spain tourist visa rejection rate

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These 4 countries rejected most number of Schengen visa requests

In 2021, Sweden, Norway, France and Denmark were said to turn down the highest number of visa applications from third-country citizens. Applicants applying to the embassies and consulates of these four countries were more likely to get rejected as compared to any other country in the Schengen area, as per the Schengen Visa Statistics 2021.

France, Germany and Spain received the highest number of applications in 2021.The average rejection rate for all Schengen states in 2021 was 13.4% of the total 2,926,104 applications filed from across the world. Against this, Sweden had the highest rejection rate, declining 30.6% of the 22,260 visa applications. Norway came second with 26.2% of 9,895 visa applications rejected. France turned down 21.1 % of the 652,331 applications they received. Denmark rejected 21.1% of the 26,469 applications. Belgium turned down 20.4% of 50,796 applications, whereas Malta 16.2% of 4,295 visa requests in 2021.

How did Schengen visa applications from India perform?

Sweden rejected 833 or 42.26% of 1,974 visa applications from India in 2021, whereas Norway turned down 30.69%. France issued 25,482 visas and turned down 11,959 applications during the same year. Switzerland rejected 21% of applications and issued 15,551 visas to Indian travellers last year. The Spanish consulate in Delhi saw more rejections at 30.20% as compared to Mumbai which had 15.08% of its applications rejected.

Best countries for Schengen visa?

The countries with the lowest rejection rates are Luxembourg (1.2 per cent), Slovakia (2.7 per cent), Lithuania (2.8 per cent), the Czech Republic (3.3 per cent), and Latvia (3.5 per cent).

The African continent seems to be at the receiving end of most rejections. Citizens of Guinea Bissau had 53% of the Schengen visa applications turned down, the Sengalese 52.2% and Nigerians 51%.

These statistics speak of the situation in 2021. They may or may not represent the realities of cross-border travel at the moment. The consensus is that most embassies and consulates in India are creaking under the weight of applications. Here’s a handy guide on how bad the situation i s and what you can do about it.

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

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These three Schengen Area Member States were responsible for rejecting 66.5% of the total number of short-term visas rejected in 2021, according to recently released visa application statistics.

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Home > Blog > Statistics > Latest Spain Travel Statistics & Data

Latest Spain Travel Statistics & Data

on 14 Oct, 2022

Last updated: October 14, 2022, by Grant Thomas 

🔖Cite this webpage (Thomas, Grant. “Latest Spain Travel Statistics & Data”. visasassociation.com, October 14, 2022, https://visasassociation.com/statistics/spain-travel-statistics ) 

Note : The latest travel and Schengen Visa statistics available about Spain are for 2021. We will update this page as soon as 2022 travel data and statistics on Spain are available.     

Highlights : Latest Spain Tourism Statistics & Trends 

• In 2021, Spain received 30% more Schengen Visa applications compared with 2020.
• In 2021, Spain received 75% fewer Schengen Visa applications compared with 2019. 
• In 2021, Spain’s Schengen Visa approval rate was 84.5% .
• Spain recorded roughly 31 million international arrivals in 2021, with 12 million or 39% more compared with 2020. 
• In 2021, Spain recorded 64% fewer international tourist arrivals compared with 2019. 
• France was the leading country for international tourism in Spain in 2021. 
• In 2021, Morocco submitted 17.5% of the total number of Schengen Visa applications for Spain.
• The country that had the highest rejection rate for Schengen Visa for Spain in 2021 was Ghana ( 55% rejection rate).

Tourism in Spain Start to Recover in 2021 but Remains Far Below Pre-Pandemic Levels

Due to the imposition of local and national measures in Spain in 2020, international tourist arrivals plunged by 70% with unprecedented effects on jobs and businesses. 

While the tourism industry in Spain saw a gradual improvement thanks to the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines and the easing of restrictions, the country failed to reach half its pre-pandemic levels in 2021.

The pace of recovery remained slow due to vaccination rates, traveller confidence and the spread of the Omicron variant which prompted new travel restrictions. 

Just over 31 million tourists visited Spain in 2021, 39% more compared to 2020. However, that was a far cry from the 83.5 million who visited Spain in 2019.

