Top 10 Easiest Schengen Countries to Get a Visa
Top 10 Easiest Schengen Countries to Get a Visa from India (2025 Guide)
Planning a trip to Europe from India? Choosing the right Schengen country to apply to can significantly improve your visa success. Based on the latest approval rates, traveller experiences, and statistical analysis, here’s a comprehensive guide to the top 10 easiest Schengen countries for Indian applicants—and how you can maximise your chances.
1. Iceland – Highest Approval Rate (~95%)
Why it’s easiest:
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Iceland consistently tops approval charts. In 2023–24, Indian applicants saw an approval rate of around 95.4%.
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Low volume of applications means better attention per case and smoother processing.
Tip: Ideal for first-time European travellers with solid documentation.
2. Lithuania – Approval Rate ~98.7%
Why it’s a favoured choice:
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Among the highest approval rates, around 98.7%, thanks to fewer applications and clear procedures.
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Straightforward process and easy appointment scheduling.
This is also easiest Schengen visa countries for Indians.
3. Estonia – Approval Rate ~98.4%
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A digital-first nation, Estonia provides clear guidelines and responsive consular support.
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Ideal for tech-savvy travellers and solo applicants.
4. Finland – Approval Rate ~98%
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High transparency, efficient processing, and shorter appointment queues.
5. Slovakia – Approval Rate ~89–89.3%
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Approval hovered around 89.25% in 2024.
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Known for reliable processing and lesser competition compared to major hubs.
6. Italy – Approval Rate ~88.7–88.9%
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Indian travellers had a ~88.7–88.9% approval rate in 2024.
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Strong MEV issuance and tourism flexibility.
7. Germany – Approval Rate ~88.7–89.5%
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Boasts a high approval rate (~88.7–89.5%) for Indian applicants.
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Multiple-entry visas (MEV) are granted in nearly 99.6% of cases—great for frequent travellers.
8. Switzerland – Approval Rate ~88–89%
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Processed the highest number of applications from India in 2023 (191,162 visas). Approval stood around 88–89%.
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Strong MEV issuance rate of 98.5%.
9. Romania – Approval Rate ~88.4%
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In 2024, approval hovered around 88.36%, making Romania a strong choice.
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Emerging as a consistent visa-friendly nation.
10. Belgium – Approval Rate ~90.5%
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Leading approval rate in 2024 with ~90.56%.
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Strong MEV issuance (~71.9%) and efficient processing.
Quick Table: Comparison at a Glance
|
Rank |
Country |
Approx. Approval Rate |
Notable Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Iceland |
~95% |
Exceptional approval, low volumes |
|
2 |
Lithuania |
~98.7% |
Straightforward process, less competition |
|
3 |
Estonia |
~98.4% |
Digital-first, efficient |
|
4 |
Finland |
~98% |
Transparent, fast |
|
5 |
Slovakia |
~89.3% |
Reliable processing |
|
6 |
Italy |
~88.7–88.9% |
Tourist-friendly, widely issued visas |
|
7 |
Germany |
~89% |
High MEV issuance, efficient |
|
8 |
Switzerland |
~88–89% |
Popular, strong MEV rate |
|
9 |
Romania |
~88.4% |
Emerging visa-friendly |
|
10 |
Belgium |
~90.5% |
High MEV, efficient processing |
Why Does Country Choice Matter?
Recent data shows 1.65 lakh Indian applications were rejected in 2024, leading to a financial loss of approximately ₹136 crore in non-refundable fees.
Choosing a country with a high approval rate can significantly reduce the risk of rejection. Visit european commission website.
Practical Tips for Indian Applicants
1. Pick High-Approval Countries
Opt for nations like Lithuania, Estonia, or Iceland for your Schengen visa—especially if you’re a first-timer.
2. Apply Timely
Submit 30–60 days prior to intended travel. Embassies like Latvia and Lithuania may process within 7–10 days.
3. Strong Documentation
Ensure your application includes:
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Valid passport (6+ months validity)
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Round-trip flight booking
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Hotel reservations
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Travel insurance (€30,000+ coverage)
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Bank statements, income proof
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Cover letter & ties to India
4. Choose the Right Embassy
Apply where you spend the most days, or first enter the Schengen area. Some embassies (e.g., Germany, Belgium) have better approval rates.
5. Plan for the New Entry/Exit System
From October 2025, EES (biometric entry/exit system) replaces stamps. Be aware of these updates.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Schengen country can boost your visa success rate significantly. For Indian applicants, Iceland, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Slovakia, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Romania, and Belgium stand out as the most visa-friendly destinations in 2025. Combine this with strong documentation and timely application, and you’re on your way to a smooth European adventure!
Before apply visa follow this step by step Schengen visa guide.
