10 countries that granted the most Schengen visas in 2025 as Africans seek easier access to Europe

In 2025, more than 12.2 million Schengen visa applications were submitted worldwide, representing a 4.3% increase from the previous year. European countries granted approximately 10.3 million visas, up 5.7% year on year, although applications and approvals remained below pre-pandemic levels.

Despite the increase in approvals, obtaining a Schengen visa remains far from guaranteed. The overall refusal rate edged down from 14.8% to 14.6%, while more than half of the visas issued allowed multiple entries into the Schengen Area without requiring travellers to apply again for each trip.

For African travellers, the figures carry particular significance. The Schengen visa remains an important gateway to Europe for millions seeking to travel for tourism, business, education and family visits. Business Insider Africa earlier reported that in 2024, Schengen countries issued about 2.5 million visas through consulates across Africa.

However, access is becoming an increasingly important issue as European governments face mounting political pressure to tighten migration controls and scrutinise cross-border movement.

France retained its position as the most popular destination by application volume and number of visas granted, while Slovakia recorded the lowest refusal rate. Malta, meanwhile, remained among the most stringent countries for visa applicants.

Here are the 10 Schengen countries that received the highest number of visa applications and how many they approved:

France remained the most sought-after Schengen destination, receiving approximately 3.1 million visa applications and issuing 2.6 million visas. Despite the high number of approvals, France recorded a refusal rate of 14.2%, meaning a considerable number of applicants did not secure entry permits. Its application volume was almost twice that of Spain, the second-ranked country, stressing the scale of international demand for travel to France.

Spain ranked second among Schengen countries, receiving approximately 1.7 million visa applications and issuing 1.4 million visas. The country recorded a refusal rate of 14.6%, slightly higher than France’s 14.2%. Its figures also place it comfortably ahead of Germany and Italy in total visa applications received.

Germany received approximately 1.5 million Schengen visa applications, making it the third most popular destination in the ranking. The country issued 1.3 million visas, while its refusal rate stood at 13.1%. The relatively low refusal rate compared with France and Spain distinguishes Germany among the five countries receiving the highest application volumes.

Italy ranked fourth, receiving approximately 1.3 million visa applications and issuing 1.1 million visas. Its refusal rate of 10.8% was the lowest among the ten countries in the ranking.

The Netherlands received 746,011 Schengen visa applications and issued 607,324 visas, placing it fifth in the ranking. Its refusal rate stood at 17.7%, higher than those recorded by France, Spain, Germany and Italy. Although its application volume was considerably lower than that of the four leading countries, it remained one of the most frequently requested destinations for Schengen travel.

Greece received 704,973 visa applications and issued 596,646 visas, making it the sixth-ranked country in the list. Its refusal rate was 14.5%, placing it close to France and Spain.

Switzerland recorded 619,323 Schengen visa applications and issued 538,341 visas, placing seventh among the countries listed. Its refusal rate was 12.5%, among the lower rates in the ranking.

Hungary received 265,479 Schengen visa applications and issued 228,385 visas, recording a refusal rate of 13%. The country ranked eighth among the ten destinations, with a considerably smaller application volume than the leading Western European countries.

Austria received 250,112 Schengen visa applications and issued 213,694 visas, with a refusal rate of 11.9%. Its figures place it ninth in the ranking, narrowly behind Hungary in application volume. Its refusal rate was among the lowest recorded by the ten countries, indicating that a relatively large proportion of applications resulted in visas being granted during the period covered by the figures.

Portugal received 253,108 Schengen visa applications and issued 194,381 visas, placing it tenth among the countries listed. Despite recording a slightly higher application volume than Austria, Portugal had the highest refusal rate in the ranking at 23.3%.