The 10 Easiest European Countries to Get a Schengen Visa in 2025
Planning a European escape in 2025 but dreading the visa process? You’re not alone. Thankfully, not all visa applications are created equal and some European countries are known for saying “yes” more often than others.
Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland or strolling through Italy’s sun-drenched piazzas, choosing the right country to apply through can make your travel dreams much easier to achieve. Here’s your friendly guide to the top 10 European countries where getting a Schengen visa in 2025 is smoother, faster, and less stressful.
1. Iceland
Visa Rejection Rate: 2.2%
Processing Time: 15–30 days Iceland tops the list—and not just for visa approvals. With one of the lowest rejection rates in the entire Schengen zone, Iceland is ideal for travelers who want a hassle-free experience. Despite being a small country, its visa process is reliable, and embassies are responsive.
Why visit: Think geysers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the chance to see the Northern Lights. It’s a photographer’s dream.
Pro tip: You’ll likely apply through a Danish embassy if Iceland doesn’t have a consulate in your country.
2. Switzerland
Visa Rejection Rate: 10.7%
Processing Time: 5–15 days Switzerland combines precision and efficiency—exactly what you’d expect from a country famous for its watches. If you’ve got your paperwork in order, approvals come quickly and without drama.
Why visit: Snow-capped Alps, pristine lakes, chocolate factories, and quaint villages—Switzerland is straight out of a storybook.
Travel perk: Once you’re in, Italy, France, and Germany are just short train rides away.
3. Latvia
Visa Rejection Rate: 11.7%
Processing Time: 15 – 45 days This Baltic nation is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Latvia’s embassies tend to be organized and helpful, making the visa process less intimidating.
Why visit: Riga is like a postcard come to life—medieval charm meets vibrant nightlife. Plus, it’s incredibly affordable by European standards. Underrated highlight: The Art Nouveau architecture is some of the best in the world.
4. Italy
Visa Rejection Rate: 12%
Processing Time: 15–20 days You’re in luck if you’re applying for a Schengen visa from Italy. Not only does the country love tourists, but its consulates are seasoned pros at processing applications.
Why visit: Rome’s ancient ruins, Venice’s canals, Tuscany’s rolling hills—need we say more? Top tip: Italy accepts a high number of applications each year, so make sure yours stands out with complete documents and a clear itinerary.
5. Luxembourg
Visa Rejection Rate: 12.7%
Processing Time: 15–20 days Luxembourg might be tiny, but don’t underestimate its power as a Schengen gateway. The country maintains a fair visa policy and is often overlooked, meaning less congestion in its consulates.
Why visit: Castles, forests, and a mix of French, German, and Belgian culture all rolled into one peaceful escape. Bonus: You can explore multiple countries in a single day by car or train.
6. Lithuania
Visa Rejection Rate: 12.8%
Processing Time: 15–30 days Lithuania offers a straightforward visa process, especially for those with a clean travel history and solid documentation.
Why visit: Vilnius is cozy, charming, and full of history. It’s a great low-cost alternative to pricier Western Europe destinations. Hidden gem: Visit the Hill of Crosses—a spiritual and surreal experience unlike any other in Europe.
7. Slovakia
Visa Rejection Rate: 12.9% Processing Time: 15–45 days Slovakia is often chosen by smart travelers who want fewer hurdles during visa applications. Their embassies tend to process with speed and fairness.
Why visit: The capital Bratislava is a budget-friendly gem with medieval vibes and river views. Plus, it’s close to Vienna and Budapest. Travel hack: Use Slovakia as your launchpad for an epic Central European trip.
8. Germany
Visa Rejection Rate: 14.3%
Processing Time: 15–45 days Germany may be a visa-processing machine, but that’s a good thing—it means their system is efficient and reliable. As long as you have your documents in order, you’re in good hands.
Why visit: Berlin’s art scene, Bavaria’s castles, Oktoberfest, and efficient public transport—what’s not to love? Important note: German embassies are strict, so avoid cutting corners with paperwork.
9. Austria
Visa Rejection Rate: 14.3% Processing Time: 15–60 days Austria’s embassies may take a little longer to process applications, but their rejection rate is still fairly low compared to the Schengen average.
Why visit: Think opera in Vienna, alpine adventures in Innsbruck, and the Sound of Music landscapes in Salzburg. Good to know: If you plan to spend most of your time in Austria, applying here gives you a scenic entry to Europe.
10. Greece
Visa Rejection Rate: 14.7%
Processing Time: 15–45 days The land of myth and sunshine, Greece has a welcoming approach to tourists, and that includes its visa process.
Why visit: Island hopping in the Aegean, ancient ruins in Athens, and sunsets in Santorini—this is the stuff of travel dreams. Insider tip: Apply during the off-season (spring or fall) for faster turnaround times.
Visa Application Tips to Make Your Life Easier
If you want to boost your chances of getting approved, here’s what we recommend:
- Apply through the country you’re spending the most time in. If that’s tricky to define, apply through your first port of entry.
- Organize your documents like a pro. Include hotel bookings, a daily itinerary, proof of financial means, and travel insurance.
- Don’t overcomplicate your purpose. A clear, honest explanation of your travel goals goes a long way.
- Book refundable tickets. They’re safer to include in your application and protect you if your plans change.
Final Word: Start Your Europe Trip the Smart Way
Getting a visa doesn’t have to be a roadblock—it can be a stepping stone. By choosing the right country and preparing a thoughtful, complete application, you’re setting yourself up for a successful, stress-free start to your European journey.
So whether it’s Iceland’s icy wonders or Italy’s warm hospitality, the gateway to your 2025 Europe trip might be easier than you think.
Need help planning your trip or applying for a visa?
Let the experts at LPO Holidays take the stress off your shoulders. From document checklists to itinerary planning, we’ll guide you every step of the way so you can focus on the fun part: packing!
LPO Holidays is India’s leading travel company specializing in international group tours and custom-designed travel experiences. With over a decade of industry expertise, our passionate team has successfully curated unforgettable journeys to Europe, Japan & Korea, Vietnam, Turkey, Dubai, and beyond for more than 30,000 happy travelers from across 350+ Indian cities.
At LPO Holidays, we’re committed to fulfilling every Indian’s travel dreams by crafting immersive, comfortable, and memorable travel experiences. Our dedicated travel experts leverage their deep knowledge of global destinations, ensuring every tour is meticulously planned and beautifully executed.
When we’re not crafting the next dream itinerary, you can find our team exploring new destinations, seeking hidden gems, and sharing travel insights on our blog to inspire your next great adventure.