• In 2021, Spain received 483,000 Schengen Visa applications, 30% or 143,000 more than in 2020. 
• Spain issued 377,000 Schengen Visas in 2021, 30% or 114,000 fewer than in 2020. 
• The most important source markets for Spain in 2021 were France with 5,800,000 visitors and Germany with 5,200,000 visitors.
• In 2021, the international tourist expenditure for business trips to Spain totalled roughly 2,2 million euros.  
• In 2021, the average daily expenditure per person for business trips to Spain was 171 euros. 
• In 2021, the average expenditure per person for business trips to Spain was 1,076 euros.
• In 2021, the average duration of a business trip to Spain was 6.3 days. 
• In 2021, the international tourist expenditure for business trips to Spain increased by 38% compared with 2020. 
• In 2021, the international tourist expenditure for leisure trips to Spain totalled nearly 30 million euros.
• In 2021, the average daily expenditure per person for leisure trips to Spain was 142 euros. 
• In 2021, the average expenditure per person for leisure trips to Spain was 1,116 euros.
• In 2021, the average duration of a leisure trip to Spain was 7.8 days. 
• In 2021, the international tourist expenditure for leisure trips to Spain increased by 44% compared with 2020. 
• In 2021, 86.4% of the total travel consumption expenditure in Spain was made by visitors entering the country by air. 
• In 2021, Spain was the second country with the highest number of Schengen Visa applications received.
• In 2021, the tourism industry in Spain represented 7.4% of the GDP of the national economy.
• The share of the total GDP generated by the travel and tourism industry in Spain in 2021 increased by 1.9 percentage points compared with 2020. 
• In 2021, Spain received roughly 31,000,000 overnight visitors.
• In 2021, Spain received nearly 20,500,000 same-day visitors.
• The contribution of the tourism sector to the GDP in Spain in 2021 amounted to 88,5 million euros, 30% more than what it generated in 2020.
• The contribution of the tourism sector to GDP in Spain in 2021 totalled 88,5 million euros, 42.8% less than what it generated in 2019.
• In 2021, Spain recorded 259 million nights spent at tourist accommodation establishments, 44% more compared with 2020.
• In 2021, Spain recorded 45% fewer nights spent at tourist accommodation establishments compared with 2019.
• In 2021, international tourists accounted for 40% of the total tourism spending in Spain which represents an increase of 3 percentage points compared with 2020. 
• In 2021, domestic tourists accounted for 60% of the total tourism spending in Spain which represents a decline of 3 percentage points compared with 2020. 
• The total expenditure of domestic tourism in Spain increased by nearly 65% in 2021 compared with 2020. 
• In August 2021, Spain recorded 15,008 million international tourist arrivals which represents a decline of 4% points compared with August 2020. 
• In August 2021, Spain recorded 34% more bookings in non-hotel accommodations compared with the same period in 2020.
• In August 2021, Spain recorded 51% more hotel bookings compared with the same period in 2020.
• In 2021, the Balearic Islands were the most popular destination among international tourists in Spain, with over 6.3 million visitors. 

Schengen Visa Applications & Tourism in Spain: Latest Trends

Spain’s schengen visa approval rate from 2015 to 2021, countries that submitted the highest number of schengen visa applications for spain from 2015 to 2021, top 5 countries that submitted the highest number of schengen visa applications for spain in 2021, approval rates for the countries that submitted the highest number of schengen visa applications for spain in 2021, top 5 third countries that had the highest rejection rates for the schengen visa for spain in 2021, international tourist arrivals in spain from 2015 to 2021, contribution of the tourism sector to gdp in spain from 2015 to 2021, spain: share of overnight visitors and same-day visitors from 2015 to 2021 , spain: average tourist spending per person per trip from 2015 to 2021, spain: average tourist spending per person per day from 2015 to 2021, share of the total gdp generated by the travel and tourism industry in spain between 2015 and 2021, international tourist arrivals in spain from august 2015 to august 2021, number of bookings in non-hotel accommodations in spain from august 2015 to august 2021, number of hotel bookings in spain from august 2015 to august 2021, sources:  .

EUROSTAT – Tourism Statistics  

European Commission – Statistics on short-stay visas issued by the Schengen States  

STATISTA – International Tourism in Spain – Statistics & Facts

National Institute of Statistics – INE

epdata.es – El turismo en España y en el mundo, en datos y gráficos  

DATAESTUR – Information on Spain’s tourism industry  

OECD – Spain   

datosmacro – España – Turismo internacional  

  dataestur – Selección de los datos más relevantes del turismo de España  

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When is the Entry to Spain Denied? What to Avoid

In case you are traveling to Spain for less than 90 days (as a tourist, no matter if you are planning to visit the country, you come for business reasons or similar), there are several requirements you must meet. 

Nevertheless, if you fail to meet any of them, your entry to Spain will be denied at the airport. And in this article, we will explore which are the reasons that could cause that. 

Provided that you meet each of them, you will be able to freely enter Spain and enjoy your short-stay.

So, when is the entry to Spain denied? Let’s discover it.

No matter if you are required a visa or not, your entry can be denied

Before starting to explore the main reasons that can cause a rejected entry, this is crucial to understand. 

Citizens from many countries can enter Spain without the need to request a tourist visa or a visa of any kind. And that is thanks to treatments with other nations.

Whereas, on the other hand, some others do specifically require a tourist visa in order to stay up to 90 days in the country. 

Here you will find a list with all the countries that do need to request one .

Well, no matter under which case you fall into, you must meet certain requirements to avoid getting rejected at the airport . 

And that is what we are going to explore next.

Which are the main reasons to get a denied entry to Spain?

Each and every reason that can get your entry rejected is motivated by two main purposes.

First of all, being able to demonstrate that you will really be in Spain for just 90 days (maximum) and then go back to your country. And, secondly, that during that period of time you won’t become a “monetary burden” for the Spanish authorities .

Hence, the most common reasons that produce entry denials at the airport are:

Lack or incomplete of accommodation

One of the main requirements you must satisfy is demonstrating that you will have a place to stay during the totality of days spent .

This means that each and every single day in the country must be properly justified with accommodation.

From the day you arrive in Spain (which can be seen on your flight ticket), from the day you have your flight back, you must have a place to sleep. 

And no matter if you are staying at a hotel, apartment or friend’s/relative’s house , you must demonstrate each and every of those nights.

How to demonstrate this?

Hotel booking

If you are going to stay in a hotel (or in several hotels), you should show your reservation for the nights booked , and an invoice demonstrating that the booking has been already paid . 

This last statement. If you have a valid reservation but it is not yet paid, your entry can be denied.

Prove through your invitation letter

Another way of demonstrating that you will have a place to sleep is through your invitation letter .

