In 2024, EU and Schengen-associated countries received an unprecedented 11.7 million short-stay visa applications—a sharp 13.6% increase from 2023 and a 56% jump from 2022. This surge marks the most significant post-COVID recovery in European visa traffic to date.
This upward trend is closely tied to several key developments. The full integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen Area, ongoing digitalization of the visa system, and a drop in global refusal rates are all reshaping the experience for visa applicants heading into 2025.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Nearly 9.7 million visas were issued in 2024, which is 14.1% more than the previous year. Over half of these were multiple-entry visas, reflecting a shift toward more flexible travel permissions. Meanwhile, the global refusal rate declined to 14.8%, signaling a more favorable environment for applicants. China led the way in application volume with 1.77 million requests, followed by Türkiye, India, Morocco, and Russia.
Those planning to apply for a Schengen visa in 2025 have several options depending on travel needs. Type A visas cover airport transits without entering the Schengen Zone. Type C visas allow short stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or visiting family. Type D visas are for long-term purposes like study or employment, and Limited Territorial Validity visas are issued for travel to specific countries only in special circumstances.
Since March 31, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania have begun issuing Schengen visas, ending their use of national visas. This transition allows air and sea travelers to move without internal border checks and streamlines visa procedures for both countries. As a result, travelers have more seamless access to Europe, with expanded opportunities for mobility, work, and study.
Looking ahead, visa demand is expected to keep rising. Application volumes may reach or even surpass the 2019 pre-pandemic peak of over 17 million. This means increased competition, longer wait times, and the need for earlier application planning, especially in high-demand countries like China, Türkiye, and India.
On the upside, approval chances are improving in many regions. Refusal rates in countries like Russia, Iran, and Syria have dropped significantly. However, others such as Bangladesh and Nigeria have seen increased rejection rates, so applicants from these regions may face more scrutiny.
Visa digitalization is also advancing. The EU is rolling out a unified online platform for Schengen visa applications, aiming to simplify and speed up the process. This system will allow applicants to track their progress in one place and reuse biometric data from prior applications, reducing the need for repeated in-person visits.
Applicants are advised to apply early, watch for updates from local embassies, and consider using premium services where possible to avoid delays.
