Schengen Visa Trends 2024: Application Numbers, Top Consulates & Approval Rates

In 2024, Schengen countries received a total of 11.7 million visa applications, marking another busy year for European embassies and consulates worldwide. Among the most sought-after destinations were France, Spain, and Germany, which collectively received the highest volume of visa requests. On the other end, the nationalities that submitted the most Schengen visa applications were citizens of China, Türkiye, and India.

Top 3 Schengen Consulates by Application Volume in 2024

Three consulates alone accounted for 5.1% of all Schengen visa applications received in 2024:

1. Swiss Consulate in New Delhi, India
   • Applications received: 217,373
   • Approval rate: 87.9%
   • Visas issued: Over 191,000
     It’s no surprise this consulate leads the list, given India was the third-largest source of visa applicants in 2024.
2. French Consulate in Algiers, Algeria
   • Applications received: 197,868
   • Approval rate: 69%
   • Visas issued: Approximately 137,166
     Algeria continues to be one of the main sources of visa applications, with Algiers handling a significant portion.
3. Greek Consulate in Istanbul, Türkiye
   • Applications received: 183,156
   • Approval rate: 87.9%
   • Visas issued: Around 161,037
     Türkiye remains a key country of origin for Schengen visa applicants, especially through the Istanbul consulate.

Schengen Consulates With the Highest Approval Rates in 2024

Some consulates stood out for their exceptionally high approval rates, often nearing 100%. The top three were:

1. Swiss Consulate in Sydney, Australia
   • Applications received: 1,299
   • Approval rate: 99.85%
   • Visas issued: 1,297
2. Italian Consulate in Minsk, Belarus
   • Applications received: 49,712
   • Approval rate: 99.75%
   • Visas issued: 49,588
3. Italian Consulate in Philadelphia, USA
   • Applications received: 2,146
   • Approval rate: 99.67%
   • Visas issued: 2,139

Countries With the Highest and Lowest Visa Approval Rates

In general, consulates located in high-income countries such as the United States, Canada, Japan, and Hong Kong reported the highest approval rates for Schengen visas.

On the other hand, some consulates recorded significantly lower approval rates in 2024:

• Maltese Consulate in Algiers, Algeria – 11.3%
• Austrian Consulate in Islamabad, Pakistan – 16%
• Dutch Consulate in Dakar, Senegal – 16.5%

These figures highlight the disparities in visa outcomes based on location and applicant nationality, with consulates in certain regions consistently issuing fewer visas despite high demand.