Through the invitation letter , your host declares that you will stay at his or her house during a specific period of time.

And she must commit to making sure that you don’t spend any extra day than those specified.

Hence, this invitation letter becomes a perfect accommodation proof .

The relative or friend that has you at her house will need to go to the police office and request this letter, demonstrating the existence of proper housing.

You can access information about prices and how much an invitation letter costs here .

No sufficient economic means

The second condition that can get your entry rejected is not possessing sufficient economic means to sustain yourself in the country for the amount of time you have planned to spend.

How much money do you need to demonstrate?

According to the Ministry of Interior, t he required amount sums up to 90 € per day per person , which is 10% of the minimum gross salary in the Spanish territory.

Hence, if you are spending 30 days in the country, you must show 2700€.

But things are not that complicated. You can combine both cash and bank/credit cards . For example, you can show 1.000€ that you brought with you in cash, and then the possession of additional money in your bank account.

Another important consideration here is that no matter if you get invited to a friend’s or relative’s house via invitation letter, you are still the one who must demonstrate your financial solvency, not them . So in this case the exact same amount applies.

Do you have any doubts? Get in touch with our immigration lawyers and receive personalized legal advice and all your doubts solved:

Not enough guarantee that you will return to your country

Once you enter Spain, it is 100% necessary to have with you (hence already purchased) your flight-back tickets .

This, obviously, guarantees that you will return to your country of origin.

To be more precise, your flight tickets, and especially the return one, make an important difference.

That is because of the total of nights that your hotel booking show plus those that the invitation letter you received depicts must be equal to the total of nights between your arrival flight and the returning-back one.

This means that your entry to the country can be denied as long as during several of the stay days in Spain you have no predefined place to sleep (even though you were planning to find that later on).

Health insurance contract

Even though not 100% required, another nearly must-have would be to be in possession of health insurance that covers you during your short-term stay in Spain .

As we’ve said, you can become a burden for the Spanish economy/government. Hence, your insurance contract must cover you in case of an accident or emergency.

To be more precise, this insurance m ust cover hospitalization and medical treatments in case of an accident , and body repatriation; totaling up a minimum of 30.000€ coverage minimum .

Usually, airlines offer you the option to hire a similar package when buying your flight tickets. We recommend you to purchase one of those.

Demonstrating the reason why you came to Spain

More generic but still important, you must be really clear when specifying why it is that you are coming to Spain .

No matter if that is to visit a relative, for business purposes, to get medical treatment or any other similar reason, you should properly justify it.

For example, let’s suppose that you are doing this trip for business reasons. If you are attending a congress or business fair, you must show your congress accreditation.

If you are having an important meeting, the invitation from the company will be the valid document here, or any other that justify the economic relationship that motivates the reunion.

On the other hand, if you are visiting the Spanish territory for educational purposes (maybe you are taking a course or similar), you will need the enrollment document edited by the educational institution.

You can't have the entry forbidden to the country

Finally, and even though this may sound obvious, if you have the entry forbidden to Spain, your entry will be also denied .

This happen if very specific cases in which the foreigner had been previously expelled from the country or banned from entering int he future due to judiciary or police reasons.

What happens if your entry has been denied?

Thanks to articles like this one, you should avoid this problem.

If you have been following the before mentioned requirements, your entry to the country will be permitted. But, what happens if for some reason your entry is rejected?

First of all, once the police tells you that you can’t enter the country, you will start immediately to find a way to get back to your country of origin .

This means checking if there are flights available in the near future (ideally on the same day).

Until your return flight, you will be “held” inside the facilities designed for this purpose. If this process takes longer than 72 hours (for example if there are no flights), then an instruction judge will specify where exactly you will be staying.

This place will lack penitentiary character.

The whole situation will be notified to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the consulate or embassy of your country of origin.

Reach out an immigration lawyer

Obviously, if this situation happens to you, y ou want to have a reliable immigration lawyer next to you so that she can provide the assistance that you need, plus guiding you step by step. 

And perhaps more importantly, a lawyer will help you plan your trip and avoid this situation ever happening . 

Hence, if you need specialized help or you have any doubt related to your entry to the Spanish territory, our lawyers are at your complete disposal!

Get in touch with our lawyers and let us guide you step by step:

Use my online scheduling page by vcita to schedule an appointment with me:

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Which countries are the easiest to obtain a Schengen visa from?

NAME: Axel Strauss  DATE: 05/03/2024

When it comes to applying for (and, more importantly, getting) a Schengen Visa , the process can be a bit tedious. Moreover, depending on where exactly you’re coming from and where exactly you’re going, your chances of being approved for one can actually vary greatly. 

That’s why AXA has compiled the following lists of countries — along with some general practical info — to try and help make your Schengen visa application process less than mere luck of the draw. 

• Do I need to apply for a Schengen visa? 
• Countries with the lowest/highest Schengen visa rejection rates 
• Easiest (and most difficult) countries to apply for a Schengen Visa FROM
• Some more helpful/practical info about getting your Schengen Visa 
• How AXA can help 
• How to apply for a Schengen visa for each of the 27 Schengen countries 

Do I need to apply for a Schengen visa?

First off, you’ll want to be sure whether or not you even need a Schengen visa in the first place. And if you’re traveling to one (or more) of the 27 countries in the Schengen zone — and especially if you’re reading this — then there’s a good chance that you do. But here’s how you know for sure.

