From picturesque towns in France, Switzerland and Italy to adventurous locations in Norway and Iceland, the Schengen Area comprises some of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
If you are planning a fun and memorable vacation and wondering which is the easiest country to apply for a Schengen visa, this guide is for you.
In this blog, we have listed some of the easiest countries to get a Schengen visa from India. To help you get your visa approval faster, we will also share some effective tips to accelerate your visa process.
Overview: List of Easiest Countries to Apply for Schengen Visa
Schengen Country |
Visa Rejection Rate |
Best Time to Visit |
Iceland | 2.2% | June to August |
Switzerland | 10.7% | April to June and September to October |
Latvia | 11.7% | May to September |
Italy | 12% | April to June and September to October
|
Luxembourg | 12.7% | May to September |
Lithuania | 12.8% | May to September |
Slovakia | 12.9% | May to September |
Germany | 14.3% | May to September |
Austria | 14.3% | April to June and September to October |
Greece | 14.7% | April to June and September to October
|
Is Schengen Visa Easy to Get?
Before getting into the list of countries that offer the quickest Schengen visa, let’s answer the most asked question: “Is it easy to get a Schengen visa from India?”
The ease of getting a Schengen visa depends on various factors, including the type of visa, purpose or visit, immigration policies as well as your individual case.
While obtaining a Schengen visa is relatively easier than some other popular destinations, it is still subject to strict immigration checks.
The best way to increase your chances of visa approval is to meet the visa requirements and follow an accurate visa process.
Top 10 Easiest Countries to Get Schengen Visa
Iceland
With a visa rejection rate of just 2.2%, Iceland is one of the easiest countries to get a Schengen visa from India.
It is among the most beautiful Nordic countries known for its breathtaking and dramatic landscapes. It features natural geysers, blue lagoons, live volcanoes, glaciers, and magnificent mountains.
If you are a thrill seeker, then Iceland is a must-visit destination for you. From hiking and exploring black sand beaches to witnessing the most stunning waterfalls in the world, there are endless things to get off your bucket list.
Apart from these, you can also spend some relaxing time exploring the culture, local cuisine, art and music of the country. In short, Iceland is a different planet altogether, so make sure to visit it at least once in your lifetime.
Best Things to Do in Iceland
Explore the black sand beaches.
Witness live volcanoes.
Enjoy the northern lights.
Participate in local festivals.
Visit the majestic waterfalls and blue lagoons.
Top Places to Visit in Iceland
Ideal Trip Duration
7 to 10 Days
Switzerland
Switzerland has a reputation for being one of the most exotic destinations in the world. It has a visa rejection rate of 10.7%, which significantly increases your chances of visa approval.
Whether you are planning for a romantic vacation or a relaxing solo trip, Switzerland is the perfect Schengen country to visit. From charming Swiss villages and snow-capped mountains to alluring lakes and valleys, there are many things this beautiful European country is known for.
Best Things to Do in Switzerland
Hike in the Swiss Alps.
Plan a scenic train journey on the Swiss Glacier Express.
Enjoy at Lucerne or Geneva lakes.
Explore quaint Swiss villages and towns.
Top Places to Visit in Switzerland
Zurich
Zermatt
Lake Geneva
Montreux
Lucerne
Ideal Trip Duration
7 to 10 Days
Latvia
Latvia is a popular country in the Baltic Region. Its rich history and natural landscape make it a great place to visit in the Schengen Area.
When in Latvia, make sure to visit the capital city, Riga, to explore the famous Art Nouveau architecture and the UNESCO-listed Old Town. You will definitely enjoy strolling down the cobblestone streets, exploring cosy cafés, visiting beautiful cathedrals, and devouring the local delicacies.
If you are short on time and looking for the easiest European country to get a visa, Latvia is an appealing choice, with a visa rejection rate as low as 11.7%.
Best Things to do
Visit the Old Town of Riga
Visit national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Explore the mediaeval architecture of various castles.
Learn about the Art Nouveau architecture.
Top Places to Visit in Latvia
Riga
Rundale Palace
Jurmala
Liepaja
Ideal Trip Duration
4 to 5 Days
Italy
Italy is another highly sought-after tourist destination in Europe, all thanks to its impressive visa approval rate. This means that if you follow the process correctly and meet all the requirements, your visa will be approved without any delays.
But what about the various experiences offered by Italy? From picturesque towns and ancient buildings to world-famous cuisine, Italy has so many things to offer for every kind of traveller.
So, whether you are a backpacker or seeking a suggestion for a perfect family vacation, Italy is the right answer for you.
Best Things to do
Explore the old towns of Italy.
Visit the Venice canals.
Enjoy authentic pizza, wine and gelato.
Explore the vibrant beaches of the Amalfi coast.
Stroll on the high-fashion streets of Milan.
Top Places to Visit
Ideal Trip Duration
10 to 15 Days
Luxembourg
Want to know what luxury looks like? Plan a trip to Luxembourg. It is one of the wealthiest nations in the Schengen Area and is known for its top-notch infrastructure and wonderful blend of history and modernity.
