Planning A Europe Trip This Year? These 8 Countries Are Where It's Easy To Get A Schengen Visa

"I love to travel", is one of the most uninformed statement anyone can say and it happens to be true. Only a man completely satisfied with his whereabouts would not want to travel. One such man who almost detested travelling was Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa, whose wonderful Book of Disquiet crackles with outrage:

I abhor new ways of life and unfamiliar places. . . . The idea of travelling nauseates me. . . . Ah, let those who don’t exist travel! . . . Travel is for those who cannot feel. . . . Only extreme poverty of the imagination justifies having to move around to feel.

Yet, for the rest of us, travel moves beyond the physical—it is an exercise in imagination. And Europe happens to be the most romanticised version of that imagination. If your first impressions of European cities have been shaped by establishing shots in films, panning over London, Paris, Amsterdam and beyond, the idea of travelling there can feel almost within reach until you encounter the paperwork, planning and, of course, the Schengen visa.

For travellers planning a trip to Europe, choosing where to submit a Schengen visa application can be an important consideration. Recent European Commission statistics show that visa refusal rates vary significantly between Schengen countries and applicant locations. However, applicants must apply through the country that is their main destination, rather than simply choosing the country perceived to have the highest approval rate.

So, if you're planning a trip as the holiday calendar offers plenty of opportunities for a well-relaxed travel, there are countries to consider as your entry points to explore European cafes, culture and beauty. Here are 8 countries where it's easy to get a Schengen Visa.

Often considered one of the more visa-friendly Schengen destinations, Lithuania, particularly has relatively high visa-issuance rate compared with several other European countries. The country receives applications from travellers visiting the Baltic region and is also a popular gateway for tourism in Northern Europe.

For applicants with a genuine travel purpose, strong financial documentation, confirmed accommodation, travel insurance, and convincing evidence of returning home, Lithuania can be an attractive option.

Iceland is particularly appealing to travellers who no doubt are interested in dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers and the Northern Lights. It is also often included in lists of Schengen countries with comparatively high visa approval rates.

Because Iceland receives fewer visa applications than major destinations such as France, Italy or Germany, its statistics can sometimes look particularly favourable. However, a lower application volume does not mean that requirements are relaxed.

Estonia is another Baltic country frequently associated with favourable Schengen visa statistics. In 2024, Estonia issued 8,362 uniform short-stay Schengen visas, including applications from India, Türkiye and other major applicant markets. 

Travellers visiting Estonia can explore Tallinn's historic Old Town, Baltic culture and the country's scenic countryside. For applicants, a well-prepared file demonstrating a clear itinerary, adequate funds and strong ties to their country of residence is essential.

In 2024, Slovakia issued 12,689 uniform short-stay visas, with India among its important applicant markets. The Central European country, offers historic cities, castles, mountain scenery and relatively affordable travel compared with some of Western Europe's most popular destinations. A detailed itinerary covering places such as Bratislava and the High Tatras can help demonstrate a credible tourism purpose.

One of Europe's most popular destinations for scenic tourism, with attractions ranging from the Swiss Alps and mountain railways to cities such as Zurich, Geneva and Lucerne, Switzerland receives a substantial number of applications and yet it has historically appeared in discussions of countries with comparatively strong Schengen visa approval rates.

If you're looking for a less crowded European experience and comparatively pocket-friendly one, its Latvia. Riga, the country's capital, combines historic architecture with a lively cultural scene.

Luxembourg is one of Europe's smallest countries but is part of the Schengen Area and issues uniform short-stay Schengen visas. The country is known for its historic capital, castles, scenic countryside and convenient connections to neighbouring Belgium, France and Germany. Its relatively small visa volume can contribute to favourable-looking approval statistics.

Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, the Amalfi Coast and Sicily are all tourist-loving spots across Italy and so calls for higher volume of applications every year. While there may be delays than the usual weeks mentioned to hear back on a decision, Italy is often included in lists of relatively visa-friendly Schengen countries