Which travelers don’t need a Schengen visa (for stays of less than 90 days)?

You don’t need a Schengen Visa if you: 

•  Are already a national of the Schengen area and/or one (or more) of the 27 European Union member countries .   
• Have already had a visa issued by one of the member countries of the Schengen area (under the condition that your stay in the Schengen area does not exceed 90 days per period of 180 days).   
• Are a national of non-EU countries and territories that have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU . These include Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Mexico, Taiwan, the U.K., the U.S., and roughly 50 more. 

If you’re a passport holder* of one (or more) of the countries above, you can travel to the Schengen zone visa-free for short stays (again, for 90 days within six months). In this case, all you’ll need is to present your ticket/itinerary and a biometric passport* (issued no more than 10 years before and valid for at least 90 days after the planned date of your departure from the Schengen zone ). 

*IMPORTANT HEADS-UP: As of “mid-2025,” however, the European Union does plan to introduce a new system of requirements for the countless visa-free travelers hoping to enter its borders too. And AXA has all you need to know about this system — aka ETIAS — too.

Which travelers are required to apply for a Schengen visa?

You will, however, need a Schengen visa to come to the Schengen zone if you are a citizen of one or more countries that don’t have a visa waiver agreement with the EU. 

This includes nearly a hundred nations around the world — i.e., all of Africa, most of Asia and the Middle East, China, India, Russia, and so on. 

Fortunately — if you do need a Schengen visa, that is — we have all you need to know about what’s required and how to apply . And once you’ve applied — how to track your Schengen visa application too. 

PRO-TIP 1 : The EU also has a few key changes planned for travelers as of 2024, and AXA has all you need to know about these as well. 

PRO-TIP 2 : You can see the full li sts of both countries that are exempt and those that need a visa courtesy of the European Commission . 

PRO-TIP 3 : And if getting the visa seems like too much hassle (and you’re flexible with your destination, of course), AXA can also tell you which European countries you don’t need a Schengen visa fo r.

Countries with the highest/lowest Schengen visa rejection rates

And now for the nitty gritty. That is — which Schengen and EU countries are most in demand, which nationalities have applied for and received the most Schengen visas in recent years, and — ultimately — what (and where) is your best chance of being approved for one. While, of course, there’s no one clear answer, AXA probed the internet for Schengen visa statistics from 2022, compared them with previous years, and — with some official help from the European Commission — came up with the following.

A Quick Overview of EU Schengen Visa Statistics

Let’s start with the overall numbers at a glance. In 2022, there were: 

• 7.5 million Schengen visa applications in total 
• 5.9 million visa applications were issued by the consulates (plus 80,336 visas issued at the borders) 
• 1.3 million applications were rejected (17.9%) 
• 3.4 million applications were issued for multiple entry (58.1%) 
• 140,000 visas were only issued with limited territorial validity (LTV)* 

*NOTE: A short-term visa with limited territorial validity ("LTV") is not valid for the entire Schengen area and only entitles the holder to stay in the Member State(s) for which the visa is valid. 

In general, Schengen visa applications seem to have decreased in recent years. That is, while a total of 7.5 million Schengen visa applications were submitted in 2022, this is still less than half the average of applications in pre-COVID years. For example, in 2019, the number of Schengen visas applied for by third-country nationals was roughly 17 million. 

Meanwhile, the number of rejected Schengen visa applications seems to be increasing. For example, in 2022, 17.9% of all Schengen visas worldwide were rejected, while in 2021 that number was 13.4%. 

And there were also fewer multiple-entry visas issued to the Schengen area in 2022 (58.1% compared to 70.5% in 2021). I

MPORTANT: The figures above refer exclusively to the Type C (aka “short-stay” or “tourist”) Schengen visa. The European Commission’s statistics above did not take national visas into account. 

PRO-TIP : Just in case, AXA can familiarize you with the different types of Schengen visas . But keep in mind that choosing a different type of visa doesn’t necessarily increase your chances of getting one.

Countries that received the most Schengen Visa applications

The countries that received the most short-term Schengen visa applications in 2022 were France , Germany , and Spain .

Countries that rejected the most Schengen Visa applications

Malta had the highest rejection rate in 2022 — with a staggering average of 36.4% of applications rejected. Sweden came in second with 29%, and France — with 22% — third. 

But, on average, the rejection rate for most European countries ranges between 10 and 20 percent. 

So, for example, the three countries above were followed closely by Spain (19.8%), Portugal (18.1%), the Netherlands (17.4%), Germany (16.2%), and Austria (15.9%). 

Greece, Italy, and Switzerland averaged roughly 12% each. 

In short, this makes the 11 countries above the most difficult to be approved for a Schengen Visa to in 2022.

Countries that rejected the least Schengen Visa applications

Meanwhile, the European Commission found that the top five countries that approved the most Schengen visas (i.e., had the lowest rejection rates) in 2022 were: Iceland (with an average 1.9% rejection rate), Lithuania (7.8%), Latvia (9.5%), and Finland and Slovakia (both with 9.7%, respectively). I

IMPORTANT NOTE : However, AXA also observed that the average rejection rates have increased in most of these countries in recent years. For example, back in 2019 (i.e., pre-COVID), Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania— like Iceland — still had an average rejection rate of between 1 and 2 percent (compared to nearly 10% each just three years later).

