Planning a Trip to Europe in Late 2026? Schengen Visa Approval Tips & Best Countries for Easy Approval
Travelers love Europe for its rich history and culture, and abundance of activities.For a trip to Europe in late 2026, the first step will be to get a Schengen Visa.The Schengen area includes 29 European countries and allows for multi destination travel on one Visa.However, it’s still a challenge to get a Schengen Visa because the approval rates are different for each country.In this blog, we will analyze the various components affecting your Schengen Visa approval and increase your chances of getting your visa, while also looking at the countries that will have the most favorable visa approval rates in 2026.
The importance of the schengen visa in 2026
Before analyzing which countries have the highest approval rates, it is important to examine the Schengen Visa and its significance.With the Schengen Visa, travelers can move to and between the Schengen countries, which currently comprise the majority of the European Union and several non EU countries.In 2026, Schengen Visa will still be one of the main travel requirements for non EU citizens to access several European countries borderless while eliminating the need to obtain multiple travel visas.On the other hand, travel Schengen Visa requires extensive travel planning due to the time and effort that goes in to it to increase the possibility of obtaining the visa.Given that in the past, the possibility of obtaining a Schengen Visa has varied, the positive trend for visa approval for 2026 is beneficial for travelers planning to access multiple locations across Europe.
Additional schengen countries with above average visa approval odds
Although the previously listed countries provide the most optimal chances of approval, there are additional Schengen countries with statistically favorable chances of receiving a visa, including:
- Belgium is praised for its prompt and efficient visa processing.
- Germany is a favorite among travelers and has a reasonable and efficient visa processing system.
- Spain is one of the best options for obtaining a visa and has a well proven system of processing consular applications.
- Netherlands is one of the most visited countries and one of the best in processing consular visa applications.
Leading schengen nations with the most visa approvals in 2026
It can be inconsistent with the Schengen visa approval rates based on which country you apply through.While some embassies have more rigorous screening processes than others, some tend to grant more approvals.If you are looking to Increase your chances of approval, consider applying through one of the countries listed with high approval rates.
Iceland: Iceland is considered one of the easiest Schengen visa applications.With approval rates often reaching higher than 90% for the embassies, it is due to the simple process for the visa applications with the clear documentation requirements.As Iceland is not a commonly visited country, the visa applications and approval processes are not as crowded as with some more popular countries.This is one of the main reasons the process is not as delayed as other busy countries.
Slovakia: With approval rates of about 89-90% Slovakia is big Schengen country as well.Applying to Slovakia is attractive to most classes for the simple reason of less waiting times, which can be improved with less volume applications.The process is efficient and transparent putting it as one of the top countries for first time applicants.
Romania: Romania has one of the strongest and most consistent visa approval rates of its competitors, reaching approval rates of around 88-90%.Romania recently joined the Schengen Area and has since streamlined its consular services to help the facilitation of the visa application process.Romania has streamlined its visa application process and is likely to reduce the number of applicants.
Italy and Switzerland: Italy and Switzerland are commonplace for tourists and have reported the most consistent approval rates for Schengen visas, sitting around 88%.Despite the high volume of applicants for Italy and Switzerland, their visa processing systems remain efficient, granting approvals to deserving applicants.
Greece and Austria: Greece and Austria have also shown to have strong visa approval record rates and are both sitting around 88%.Despite Greece receiving the most applicants in the Schengen Area, Greece and Austria remain consistent, timely, and transparent on processing visas.If you are visiting the most visited places in Greece and Austria, you will have high chances of receiving an approval, given you meet all the requirements needed.
What impacts approval odds on schengen visa applications
When submitting a visa application to a country with higher chances of approval, there are still a multitude of reasons as to why your visa could ultimately be denied based on your travel documents, itinerary, and connection to your home country.Some of these are:
Comprehensive travel documents
Inaccurate and incomplete documentation can result in the denial of your visa application.If you wish to boost your chances of receiving your visa approved, you will have to include all necessary travel documents, including travel insurance, proof of accommodation, flight reservations, and proof of tie to your home country including bank statements and proof of employment.
