Over 82 percent of visa applications submitted by Turkish nationals were successful, leading to the issuance of 867,646 visas. However, the remaining 16 percent of applications, equivalent to 169,514, were met with rejection. While the overall approval rate is promising, some Schengen countries stand out for their higher-than-average refusal rates.

Here are the five Schengen countries where Turkish visa applicants faced the highest rejection rates:

1. Estonia

Estonia tops the list with a staggering 42.4 percent rejection rate, translating to 741 visa denials. Despite its small size, Estonia’s strict visa policies have been a challenge for many Turkish applicants.

2. Denmark

Following closely is Denmark, with a rejection rate of 36.4 percent. Out of all applications, 3,175 were denied, reflecting the country’s stringent evaluation process for visas.

3. Lithuania

Lithuania denied 35.6 percent of visa applications from Türkiye, amounting to 860 rejections. Although Lithuania is not a major destination for Turkish travelers, it remains a challenging Schengen country to gain entry to.

4. Finland

Finnish authorities rejected 31 percent of applications, meaning 1,251 Turkish nationals were denied entry. Finland’s visa approval process has proven to be more rigorous than that of other Nordic countries.

5. Norway

Norway rounds out the top five, with a 28.8 percent rejection rate. This resulted in 1,150 Turkish applicants being denied visas to this Scandinavian nation.

While these countries have high rejection rates for Turkish nationals, applicants can improve their chances of success by ensuring their visa applications are complete and accurate. Submitting all required documents and providing correct information can make a significant difference, even in countries known for stringent visa policies.