To Summarize

We know — that’s a lot of math already. And if you’d like even more numbers, you can consult the official European Commission website above and download specific statistical files for each year from 2009 to 2022. In the meantime, here’s a simple breakdown: 

• Iceland is your best bet of being approved for a Schengen visa, while for Malta you’re going to need the most luck (which, in our humble opinion, might have something to do with the weather). 
• With some of the northern and/or Eastern European Schengen states — i.e., Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia, etc. — your chances are better than the average. 
• Greece, Italy, and Switzerland are slightly tougher.
• And Scandinavia — along with top tourist destinations like France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain — tend to be the toughest to get approved for a Schengen visa to.

Easiest / Most Difficult Countries to Apply for a Schengen Visa IN / FROM

Now that you have an idea of which countries are more likely to let you in, here’s a general overview of which countries to apply in/from to increase your chances (if you have the option*, of course). 

*IMPORTANT HEADS-UP 2: A short-stay Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries (for up to 90 days within a 180-day period). However, you must spend most of your trip in the country where you applied (and vice versa — i.e., apply with the country where you plan to spend most of your trip). That is, if you have several countries in the Schengen area that you want to visit, you will need to apply for your visa with the country of your primary purpose of travel.

Top Schengen countries where obtaining a Schengen visa is easier

According to the European Commission’s (and general internet) statistics, Iceland, Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania have traditionally been the best places to get a Schengen visa approved quickly (within the Schengen itself, that is). 

And ever since the European Commission started publicizing statistics in 2009, Baltic and Nordic Schengen states have generally tended to approve the vast majority of Schengen visa applications. In addition, these countries have to process much fewer requests when compared to popular destinations like France, Germany, Portugal, etc. And this can also sometimes mean less hassle in getting your visa approved.

In which countries were the most Schengen visas applied for?

If we’re talking outside of the Schengen zone, the top 10 countries that issued the most Schengen visas — via the consulates of the EU and Schengen-associated states — in 2022 were: 

• Turkey (778,409 visa applications)
• Russia (687,239 visa applications) 
• India (671,928 Visa applications) 
• Morocco (423,201 Visa applications)
• Algeria (392,053 visa applications)
• Saudi Arabia (357,764 visa applications)
• Great Britain (282,109 visa applications) 
• Thailand (208,356 Visa applications) 
• United Arab Emirates (187,196 visa applications) 
• Tunisia (168,346 visa applications)

Which countries have received the most visa rejections?

Meanwhile, the following 10 passport holders had the least luck in 2022: 

• Algeria (48.2% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Nigeria (45.6% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Guinea-Bissau (45.6% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Ghana (44.2% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Sri Lanka (44.2% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Senegal (43.8% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Haiti (43.2% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Pakistan (43.0% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Guinea (42.7% of visa applications were rejected) 
• Mali (41.6% of visa applications were rejected) 

NOTE: AXA also found that, compared to the previous year, the number of rejections from the following five countries particularly increased: 

• Russia (3.2% in 2021 vs. 10.2% in 2022) 
• Egypt (17% in 2021 vs. 18.8% in 2022) 
• Ivory Coast (24.5% vs. 2021 to 29.8% in 2022) 
• Angola (20.5% in 2021 vs. 26.3% in 2022) 
• Belarus (1.1% in 2021 vs. 1.9% in 2022)

Which countries have the lowest rejection rates for Schengen visas?

And, finally, here are the top 10 passport holders who seem to be getting approved the most: 

• Liberia (1% of visa applications rejected)
• Guatemala (1.5% of visa applications rejected) 
• Belarus (1.9% of visa applications rejected) 
• New Zealand (2.4% of visa applications rejected) 
• Paraguay (2.4% of visa applications rejected) 
• Ukraine (2.7% of visa applications rejected) 
• Bosnia (2.8% of visa applications rejected) 
• Costa Rica (2.8% of visa applications rejected) 
• Botswana (3.2% of visa applications rejected) 
• Australia (3.5% of visa applications rejected) 

So that’s a general breakdown of what to expect when applying for your Schengen visa based on your country of origin and your destination country. And now here are some more basic, universal numbers that should help too (and that don’t depend on the specific country).

Some more helpful/practical info about getting your Schengen Visa

How much does a schengen visa cost.

Schengen Visa costs are universal. 

• The standard fee for one adult is €80. 
• Children between the ages of six and twelve can get one for €40. 
• And for children under the age of six the Schengen visa is free*. 

*If you’re coming to the Schengen for research and/or study purposes, are under 25 years old and traveling with charitable organizations, and/or are taking part in certain sporting or cultural events — your visa fee may be waived in some circumstances too. 

PRO-TIP : While AXA strives to bring you the latest regarding any and all Schengen Visa requirements for travelers near and far, it’s always a good call to double-check with the European Commission’s official visa website . 

IMPORTANT HEADS-UP: In addition, in early 2024, the European Commission announced that it had “ assessed the need to revise the visa fee amounts and concluded that they should be increased. ” The proposed increase would mean that Schengen visas cost 90€ (a 10€ increase) for adults and 45€ (a 5€ increase) for children. So we recommend you stay tuned to the official sources above.

How long does it take to get a Schengen visa?

The wait times don’t necessarily depend on the country either, and the average wait time for your Schengen Visa to be processed is generally 15 days across the board. 

That said, the actual processing time will depend on your particular case (as well as a number of other factors). While it’s not statistically common, some embassies have been known to take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to process a visa. 

So — again, while Iceland or Latvia might be a little quicker to get to than Malta or France — expect a 2-week wait time at the very least no matter where you’re going or coming from.