Financial means
The amount that you must prove in order to be granted a visa is subjective.More often than not, it is ideal to take a trip to a bank and obtain a financial statement.Consulates want to see that you can support yourself and that you are not one a sponsored trip, and of course, that you can support the trip on your own.Presenting evidence to support your financial means is a decent way to prove that you won’t just trip and fall on your pensive and spend all of the money you have.Consulates are often a pond bank statements, pay stubs, and evidence of financial means.
Intention of travel
The purpose of your trip, and of course, travel itinerary must be documented.You are free to travel for any cause, be it beyond the civil boundaries of your nation to share with the government, conduct business, or see your great uncle.You must support the reasons and copy of the travel itinerary, and in some cases, a copy of a travel plan.Presenting a goal to your travel serves to minimize the chance of your travel plan being neglected.
Evidence of your country residency
After the trip, consulates do not want to see you lost in lands beyond the borders of your outlined maps and national boundaries.To prove that you are likely to return to your own country after your trip, provide all your travelling, job contracts, and family responsibilities.Providing evidence of these things will support your application and strengthen your travel plan.
Schengen visa approval rates: Things to know
Over the past few years, there have been signs of an increased success rate of Schengen Visa applications.In the European Commission, there have been reports suggesting that the overall rejection of Visa applications within the Schengen area sits at about 14.8%.This means that the majority of applicants receive a Visa. However, some countries have a lower acceptance in comparison to others.Knowing the countries that have a higher Visa acceptance rate can significantly impact your travel plans.
How to avoid common reasons for schengen visa denials
Even if you’re applying in a country that approves the most Schengen visa applications, you can still get denied if you don’t meet all the requirements.Here are the most common reasons for Schengen visa denials and how to avoid them.
Incomplete application
Your application is missing information.Rejections can happen if you don’t include enough documentation, if you make a mistake on a form, or if you don’t provide a detailed enough travel itinerary.Make sure you review your application to ensure that everything is complete before you send it in.
Insufficient travel insurance
Your travel insurance does not meet visa requirements.Applicants for a Schengen visa are required to have travel insurance that includes coverage for medical expenses up to €30,000 zero in coverage.Make sure your travel insurance covers medical expenses.
Weak financial proof
Your proof of funds is not sufficient.If your proof of income or bank statements are too old or do not have enough in them to prove that you have funds to support yourself during your travel, your application will be denied.Be sure to submit up to date statements to prove your financial stability.
Lack of ties to your home country
You have insufficient reasons to return to your home country.If the consulate suspects that you don’t have sufficient reasons to return to your country after your travels, your visa will be denied.Provide documentation to prove your ties, such as a job contract, an employer’s letter, or proof of property.
Expert tips for a successful schengen visa application
If you’re looking to get your Schengen visa application approved, follow the tips below:
- Apply as early as you can: Aim to submit your application 30 to 60 days before your travel date.This gives you enough time to solve any problems that may come up while your visa is being processed.
- Select the appropriate embassy: Submit your application to the embassy of the country that you will be visiting for the most days.This decreases the chances of your application being rejected because of wrong submissions.
- Make sure to review your papers thoroughly: Confirm that your papers are precise, finished, and current.Check the validity of your passport and the travel insurance that you are covering.
- Always remain honest: Any discrepancies, lies, or bad faith in your application will get you rejected.Be honest in everything regarding your visa application.
Changes to schengen visa requirements in 2026: ETIAS
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will go live in 2026.ETIAS will affect travel to the Schengen zone from countries that do not need a Schengen visa.ETIAS will not affect those who do need a Schengen visa, as the ETIAS does not replace the Schengen visa.For these travelers, changes will likely include having to obtain an ETIAS in addition to your visa before you travel.
Conclusion: Get your schengen visa and get ready for your trip to Europe
Getting a Schengen visa will likely involve a significant amount of work, especially if you are planning to travel to Europe in late 2026 and are planning to visit multiple countries in the Schengen zone. However, if you do your research and apply to the countries in the Schengen zone that have the highest chances for Schengen visa approvals (like Iceland, Slovakia, Romania, Italy, and Switzerland), and make sure to apply through the country you will spend the most time in, you will make sure that your chances of getting your visa will improve a lot.If you do all of these things, you will be able to go on your dream trip to Europe!