Chinese, Moroccan & Russian Nationals Topped Spanish Visa Applications in 2024

Spain continues to rank among the top three Schengen countries for visa applications, and 2024 was no exception. With over 1.6 million visa applications received last year, Spain remained a key destination for short-term travel to the Schengen Area.

Despite some annual fluctuations, Spain’s role as a major entry point to Europe remains strong—particularly for nationals of countries without visa-free access to the Schengen Zone. This includes foreign residents in countries with visa-free agreements, like the United Kingdom, who still need to apply if their own nationality requires a visa. For example, a Dominican citizen living in the UK must apply for a Spanish visa, whereas British passport holders are exempt for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Top 5 Nationalities Applying for Spanish Visas in 2024

Out of the 1.6 million applications Spain received, just five countries accounted for more than half—844,156 applications or 51.1% of the total.

Here’s how the top nationalities ranked:

1. China
   • Visa applications: 254,571
   • Share of Spain’s total: 15.57%
   • Share of all Schengen applications by Chinese nationals: 14.3%
2. Morocco
   • Visa applications: 216,985
   • Share of Spain’s total: 13.56%
   • Share of Moroccans’ total Schengen applications: 35.76%
3. Russia
   • Visa applications: 125,551
   • Share of Spain’s total: 7.68%
   • Share of Russians’ total Schengen applications: 20.7%
4. Algeria
   • Visa applications: 123,991
   • Share of Spain’s total: 7.58%
   • Share of Algerians’ total Schengen applications: 22.77%
5. Foreign Residents in the UK
   • Visa applications: 123,058
   • Share of Spain’s total: 7.53%
   • Share of their total Schengen applications: 26.15%

Spain Was the Preferred Schengen Destination for These Nationalities

In 2024, several nationalities overwhelmingly chose Spain as their primary Schengen destination. These countries either have no visa-liberalisation agreement with the EU or strong historical and cultural ties to Spain.

Top nationalities by preference for Spanish visas:

• Ecuador
  • Total Schengen applications: 103,785
  • Applications for Spain: 76,692 (73.9%)
• Dominican Republic
  • Total Schengen applications: 51,229
  • Applications for Spain: 29,578 (57.74%)
• Cuba
  • Total Schengen applications: 48,625
  • Applications for Spain: 28,261 (58.12%)
• Bolivia
  • Total Schengen applications: 20,270
  • Applications for Spain: 18,124 (89.41%)
• Mauritania
  • Total Schengen applications: 23,596
  • Applications for Spain: 17,740 (75.18%)

Spain Was the Only Schengen Choice for Some Applicants

Some nationalities filed all of their Schengen visa applications exclusively for Spain in 2024. For example:

• Nigerien nationals – 100% of their Schengen applications were directed to Spain.
• Foreign residents in Andorra – All 264 applications were submitted to Spanish consulates.

This data underscores Spain’s enduring appeal and its strategic role in the Schengen visa system, particularly for citizens from Latin America, North Africa, and Asia.