Whether you want to experience ultra-modern city life or are looking forward to immersing yourself in ancient history, Luxembourg has everything you dream of. Visit the historic castles of the mediaeval towns like Echternach and Vianden to turn the pages of history.
To experience the natural beauty of Luxembourg, consider visiting Mullerthal Region, known for its lush greenery, whimsical hiking trails and attractive rock formations.
For a laid-back experience, consider heading to the Moselle Valley to explore the beautiful vineyards.
Best Things to do
Go sightseeing in Luxembourg city.
Explore Mullerthal Region.
Visit wine villages in Moselle Valley.
Top Places to Visit
Luxembourg City
Echternach
Vianden
Moselle Valley
Ideal Trip Duration
4 to 5 Days
Lithuania
With a visa rejection rate of just 12.3%, Lithuania is also one of the easiest countries to get a Schengen visa from India. Similar to other Baltic nations, Lithuania offers a rich history, vibrant culture and natural wonders.
The bustling cities like Vilnius and Kaunas boast an interesting amalgamation of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture. It is a good idea to begin your trip by opting for local sightseeing in these cities.
Lithuania is also home to Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting here will give you an opportunity to explore pristine beaches, helical sand dunes and amazing fishing villages.
Best Things to do
Explore the Trakai Castle.
Visit the Hill of Crosses.
Explore attractions in Vilnius.
Enjoy local celebrations and festivities.
Top Places to Visit
Trakai
Vilnius
Curonian Spit
Klaipeda
Ideal Trip Duration
4 to 5 Days
Slovakia
Slovakia may not be as popular as other tourist destinations, but it is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating countries to visit in Europe. It has numerous castles, caves, relaxing thermal baths and mind-blowing architecture. Not to mention, there are tons of things to see and do in this beautiful Schengen country.
If you are a nature lover, the national parks offer amazing hiking trails, gorges and waterfalls. For a closer look at Slovakia's rich wildlife, consider visiting the majestic range of the High Tatras.
Most importantly, Slovakia’s visa rejection rate is around 12.9%, making it one of the easiest countries to get a Schengen visa from India.
Best Things to do
Visit the Old Town of Bratislava.
Go hiking in the High Tatras.
Relax in the thermal pools of Piestany.
Explore castles and other historic sites.
Top Places to Visit
High Tatras
Bratislava
Piestany
Spis Castle
Ideal Trip Duration
5 to 7 Days
Germany
Germany is a phenomenal country in the Schengen Area. It is known for its robust economy and a dominant position in the European Union. While most people visit here for business and educational purposes, Germany has many amazing tourist experiences to offer.
From high-tech modern infrastructure to beautifully preserved castles and ancient buildings, Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg have numerous sightseeing points.
If you plan to get a German visa, make sure to include attractions like the Neuschwanstein Castle, Black Forest and Rhine Valley in your itinerary to explore Germany's natural scenery.
Best Things to do
Explore Berlin’s historic sites, such as the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate.
Visit the Rhine Valley.
Visit beer gardens and breweries in Munich.
Go hiking and camping.
Top Places to Visit
Munich
Berline
Rhine Valley
Neuschwanstein Castle
Heidelberg
Black Forest
Ideal Trip Duration
10 to 15 Days
Austria
Outstanding art and captivating natural landscapes define Austria as one of the best countries to visit in the Schengen Area. The best part is that Austria features a super low visa rejection rate of 14.3% and a straightforward visa process. This means you can plan your trip to Austria without worrying about visa formalities.
Among other things, the architecture of Austria is spellbinding. If you have a knack for mediaeval architecture, then make sure to plan a visit to Vienna, the capital city. It is adorned with stylish and innovative buildings.
To witness the ethereal beauty of Austria, don’t forget to include the snow-laden Alps in your Schengen travel itinerary. The best things to do here include participating in ice sports, hiking, nature photography, etc.
Best Things to do
Top Places to Visit
Vienna
Graz
Salzburg
Hallstatt
Innsbruck
Ideal Trip Duration
5 to 8 Days
Greece
Greece, also known as the birthplace of Western Civilisation, is another easiest country to apply for a Schengen visa from India. It has a visa rejection rate of 14.7%, which is very low compared to other popular travel destinations.
It offers a beautiful blend of ancient history and natural beauty, making it a great destination for overseas trips. You can visit Athens, the capital city, to explore the popular historic sites such as the Parthenon and the Acropolis. The ruins of Delphi, monasteries of Meteora and the famous Hephaestus temple are some of the other attractions you can add to your Schengen itinerary.
If you are looking for a relaxed vacation, there is no better option than Santorini. It is a wonderful place known for its aesthetic architecture and numerous picturesque points.
Best Things to do
Explore beaches at Santorini and Mykonos.
Enjoy delicious Greek dishes and drinks.