Can I get a Schengen visa online?

Not as of early 2024. That is, traditionally, you still need to be physically present for your Schengen visa application process at some point (for biometric data collection, and usually with a bunch of paperwork to boot). 

However, the EU does plan to bring the whole Schengen Visa application process online eventually — with the exact date the change will take place yet to be announced. AXA can tell you all about it in the meantime (and — like you probably — we’re keeping our fingers tightly crossed).

How AXA can help

But while there is no guarantee that your Schengen visa will be approved, one thing AXA can guarantee is to provide you with affordable, top-quality Schengen Travel insurance to bring you one big step closer to the Schengen Zone. 

First off, to be approved for a Schengen visa — travel insurance is mandatory. Not only that, but your plan must also meet the following criteria: 

• Guarantee minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses 
• Cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons 
• Cover you in all member states of the Schengen Area (not just Spain) 
• Cover you during the entire duration of your trip and stay in the Schengen Zone. 

Fortunately, all three AXA plans ( Low-Cost , Europe Travel , and Multi-Trip ) meet the necessary requirements above. 

Moreover, if your Schengen visa is denied , AXA’s plans are refundable in most cases. We’ll only ask that you provide the appropriate documentation (i.e., an official explanation as to why your visa was refused by the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center). 

Our plans also cover you in all 27 Schengen territories (and beyond).  Plus getting an AXA travel insurance plan is quick and easy — and doesn’t depend on either where you’re going or where you’re coming from! In fact, unlike the Schengen visa itself, our plans can be purchased online in just a few minutes, from anywhere in the world. 

The AXA travel insurance certificate — accepted by all Schengen embassies and consulates worldwide — can then be downloaded (and printed) online instantly too. 

So learn more about and compare our 3 comprehensive plans today. Because an AXA plan will not only greatly improve your overall chances of being granted a Schengen visa. It will also ensure that your eventual journey to Europe is that much smoother, safer, and more worry-free — from beginning to end.

How to apply for a Schengen visa for each of the 27 Schengen countries

to begin your Schengen visa application process now that you know your chances of being approved? Fear not and remember — AXA has your back. And not just with all the info above and some top-quality affordable Schengen travel insurance. We’ve also compiled 27 concise, easy-to-follow step-by-step guides — for each of the 27 Schengen countries, in alphabetical order — below: 

So good luck! We’re rooting for you. 

RELATED ARTICLES: 

• What is the Schengen Agreement? 
• Which European countries are not part of the Schengen area? 
• How to fill out a Schengen visa application form 
• How to choose the best Schengen travel insurance 
• How safe is Europe to visit?

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about how to obtain the easiest Schengen Visa

What should I do if my Schengen visa is refused?

If your visa is rejected, you usually have two options — apply again, or write a letter of appeal. You can learn more in the EU’s Article 32(3) of the Visa Code of the Schengen Agreement . The outcome of your appeal will ultimately depend on the authorities of the Schengen country for which you applied.

Can I work or study with a tourist visa?

No. While the tourist (or Type C) allows visitors to enter the Schengen zone for a short business trip, a holiday, and/or to visit family members, it cannot be converted into a work or study permit. AXA can tell you more about that .

What happens if I overstay my Schengen visa?

The consequences of overstaying your visa range from paying a fine, deportation, jail time, or even being banned from the country. And A XA is happy to help you avoid all of them.

Can I extend my Schengen visa?

You can, but only in exceptional circumstances. AXA can tell you more about that too.

Are there any COVID restrictions for entering the Schengen Zone?

No. As of 2022, all travel restrictions implemented to control the spread of COVID-19 have been lifted in the EU (and the Schengen).

Get Schengen insurance

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Your Complete Guide to Getting a Spain Tourist Visa from India in 2024

Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. 

If you are an Indian citizen planning to visit Spain for tourism purposes, you will need to obtain a Schengen visa.

APPLY NOW: Get your Spain Tourist visa today!

Requirements for a Spain Tourist Visa from India

To apply for a spain tourist visa from india, you will need to submit the following documents:.

1.) A valid passport with at least two blank pages 2.) Two recent passport-size photographs 3.) A completed Spain tourist visa application form 4.) A cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit to Spain 5.) Proof of travel insurance 6.) Proof of accommodation in Spain 7.) Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Spain

NOTE: You may also be required to submit additional documents, such as a letter from your employer confirming your leave of absence, or a birth certificate for your minor children.

Spain Tourist Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Spain tourist visa from India can vary depending on the time of year and the workload at the Spanish embassy or consulate. However, you can expect your visa to be processed within 15-20 working days.

Spain Tourist Visa Fees

The Spain tourist visa fee for Indian citizens is INR 6000. This fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is denied.

ALSO READ: Ultimate Guide to a Switzerland Tourist Visa

Spain Tourist Visa Success Rate

The Spain tourist visa success rate for Indian citizens is very high, with over 90% of applications being approved. However, it is important to ensure that you submit all of the required documents and that your application is complete and accurate.

Spain Tourist Visa Checklist

Here is a checklist of all the documents you will need to submit for a Spain tourist visa application:

1.) Valid passport 2.) Two passport-size photographs 3.) Spain tourist visa application form 4.) Cover letter 5.) Proof of travel insurance 6.) Proof of accommodation 7.) Proof of sufficient funds

Cover Letter for Spain Tourist Visa

Your cover letter is an important part of your Spain tourist visa application. It gives you the opportunity to explain the purpose of your visit to Spain and to show the visa officer that you are a genuine tourist.

