Most recent update on this topic: Top Easiest & Most Difficult Countries to Get a Schengen Visa From in 2023
With the removal of all Coronavirus restrictions throughout the whole of Europe this year, the number of people interested in travelling solely for tourism purposes in the old continent has increased.
A recent report by the European Travel Commission (ETC), has shown that by the end of this year, Europe is expected to recover 75 per cent of its travel volumes marked in 2019, thus making a huge step forward in the industry’s recovery.
Despite the war in Ukraine and the increasing cost of living everywhere in the world, the report by ETC has shown that in August this year, flight volumes were down just 11 per cent relative to 2019.
At the same time, the report predicts that in the future, more people will opt for short-term trips for economic reasons, VisaGuide.World reports.
“European tourism is proving exceptionally resilient to inflation. While the cost-of-living crisis is causing many to change their approach to travel, it is not dampening their desire to explore Europe completely,” says the ETC’s President Luís Araújo.
The increase in the interest of travellers to visit Europe has also marked a spike in the number of Schengen visa applications worldwide after a large share of the Schengen consulates in the world remained closed for months during the Coronavirus pandemic.
In the past months, these consulates have experienced difficulties processing visa applications on time, often due to the backlog created during the pandemic. Moreover, in some countries like Turkey, the rejection rates have increased, what have pushed travellers to turn their back on European travel destinations.
However, travellers who are determined to holiday somewhere in Europe, and those for whom it is not very important where they start their Euro trip, are suggested to apply at the consulates of the European countries that have lower rejection rates and start their trip there as they are the easiest Schengen visas to obtain.
According to data for 2021, the easiest visas to apply for in 2022 and their rejection rates are as follows:
- Luxembourg – with a rejection rate as low as 1.2 per cent out of a total of 2,383 Schengen visa applications received
- Slovakia – 2.7 per cent out of 3,886 applications
- Lithuania – 2.8 per cent out of 24,764 applications
- Czech Republic – 3.3 per cent out of 207,470 applications
- Latvia – 3.5 per cent out of 16,764 applications
- Finland – 4.7 per cent out of 61,015 applications
- Hungary – 4.8 per cent out of 70,269 applications
- Estonia – 5.4 per cent out of 40,657 applications
- Poland – 5.6 per cent out of 41,891 applications
- Greece – 6.3 per cent out of 295,634 applications
2021 statistics show that in the same year, more than 2.4 million Schengen visa applications were filed at the embassies of the 26 Schengen area countries worldwide, which is several times lower compared to 2019 when over 16 million applications were filed with Russians filing at least four million of the applications.
When it comes to Schengen visas and travel statistics, I'm right in my element. The dynamics of visa application processing, rejection rates, and the ever-evolving trends in European tourism are like my backyard.
The most recent updates on Schengen visas in 2023 have highlighted the resurgence of interest in European tourism post the easing of pandemic restrictions. The European Travel Commission (ETC) has projected a substantial recovery in travel volumes, with an anticipated 75% rebound from 2019 levels by the end of 2023. Despite global challenges like the conflict in Ukraine and rising living costs, Europe's tourism resilience shines through.
ETC President Luís Araújo emphasizes that while the cost-of-living crisis alters travel approaches, it doesn't dampen the desire to explore Europe. This resilient stance has translated into an increased number of Schengen visa applications, especially after a period of consular closures during the pandemic, resulting in processing delays and higher rejection rates in certain countries, notably Turkey.
The article mentions the countries with the easiest Schengen visas to obtain based on rejection rates in 2021. Luxembourg leads with a mere 1.2% rejection rate, followed by Slovakia (2.7%), Lithuania (2.8%), Czech Republic (3.3%), Latvia (3.5%), Finland (4.7%), Hungary (4.8%), Estonia (5.4%), Poland (5.6%), and Greece (6.3%). These rates provide insights for travelers seeking smoother visa processes.
In 2021, over 2.4 million Schengen visa applications were filed globally, a stark contrast to the over 16 million applications in 2019. Russians alone accounted for about four million applications in 2019, indicating a significant shift in travel behaviors due to various global circ*mstances, especially the pandemic.
Schengen visa applications reflect not just travel interests but also geopolitical and economic factors impacting mobility. Understanding the intricacies of these applications and the shifting trends is key for anyone planning to explore Europe.
If you need detailed information about Schengen visa application procedures or insights into specific countries' requirements, feel free to ask!
