11.7 Million Visa Applications Filed in EU-Schengen Zone Last Year
The European Commission has just dropped a blockbuster update: a staggering 11.7 million short-stay visa applications were received by EU and Schengen-associated countries in 2024. That’s a 13.6% surge compared to 2023 and a massive 56% leap from 2022. What’s even more thrilling? This is the biggest post-COVID recovery in visa traffic we’ve seen.
And here’s where it gets hotter — new digitalization efforts, Bulgaria and Romania’s full Schengen participation, and lower global refusal rates are rewriting the playbook for visa applicants in 2025. But what does this mean if you’re applying soon?
Let’s break it down!
What’s New? The 2024 EU Visa Landscape in Numbers
- Total Applications: 11.7 million (up from 10.3M in 2023)
- Total Visas Issued: 9.7 million (14.1% increase from 2023)
- Multiple Entry Visas (MEVs): Over 50% of total visas issued!
- Refusal Rate (Global): Dropped to 14.8%, down from 16% in 2023
- Top Applicant Countries:
- China: 1.77M applications
- Türkiye: 1.17M
- India: 1.1M
- Morocco: 606k
- Russia: 606k.
What Types of Schengen Visas Can You Apply For in 2025?
| Visa Type | Purpose | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type A | Airport Transit | Short transit in Schengen airport | No entry into Schengen Area |
| Type C | Short-Stay (Tourism, Business, Family visit) | Up to 90 days in 180-day period | Single, double, or multiple-entry options |
| Type D | Long-Stay (Study, Work, Residency) | Over 90 days | Stay in issuing country, travel within Schengen allowed up to 90/180 days |
| LTV | Limited Territorial Validity | Varies | Valid only for specified Schengen countries; used for emergencies or special cases |
Schengen Expansion: Bulgaria & Romania Join the Club
As of March 31, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania have officially begun issuing Schengen visas, moving away from national ones. This means:
- No internal border checks for air and sea travelers
- Unified visa processing for these two new Schengen members
- Greater flexibility for multi-country travel plans within Europe
This change boosts opportunities for travelers, tourists, students, and digital nomads looking to explore more of Europe under one visa.
What This Means for You (New Applicants) in 2025?
1# Expect More Competition
Visa demand is rising fast. With 2025 projected to potentially hit or surpass pre-COVID highs (17M+ applications in 2019), you’ll be competing against a global surge in mobility.
✅ 2# Your Chances of Approval May Be Better
Refusal rates are declining overall, especially in countries like:
-
- Russia: Dropped to 7.5% from 10.6%
- Iran: Now 26%, down from 30.3%
- Syria: A dramatic drop from 46% to 27%
But beware: some countries saw a rise in rejections, including:
-
- Bangladesh: Shot up to 54.9% (from 43.3%)
- Nigeria: Now at 45.9% (from 40.8%).
3# Visa Digitalization Is Accelerating
2025 will witness the continued rollout of the EU’s Visa Digitalization System — a single online platform for all Schengen visa applications. This promises:
-
- Faster processing
- Centralized application tracking
- Biometric reuse for returning applicants.
Where to Expect the Longest Lines?
Countries like China, Türkiye, and India are still topping the charts in volume. This may result in:
-
- Slower appointment availability
- Earlier application deadlines
- Higher scrutiny in documentation
Apply early, monitor local embassy updates, and use premium/VIP services where available.
References
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