Traveling to Europe is a dream for millions of people worldwide. From exploring the romantic streets of Paris to enjoying the beaches of Spain or the Alps in Switzerland, the Schengen Area offers endless opportunities. However, before booking your flight, most travelers must apply for a Schengen visa.
While all Schengen countries follow the same general rules, not every embassy or consulate has the same visa approval rate. Some are more lenient and efficient, making them the easiest Schengen countries to get a visa from. In this guide, we will explore these countries, provide tips to increase your chances of approval, and help you choose the best option for your European trip.
What Is a Schengen Visa?
The Schengen visa is a short-term visa that allows travelers to visit 29 European countries within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. It covers both tourism and business travel.
With a single visa, you can move freely between countries such as France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and more, without border checks. This makes it one of the most sought-after visas in the world.
Why Some Schengen Countries Are Easier Than Others
Even though Schengen rules are uniform, the approval rates vary widely depending on:
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Embassy policies
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Applicant’s nationality
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Number of applications received
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Document scrutiny levels
Countries with fewer rejections and faster processing are generally considered the easiest to apply to.
Top Easiest Schengen Countries to Get a Visa From
1. Lithuania – Highest Schengen Approval Rate
Lithuania is often ranked as the easiest country for a Schengen visa. According to past statistics, its visa rejection rate is one of the lowest in Europe.
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Why Lithuania?
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Very high approval rates (often above 98%).
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Smaller number of applications compared to France or Germany.
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Straightforward application process.
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Travelers who want a smooth first-time visa experience often apply through Lithuania.
2. Estonia – Fast and Flexible
Estonia is another Baltic country with a high visa approval rate. The consulates are known for their efficient processing and traveler-friendly policies.
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Why Estonia?
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Quick appointment scheduling.
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Digital-friendly processes.
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Lower rejection rates compared to Western Europe.
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If you plan to explore Scandinavia or Northern Europe, Estonia is a great entry point.
3. Finland – Trusted and Traveler-Friendly
Finland has built a reputation for being lenient with genuine travelers. It has one of the best track records for visa approvals in the Schengen zone.
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Why Finland?
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Transparent requirements.
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Relatively fast processing.
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Ideal for travelers heading to Northern Europe.
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Many applicants also choose Finland because it is less crowded with visa applications than countries like France or Spain.
4. Iceland – Small but Efficient
Despite its small size, Iceland’s visa application process is simple and efficient. Since it receives fewer applications than larger nations, approval rates are high.
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Why Iceland?
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High approval success.
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Great for first-time Schengen travelers.
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Gateway to Northern Europe and adventure tourism.
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If you want a unique travel experience and an easy visa, Iceland is a smart choice.
5. Poland – Popular Among Work & Study Travelers
Poland processes a high number of Schengen visa applications each year, but its approval rates remain above average. It is especially attractive for travelers from Asia and Africa.
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Why Poland?
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Flexible for both tourists and work/study visas.
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Affordable cost of living for extended stays.
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High acceptance rates compared to other Central European countries.
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6. Greece – Gateway to the Mediterranean
Greece is not only a top tourist destination but also one of the easier Schengen countries to apply from. It has relatively lower rejection rates compared to Western Europe.
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Why Greece?
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Smooth application process.
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Popular for family travelers.
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Good approval rates for first-time applicants.
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Countries With Stricter Visa Processes
While some countries are easy, others have tighter approval systems. France, Germany, and Spain receive the highest number of applications every year, which leads to stricter document checks and longer waiting times.
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France – Most popular destination but higher rejection rates.
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Germany – Very detailed documentation required.
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Spain – High demand makes approvals slightly more competitive.
This doesn’t mean you should avoid these countries—only that you must prepare extra carefully.
Why Choosing the Right Country Matters
Your choice of country can make or break your first Schengen experience. Applying to countries like Lithuania, Estonia, or Finland increases your approval chances. Once you hold one Schengen visa, it becomes easier to apply for future trips, even through stricter countries like France or Germany.
Conclusion
Getting a Schengen visa may feel intimidating, but choosing the right country can simplify the process. Based on approval rates and traveler experiences, the easiest Schengen countries to get a visa from include:
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Lithuania
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Estonia
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Finland
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Iceland
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Poland
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Greece
By preparing your documents carefully and applying through one of these traveler-friendly nations, you can enjoy stress-free travel across Europe.
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