Visit the monasteries of Meteora.
Witness the ancient ruins of Olympia and Delphi.
Top Places to Visit
Santorini
Athens
Rhodes
Delphi
Create
Ideal Trip Duration
10 to 15 Days
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Schengen Visa Approval
We have discussed the easiest countries to get Schengen visa from India. However, these are not the only countries you can think of visiting. There are many other beautiful Schengen countries you can consider visiting despite their strict visa process.
All you need to do is plan your visa application carefully and follow the right procedure to elevate your chances of approval.
Below are a few tips that will help you increase your chances of getting a Schengen visa to the desired destination.
Learn About Visa Requirements
Obtaining a suitable Schengen visa is the first step for visiting your favourite Schengen country. Therefore, make sure to learn about the visa requirements in advance to avoid any delays and rejections.
Start by selecting the right visa type and then learning about the specific requirements and visa process. This is crucial because the wrong visa category is among the most common reasons behind Schengen visa rejections.
Moreover, make sure to refer to authorised sources for all your visa-related queries and concerns.
Apply in Advance
While the average processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 days or two weeks, it can vary depending on various factors such as the type of visa, the efficiency of the visa processing department and the individual case of the visa applicant.
Based on these factors, your visa decision can take several months to arrive. Thus, make sure to apply at least 2-3 months in advance. If your visa gets rejected the first time, you will have enough time to apply again.
Get Schengen Travel Insurance
The absence of travel insurance is another reason Schengen visa applications are rejected.
Note that a travel insurance certificate is a mandatory requirement for a Schengen visa.
Make sure to invest in a well-recognised Schengen travel insurance policy with a minimum financial coverage of €30,000.
Answer Honestly in Visa Interview
For most Schengen countries, you are required to attend a visa interview as a part of the application process. The purpose of this interview is to learn about your intent and purpose of visiting the Schengen Area.
Hence, make sure to answer your interview questions honestly and provide supporting documents to back up your purpose of visiting.
Keep a Clean Criminal and Medical History
A clean criminal record and medical history are other vital factors that can make or break your Schengen visa decision.
So, make sure to maintain good health and social conduct before applying for a Schengen visa.
Apply Again
If your Schengen visa is rejected and you have enough time, consider re-applying. Before submitting your visa application again, take enough time to learn about the reason behind the visa rejection.
Once you know it, apply again after fixing all the issues and meeting the exact requirements.
Stay Updated
Last but not least, stay updated regarding the visa and immigration policies of the country you are planning to visit.
In addition to this, also keep track of your visa application to stay updated regarding its process.
Conclusion
We have discussed the
Schengen country list to learn about the countries with higher visa approval rates. These include Latvia, Iceland, Lithuania, Romania and Greece, among others.
Note that the ease of getting a Schengen visa depends on several factors, such as the visa processing time, type of application, approval rates and so on.
Make sure to consider all these factors, along with your travel preferences and budget, to select an ideal destination for yourself.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which Schengen country is the cheapest to visit from India?
Countries like Hungary, Czech Republic, Portugal, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, etc. are the cheapest to visit from India.
Can I get a Schengen visa in 3 days?
The normal processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 days or two weeks. Therefore, it is unlikely to get your visa approved in 3 days.
Which Schengen visa is the hardest to get?
Schengen countries like France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and a few Scandinavian nations have the highest visa rejection rates.
How much bank balance do I need to get a Schengen visa from India?
The financial requirements for visiting a Schengen nation vary from one country to another. It can range from at least €50 per day to €120 per day.
It is recommended that you contact the visa application centre or the respective consular department for specific details regarding the proof of funds.
How many days can I stay in the Schengen Area with a Schengen tourist visa?
The Schengen tourist visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to stay in any Schengen country for a maximum of 90 days during a validity period of 180 days or six months.
How many days before my trip should I apply for a Schengen visa?
Schengen visa processing can vary based on several factors, such as the efficiency of the respective consular department, your destination country, and the type of application.
Based on these parameters, it can take anywhere from 15 days to a month to declare the visa result. Hence, consider applying for a Schengen visa at least two months before your scheduled departure date.
Where can I apply for a Schengen visa in India?
You can apply for a suitable visa online or at the Embassy or consular office of the Schengen country you are planning to visit. In the absence of the Embassy or consulate of your destination in India, you can apply at any registered visa application centre, such as VFS Global.
Moreover, if you are planning to visit multiple Schengen countries, you should apply at the Embassy/consulate/VAC of the country you are planning to visit first or where you are planning to stay the most.
Can I get a Schengen visa online?
You can apply for a Schengen visa online at the official website of the country you are planning to visit. If visa services are not available online, you need to apply offline at the respective embassy or consulate office.
Do I need to apply for a separate Schengen visa for each Schengen country?
No. Schengen short-stay or Type-C visa is a uniform visa that allows you to enter the Schengen Area for a short period. It means that you can visit any Schengen country with this common visa.