Over the past decade, Schengen visa demand has shifted more than most travelers realize. Policy changes, global disruptions, and renewed travel interest have all left clear fingerprints on the numbers.
Instead of overwhelming you with raw data, this guide breaks down Schengen visa trends & statistics in a straightforward way. The focus is on what actually matters: how applications have changed, where demand is coming from, how approval and refusal rates are moving, and what this means for travelers planning Europe trips in 2025–2026.The charts below present the key Schengen visa trends visually, so you can understand the bigger picture in minutes—without digging through spreadsheets or reports.
Quick Takeaways On Schengen Visa Trends & Statistics
- Schengen visa demand fell sharply in 2020, recovered after 2021, and reached ~11.7M applications in 2024.
- Approval rates improved: refusal rate fell to ~14.8% in 2024 (better odds than immediately post‑pandemic).
- Top source markets in 2024: China, Türkiye, India — together ~4M applications.
- Top destinations in 2024: France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Greece — France handled ~3M.
Schengen Visa Application Stats: 2014–2024 (Official Data)
What this shows: After a sharp collapse in 2020, Schengen visa application trends have followed a consistent recovery path. By 2024, demand had not only stabilized but returned close to long-term growth levels.
Approval vs Rejection Rates of Schengen Visa Applications (2014–2024)
- Refusal rate: 17.9% (2022) → 16.0% (2023) → 14.8% (2024).
- Approval rate: complementary to the refusal rate — roughly low‑80% approval range in 2024.
Important context: While global averages look better, Schengen visa refusal outcomes still vary heavily by nationality and documentation quality. The overall trend helps, but individual cases depend on details.
Where Applications Come From (Top Source Countries – 2024)
Why this matters:
These countries drive Global Schengen visa trends. When application volumes spike here, appointment availability tightens across many consulates.
Most Requested Schengen Destinations (2024)
Top destination countries:
- France: ~3.0 million applications
- Spain: ~1.6 million
- Germany: ~1.5 million
- Italy: ~1.2 million
- Greece: ~710,000
These are the top Schengen destination visa stats, and they explain why some consulates experience year-round appointment pressure.
Processing Times: What Applicants Should Expect
- Standard processing time for a Schengen travel visa: up to 15 calendar days
- Can extend to 30 days, and up to 60 days in exceptional cases
- Appointment wait time is not included in processing time
Practical advice:
During peak seasons (May–September), appointment availability often becomes the biggest delay.
Outlook on Schengen Visa Trends & Statistics for 2026
Based on post-pandemic recovery and consistent growth:
- 2025 is likely to cross 12 million applications
- 2026 may see continued growth if conditions remain stable
- ETIAS rollout (planned late 2026) affects visa-exempt travellers, not those requiring a Schengen visa application
Bottom line: Demand remains strong, but applicants should plan earlier and more carefully.