In your cover letter, you should include the following information:

1.) Your full name and date of birth 2.) Your passport number and expiry date 3.) Your travel dates 4.) The purpose of your visit to Spain 5.) Your itinerary for your trip 6.) How you will be funding your trip

Spain Tourist Visa Appointment

Once you have submitted all of the required documents, you will need to schedule a visa appointment at the Spanish embassy or consulate nearest to you. 

You can schedule an appointment online or by calling the embassy or consulate.

Spain Tourist Visa Success Rate 2024

The Spain tourist visa success rate for Indian citizens in 2022 was 95%. This means that 95% of all Spain tourist visa applications submitted by Indian citizens were approved.

Spain Tourist Visa Documents Required

The following documents are required for a spain tourist visa application:.

ALSO READ: Ultimate Guide to a Guaranteed Greece Tourist Visa

Documents Required for Spain Tourist Visa

1.) Valid passport 2.) Two passport-size photographs 3.) Spain tourist visa application form 4.) A Cover letter 5.) Proof of travel insurance 6.) Proof of accommodation 7.) Proof of sufficient funds

Spain Tourist Visa Fees from India

MUST READ: France Tourist Visa from India

Spain Tourist Visa Application Form

The Spain tourist visa application form can be downloaded from the website of the Spanish embassy or consulate in India.

Spain Tourist Visa from India Price

The Spain tourist visa fee for Indian citizens is INR 6000 . This fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is denied.

Spain Tourist Visa Validity

The Spain tourist visa is valid for 90 days from the date of entry into Spain.

Sample Cover Letter for Spain Tourist Visa

Dear Visa Officer, I am writing to apply for a Spain tourist visa. I am a [your nationality] citizen and I reside in [your city, state].  I am planning to visit Spain for 10 days, from August 1st to August 10th, 2023. The purpose of my visit is to tour the country and experience its rich culture and history.  I am particularly interested in visiting the cities of Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. I have already booked my flights and accommodations for the trip. I am employed as a [your job title] at [your company name]. I have been with the company for [number] years and I earn an annual salary of [your annual salary].  I have sufficient funds to support my stay in Spain and I will be returning to India after my trip. I am a genuine tourist and I have no intention of overstaying my visa. I am confident that I will meet all of the requirements for a Spain tourist visa and I look forward to visiting your beautiful country. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your name]

Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Success in Obtaining a Spain Tourist Visa

1.) Ensure that your application is complete and accurate. 2.) Submit all of the required documents. 3.) Write a well-written cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit and why you are a genuine tourist.

What is the Spain tourist visa fee for Indian citizens?

What is the spain tourist visa success rate for indian citizens.

The Spain tourist visa success rate for Indian citizens is very high, with over 90% of applications being approved.  However, it is important to ensure that you submit all of the required documents and that your application is complete and accurate.

What are the most important documents required for a Spain tourist visa application?

The most important documents required for a Spain tourist visa application are:

You may also be required to submit additional documents, such as a letter from your employer confirming your leave of absence, or a birth certificate for your minor children.

How long does it take to process a Spain tourist visa application?

The processing time for a Spain tourist visa application from India can vary depending on the time of year and the workload at the Spanish embassy or consulate.  However, you can expect your visa to be processed within 15-20 working days.

What are some tips for increasing my chances of success in obtaining a Spain tourist visa?

Here are some tips for increasing your chances of success in obtaining a Spain tourist visa:

1.) Ensure that your application is complete and accurate. 2.) Submit all of the required documents. 3.) Write a well-written cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit and why you are a genuine tourist. 4.) Be honest and upfront in your application. 5.) Show that you have sufficient funds to support your stay in Spain and that you will be returning to India after your trip.

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More From Forbes

Will ending spain’s ‘golden visa’ alleviate its housing shortages.

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Jose Maria (4th R) and his wife Paqui Vazquez (2nd L) protest outside their house on May 24, 2012 in ... [+] a demonstration organized by the association. Signs read: "Stop evictions. Jorge Guerrero/AFP/GettyImages)

Last month Spain announced its intention to halt the Golden Visa program for home buyers. The story will resurface later this year if Spain’s legislature moves to end it. But the most significant angle is the credit story behind it.

Golden Visa programs sprang up in Spain as well as the U.K., Ireland, Malta, Portugal, Netherlands, and Greece, in the aftermath of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis (GFC). The goal was to entice individuals with residency to contribute to the local economy and help resolve the large overhang of residential real estate left over when the debt bubble imploded.

The policy is now perceived to have backfired and has been terminated in most places that must deal with an even larger home ownership problem going forward.

Lured By The Good Life?

Spain’s threshold price for a Golden Visa home is €0.5 million (about $535,000 today). Also qualifying as Golden Visa assets in Spain are domestic equities and bank accounts (minimum investment, €1 million, or about $1.07 million) and bonds (€2 million or about $2.14 million), but 94% of program proceeds are from real estate.

Why has Spain’s real estate been more attractive than other financial asset options? Could living in one of Spain’s hot markets, like Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Balearic Islands, Alicante, Valencia, or Seville, offer buyers a kind of “intangibles arbitrage” where Spain’s quality of life and social benefits offer an excess of value for money?

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Having stayed in Bilbao for several weeks this year, I find this economic argument appealing, but not watertight.

