Planning a trip to Europe? You might want to pause before hitting “submit” on that visa application. While the Schengen zone is known for offering seamless travel across multiple European countries, not all visa approvals come easy. In fact, recent data from 2024 shows that certain Schengen nations are far more selective often rejecting a significant number of visa applications, especially from countries like India, Pakistan, Egypt, and the UAE.

Whether you’re planning to backpack across Europe, attend a business meeting, or visit family, it’s crucial to understand which countries are more likely to say “no” to your visa request. This awareness can help you make smarter travel choices, prepare better, and avoid the frustration of a rejection.

Here’s a look at the top 10 Schengen countries with the highest visa refusal rates in 2025:

1. Malta – Rejection Rate: 38.5%

Malta, the sun-kissed Mediterranean gem, may look like a dream destination on Instagram—but it tops the list for rejecting visa applications. Out of 45,578 applications received in 2024, nearly 17,000 were turned down. That’s a huge chunk.

Why the high rate? Malta has limited resources to manage a large number of visa requests and tends to take a conservative approach. They scrutinize documents thoroughly, especially from first-time travelers. Missing papers, unclear travel plans, or weak financial proofs can get you a quick rejection.

Tip: If you’re planning to visit Malta, ensure every document is complete, especially your accommodation, itinerary, and proof of funds.

2. Estonia – Rejection Rate: 27.2%

Estonia, a digital-first Baltic nation with beautiful medieval cities and innovation hubs, might seem open—but it rejected over 3,200 applications last year. Applicants from countries like Egypt, India, and the UAE experienced especially high refusal rates.

Estonia places a strong focus on credibility. If your travel purpose isn’t clearly explained or you lack solid financial documentation, your application may not stand a chance.

Tip: Be very clear about your trip’s intent and timeline. Estonia likes well-structured, detailed applications.

3. Belgium – Rejection Rate: 24.6%

Belgium receives a lot of visa traffic because it is the political center of Europe and the location of both the EU and NATO. Over 60,000 of the 255,000 applications in 2024 were rejected. That’s a big number.

Many applicants fall short due to incomplete or poorly justified documents. With high volumes to handle, Belgian consulates don’t have time to clarify vague submissions.

Tip: If you’re heading to Belgium, your documentation should be flawless. Think hotel bookings, financial proofs, return tickets, and a detailed itinerary.

4. Slovenia – Rejection Rate: 24.5%

Despite being one of the quieter Schengen countries in terms of tourism, Slovenia has a surprisingly high rejection rate. Of the limited number of applications it receives, many are denied due to basic issues like missing hotel confirmations, insufficient travel insurance, or vague travel plans.

Tip: Pay close attention to every document. In smaller countries like Slovenia, even small mistakes can cost you your visa.

5. Sweden – Rejection Rate: 24%

Sweden, known for its clean cities, advanced infrastructure, and natural beauty, is cautious when it comes to issuing visas. In 2024, nearly 45,000 applications were denied.

Applicants from politically or economically volatile regions, including parts of Asia and Africa, often face more scrutiny. Strong ties to your home country like a stable job, property, or family play a key role in Sweden’s decision-making.

Tip: Show solid reasons for returning home. Swedish embassies look for well-rooted applicants.

6. Denmark – Rejection Rate: 23.7%

Denmark, with its high living standards and serene cities, also doesn’t hand out visas easily. More than 31,000 of its 132,000 applications in 2024 were refused.

The legitimacy of documents and the sincerity of the applicant’s travel intentions are highly valued by the Danish government. Citizens of Pakistan, Morocco, and Iran were among the most rejected.

Tip: Avoid overstatements or suspicious paperwork. Keep things honest and professional.

7. Croatia – Rejection Rate: 19.3%

Croatia is one of the newest Schengen countries and is still adjusting its visa procedures. As a result, it’s seen a higher rejection rate than one might expect. In 2024, 8,003 applications out of 42,165 were rejected.

Many rejections happen because of incomplete documentation or failure to meet the financial requirements.

Tip: Double-check your financials, especially your bank statements and income proofs.

8. Poland – Rejection Rate: 17.2%

Poland has grown in popularity as a destination for travel, employment, and education. With rising application numbers, their visa officers are applying tighter filters.

In 2024, Poland received 111,538 applications and rejected over 19,000 of them. The main reason? Weak evidence of financial means or vague travel purposes.

Tip: When applying to Poland, be especially clear in your purpose and attach credible evidence.

9. France – Rejection Rate: 15.8%

France processed nearly 3 million applications last year. Though its rejection rate is relatively lower, the sheer number of rejections over 480,000—makes it a major contributor to Schengen visa denials.

Even small errors in applications, like incorrect travel insurance or ambiguous plans, can lead to a denial due to the high number of applicants.

Tip: Be extra meticulous when applying to France. They follow a checklist, so don’t leave any boxes unticked.

10. Czech Republic – Rejection Rate: 15.8%

The Czech Republic denied nearly 24,000 visa applications in 2024. This country is strict with new applicants who are not well-prepared.

The most common mistakes? Missing hotel or flight reservations, incomplete financial documentation, and inadequate travel insurance.

Tip: Attach every required document, especially if it’s your first time applying to the Czech Republic.

Visa Changes? We’ll Let You Know – Instantly with VisaBud