Visiting Europe in 2024 could become more challenging due to new statistics from the European Commission showing a notable rise in Schengen visa denials. Among nearly 11.7 million applications submitted, approximately 14.8% were rejected, raising worries among both potential vacationers and corporate visitors.
Malta, Estonia, and Belgium lead the chart with the most significant refusal rates amongst Schengen countries, where Malta refused 38.5% of visa requests—the highest percentage across all member states. This was closely trailed by Estonia at 27.2%, whereas Belgium rejected an impressive 24.6%.
Other nations with significant refusal rates comprise Slovenia at 24.5%, Sweden at 24.0%, Denmark at 23.7%, and Croatia at 19.3%. Notably, even well-liked locations such as France and the Czech Republic saw denial rates of 15.8% each.
Germany has changed its policies by reinstating the protest process. This means that individuals whose visa applications are denied will not be able to file an immediate appeal or resubmit their application right away. The country handled over 1.5 million visa requests, out of which more than 206,000 were turned down, resulting in a rejection rate of approximately 13.7%.
For individuals from Pakistan, the situation is equally daunting. In 2024, approximately 165,000 applications originating from Pakistan were denied, indicating a rejection rate of 15%, which led to an economic setback of £1.36 billion as these visa application fees cannot be refunded.
Globally, Nigeria experienced the highest recorded rejection rate at 45.9%, which made it one of the African nations most affected by this issue.
Given these high rejection rates, travel professionals suggest steering clear of nations with stringent visa requirements and considering alternate locations instead.
Good news includes the fact that holders of Pakistani passports can still enter more than 32 countries without a visa or with one obtainable upon arrival, offering trouble-free travel opportunities in 2025.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
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