rejections as compared to 2022. The abrupt increase shows how important it is for anyone organising a trip to the Netherlands to submit a well-organised and comprehensive visa application.