Schengen visas are highly sought after by Indian travelers, and while Switzerland has seen the highest number of applications—accounting for 19.61 percent of all requests from India—this doesn’t necessarily translate into the highest approval rates. Based on recent data, here are the top five countries where Indian nationals are most likely to obtain a Schengen visa in 2024.
1. Iceland
Iceland stands out as the country most likely to approve Schengen visas for Indian nationals, with an impressive approval rate of 95.4 percent. In 2023, a total of 2,904 visas were granted, while only 122 applications were rejected. This makes Iceland one of the easiest countries to secure a visa. However, it is worth noting that Iceland had one of the lowest issuance rates for Multiple Entry Visas (MEVs), at just 18.29 percent. Other countries in this low MEV category include Finland, Spain, and Portugal.
2. Germany
Germany ranks second with an 89.5 percent approval rate for Schengen visa applications from Indian citizens. Out of the 132,825 applications filed, 118,819 were approved, while 13,779 were denied. What makes Germany particularly appealing for Indian travelers is its high issuance rate for MEVs—99.6 percent of approved visas granted were multiple entry. This makes Germany a top choice for those seeking flexibility in their travel plans.
3. Switzerland
Switzerland processed the highest number of visa applications from Indian citizens in 2023, approving 166,919 requests. Despite this high volume, the approval rate stood at 88 percent. Switzerland is also a leader in granting MEVs, with 98.51 percent of the approved visas allowing multiple entries. This makes Switzerland a favorable destination for frequent travelers.
4. Luxembourg
Although Luxembourg has not processed as many visa applications as other countries on this list, its approval rate of 85.8 percent makes it a reliable option for Indian travelers. In 2023, out of 3,090 applications filed, 2,651 were approved, while 312 were rejected. The country’s MEV issuance rate, however, was relatively low, with only 42.59 percent of approved visas being multiple entry.
5. Belgium
Belgium rounds out the top five with an approval rate of 85.8 percent. In 2023, the country issued 20,582 visas to Indian nationals. In addition to its high approval rate, Belgium also had a strong record of granting MEVs, with 71.9 percent of approved visas being multiple entry. This makes Belgium another excellent option for Indian citizens planning to travel frequently within the Schengen area.
In conclusion, while obtaining a Schengen visa can be a complex process, these five countries—especially Iceland, Germany, and Switzerland—offer the easiest pathways for Indian citizens to secure a visa and explore Europe. For those seeking flexibility, Germany and Switzerland stand out for their high MEV issuance rates, making them ideal destinations for repeat travelers.