Spain Becomes Second Most Popular Schengen Visa Destination in 2024, Driven by Surge in Chinese Applications

Spain has emerged as the second most popular destination for Schengen visa applicants in 2024, fueled largely by a sharp increase in demand from Chinese travelers. According to official data, Spain received approximately 1.6 million visa applications this year—a 15.6% increase from the 1.4 million applications submitted in 2023.

Chinese Demand Fuels Spain’s Visa Application Growth

In 2023, Chinese nationals filed 148,533 applications for Spanish Schengen visas, accounting for 13.2% of their total global Schengen applications. That figure rose sharply in 2024, with 254,571 visa requests submitted to Spain—representing 14.3% of all Chinese applications that year.

Top Destination for Applicants From 25 Countries

Spain also held the top spot as the preferred Schengen visa destination for applicants from 25 different countries. In these nations, Spanish consulates received the highest number of visa applications compared to other Schengen countries.

However, it’s important to clarify that many of these countries have visa-free travel agreements with the Schengen Area. Citizens from such nations (e.g., Argentina or Israel) can enter Spain visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The visa applications largely came from foreign nationals residing in those countries—such as Algerian or Nigerian nationals living in Latin America—who are still required to apply for a visa.

For example, while Argentinian citizens can travel visa-free, a national of Algeria living in Argentina must apply for a Schengen visa through a Spanish consulate in Argentina.

Breakdown of Visa Applications to Spain From Key Countries:

Visa-Free Countries (Applications by Foreign Residents):

• Israel: 12,343 (42.9% of 28,711)
• Serbia: 2,591 (14.3% of 18,149)
• Mexico: 956 (37.4% of 2,552)
• Chile: 537 (29.8% of 1,796)
• Argentina: 596 (44.8% of 1,328)
• Panama: 999 (77.7% of 1,285)
• Peru: 252 (21.3% of 1,179)
• Venezuela: 430 (83% of 518)
• Costa Rica: 292 (71.3% of 409)
• Guatemala: 196 (53.8% of 364)
• Uruguay: 170 (62.5% of 272)
• Andorra: 264 (100%)
• Paraguay: 91 (67.9% of 134)
• Honduras: 63 (81.8% of 77)
• El Salvador: 38 (74.5% of 51)
• Nicaragua: 28 (70% of 40)

Countries Without Visa Exemption:

• Equatorial Guinea: 8,701 (86.6% of 10,047)
• Jamaica: 3,479 (62.8% of 5,533)
• Guinea-Bissau: 2,796 (64.4% of 4,336)
• Niger: 2,460 (100% of applications directed to Spain)

Top Five Nationalities Applying for Visas to Spain in 2024

Spain’s rise in visa demand was largely led by nationals from the following countries:

1. China – 254,571 applications
2. Morocco – 216,985
3. Russia – 125,551
4. Algeria – 123,991
5. Foreign residents in the UK – 123,058

With this surge in interest, Spain climbed from the third to the second-highest recipient of Schengen visa applications in 2024.