Iceland tops Schengen visa approval list as Europe prepares for a busy travel season this summer
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Iceland tops Schengen visa approval list as Europe prepares for a busy travel season this summer

If you’re already mentally packing your bags for a European getaway this Northern Hemisphere summer, you’re not alone.

With travel season in full swing, Schengen visas have become one of the hottest tickets for global wanderers.

But here’s the thing: not all European countries are equally generous when it comes to approving your visa application.

Luckily, recent stats have given us a pretty solid idea of which countries are most likely to say “yes” to your Schengen visa dreams in 2025—and the good news is, there are some real favorites on the list.

Iceland Tops the List With the Highest Visa Approval Rate

If smooth visa approval is your top priority, Iceland might just be your best bet.

In 2024, Iceland approved a whopping 91.25% of Schengen visa applications.

That’s a seriously high chance of getting the green light.

So, whether you’re eyeing those otherworldly landscapes or planning to soak in a geothermal spa, Iceland could be your golden gateway into Europe.

The Other Friendly Faces in Europe’s Visa Landscape

Following close behind Iceland is Slovakia, with an impressive approval rate of 89.25%.

Italy also proved to be welcoming, granting visas to 88.72% of applicants.

So if you’ve been daydreaming about pizza in Rome or gondola rides in Venice, this could be your year.

Here’s how the full top 10 breaks down, based on 2024 data that’s being used to predict this summer’s success rates:

  • Iceland – 91.25% of applications approved

  • Slovakia – 89.25% approved

  • Italy – 88.72% approved

  • Romania – 88.36% approved

  • Switzerland – 88.12% approved

  • Hungary – 87.23% approved

  • Norway – 87.20% approved

  • Greece – 85.86% approved

  • Austria – 85.78% approved

  • Luxembourg – 85.65% approved

Why These Stats Matter for Your Travel Plans

So what do these numbers really mean? If you’re applying for a Schengen visa, choosing a country with a higher approval rate could save you a lot of stress—not to mention time and money.

While visa applications can never be guaranteed, applying through a more receptive country could tilt the odds in your favor.

Plus, once you’ve got that visa in hand, you’re free to explore any of the 27 Schengen countries, even if you applied through just one.

That means applying through Iceland doesn’t limit you to Iceland—you’re free to hop from Italy to Greece to Austria, all within one trip.