Easiest Countries to Obtain a Schengen Visa

Although the Schengen Area allows border-free travel within Europe, obtaining a visa is not equally easy from every country. As of 2026, while some countries follow more flexible policies to boost tourism, others stand out with high rejection rates. Let’s examine the most up-to-date data for a successful application.

Why Is It Easier to Get a Schengen Visa from Some Countries?

The “ease” of obtaining a visa depends on several key factors:

Tourism Potential: Countries whose economies rely heavily on tourism (such as Greece and Spain) may act more moderately to attract visitors.

Application Volume and Capacity: Consulates that receive a high number of applications but lack sufficient staff may have higher rejection rates. Less popular but efficiently operating consulates (such as Iceland and Slovakia) may provide faster results.

Diplomatic Relations: Current political and economic agreements between countries directly affect visa approval processes.

Easiest Countries to Obtain a Schengen Visa (Updated List)

According to 2026 data and field experience, the countries with the highest approval rates and the most transparent processes are:

Spain Schengen Visa

Spain remains one of the most “generous” countries for Turkish citizens and general applicants. Especially when travel plans are clear, approval rates are high.

Advantage: There is a strong tendency to grant long-term visas to applicants with stable income and consistent travel plans.

Italy Schengen Visa

Despite the high number of applications, Italy ranks near the top with an approval rate of approximately 88.7% in 2026. Processes handled through VFS Global are quite organized.

Tip: Italy grants approval much more easily to applicants who have previously obtained a Schengen visa.

France Schengen Visa

As the most visited country in Europe, France rarely says “no” to professionally prepared applications.

Feature: Although processing times may be slightly longer compared to other countries, France often issues multiple-entry visas upon approval.

Greece Schengen Visa

Especially for applications from Türkiye, Greece is one of the most accessible destinations, partly due to the “Gate Visa” (island visa) practices.

Rejection Rate: According to early 2026 data, it ranges between 15–20%, though this rate is lower for island-focused travel.

Netherlands Schengen Visa

The Netherlands is known for its clear rules and digitalized appointment system. According to 2026 statistics, it has an approval rate of approximately 83%.

Advantage: It significantly speeds up the process for business applications and trade fair participation.

Most Logical Countries for First-Time Schengen Applicants

If your passport does not contain a previous Schengen visa, it may be safer to start with the following countries:

Hungary: Its consulates in Istanbul and Ankara are quite positive toward complete applications.

Slovakia: Due to a lower number of applications, each file is examined carefully; if you meet the requirements, your approval chances are very high.

Iceland: It has one of the highest approval rates in 2026 (over 91%). However, you must clearly prove that you genuinely intend to travel to Iceland.

Countries with the Lowest Schengen Visa Rejection Rates

Statistically, the three countries with the lowest rejection rates in 2026 are:

Iceland – Estimated approval rate: 91.25% – Processing speed: Fast
Slovakia – Estimated approval rate: 89.25% – Processing speed: Medium
Italy – Estimated approval rate: 88.72% – Processing speed: Medium

Note: Denmark and Estonia are among the riskiest countries to apply to in 2026, with rejection rates exceeding 30%.

Important Points When Applying for a Schengen Visa

To ensure your application is processed smoothly, remember these golden rules:

Passport Validity: It must be valid for at least 3–6 months beyond your travel end date.

Financial Proof: Maintain a bank balance exceeding your estimated travel expenses (an average of 100–150 Euros per day is generally considered).

Ties to Türkiye: Documents proving that you will return (employment letter, title deed, vehicle registration, or student certificate) are the strongest part of your application file.

Which Country Should You Apply To for a Schengen Visa?

According to Schengen rules, the visa must be obtained from the country that is your main destination.

If you plan to stay 3 days in Italy and 7 days in France, you should apply through France.

If the duration of stay is equal, you must apply through the country of first entry.

Warning: Obtaining a visa from Spain simply because it is “easier” and then traveling only to Germany may result in rejection in your next application.

Tips That Make Getting a Schengen Visa Easier

Early Appointment: In 2026, finding an appointment is still difficult. Book at least 3 months before your trip.

Consistent Cover Letter: Write a sincere yet formal letter explaining where you will go, why you are traveling, and where you will stay.

Refundable Reservations: Choose refundable flight and hotel bookings in case of visa rejection.

Old Passports: If available, include copies of visas from your previous passports.

Which Countries Can You Visit with a Schengen Visa?

With a Schengen visa, you can travel freely to all 29 member countries within the Schengen Area (Germany, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Croatia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, and others).

Additionally, countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus generally allow entry with a valid Schengen visa (usually requiring a multiple-entry visa).