To test it, ask whether investors make sacrifices to own Golden Visa properties. Will they take on additional debt for it? Or is the typical Golden Visa homebuyer simply deploying idle cash?

Direct data are not available to answer definitively, but we do know over half of Spain’s Golden Visa homebuyers come from China, and investment from Russians, the second-largest investor cohort, tops €3.4 billion ($3.68 billion). Both populations typically purchase overseas real estate to park an excess of cash beyond the reach of their home country. They don’t need the credit.

U.S. (fourth-) and U.K. (fifth-largest) investors are known to use credit strategically: booking a gain in the moment they borrow at a bargain rate. But, as it happens, mortgage costs have risen dramatically since 2022,. This trend mirrors the dwindling home purchases of Americans and British.

In sum, the lifestyle-value argument appears weak.

Or A Case Of ‘Follow The Money’?

A more convincing explanation is legal tax avoidance. Non-Europeans who are not Golden Visa investors must reside a minimum 183 days to qualify for residency. But immediately they become fully liable for worldwide income on the whole year. Those who gain residency via the Golden Visa do not need have to be physically resident and thus do not need to pay taxes. Exempted from the double-whammy tax impact, they are better off than any other class of Spanish resident, including nationals.

Prime Minister Sánchez spoke to this inequity last month by declaring an end to the “so-called” Golden Visa, which he termed “a speculative model…that has made it impossible to find decent housing for those who live and work and pay their taxes every day.”

The Golden Visa may be the most visible contributor to Spain’s housing shortage, but two macro factors have contributed in a much bigger way. First, new household formation (demand) has been out of sync with new housing construction (supply) for some time. Second, overseas institutional investors have been acquiring Spanish homes since just before the Golden Visa program began, but on a much larger scale.

This Risk May Be Too Big To See

The long version is for another day; but in brief, Blackstone, Bain Capital, and Miami-based H.I.G. Capital began snapping up blocks of residential properties at deep discounts in early summer 2013. In 2014, Apollo Global Management and TPG Capital Management bought out the residential real estate servicing operations of Banco Santander and Caixa Bank. Cerberus bought into Spain’s then-largest local real estate concern, Haya Real Estate Group, and formed a local subsidiary that purchased 80% of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA (BBVA)’s real estate portfolio in 2017.

By 2020 , Blackstone had amassed Spanish 100,000 real estate assets. The wholesale buying has continued into 2023 with BlackRock newly entering the market. Meanwhile, the Golden Visa portfolio is less than 0.1% of the total 4.5 million Spanish residential properties that have traded hands since 2013. This is less than 1/20th of Blackstone’s 2020 portfolio. Clearly, private equity operates on a much bigger scale with higher stakes and a different strategy: a pure asset trade.

And as an asset trade, price sustainability and home ownership are not important considerations. To the contrary, the more sharply property valuations and rental prices appreciate, the higher private equity’s returns on investment.

Intro To Capital Structure Arbitrage

An economic entity’s balance sheet displays assets and operations on the left side; and on the right is the structure of the capital that funds the assets and operations. Capital comes in two forms: liabilities (debt/credit), which must be repaid, and owned shares (equity) representing what is left after liabilities are repaid.

Each form has benefits and drawbacks, but in stable market conditions, their payoffs should align with risk-free rates after adjusting for volatility—the higher the vol, the bigger the adjustment. Or, so the theory goes. This is “risk equivalence.”

Capital structure arbitrage exploits capital price irregularities to extract rent. One common strategy is to acquire assets at below-market prices, rent them out at higher prices, and book the gain as the market adjusts upward. The returns are even higher if the assets are acquired on leverage, i.e., by borrowing at cheap rates and repaid form the rental income as it flows in.

Rental agreements are contractual obligations to pay a periodic fixed charge and a right of abode until the lease terminates or the payment stops. Seeing rent as a form of debt is the key to seeing the arbitrage.

Not A One-Time Adjustment: A Credit Loop

Banks do it. Landlords do it. And private equity firms are doing it to Spain. They are buying up distressed properties at concessionary prices, often on credit (because they can), fixing them up, and renting them out again to locals who can barely afford the rent and cannot afford the downpayment in order to buy.

Spain is by no means the country where this trade has been carried out. Since 2012, the same strategy has been rolled out in the U.S. on a national scale, with the same impact and stakes. It is changing the economics of homeownership, as home prices need to rise enough to repay the borrowed capital, clean up the property for resale, and still book an attractive gain.

This is not a one-time adjustment but an inflationary credit feedback loop that will drive rents and home prices ever-higher, and push individual home ownership further out of sight, until one of the links in the inflationary chain breaks.

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The golden age of golden visas is over in southern Europe

• Southern European economies have had remarkable recoveries since the financial crisis over a decade ago.
• But a surge in real estate investment, partly due to "golden visas", has led to skyrocketing housing costs.
• Northern Europe is also facing a housing crunch, despite very different economic conditions.

Southern European economies — from Greece to Portugal — have made remarkable recoveries since the European financial crisis just over a decade ago. Tourism is booming , investors and major businesses have moved in, and lots of foreigners are relocating to the region to take advantage of new jobs and a cheaper cost of living .

But one side effect of this growth is skyrocketing housing costs. Home prices and rents have soared in cities like Lisbon and Athens , while beach towns from Spain to the Greek islands are dominated by pricey short-term rentals.

This is in part the doing of so-called " golden visas ," hugely popular residency visas for foreign investors. In countries like Greece, Spain, and Portugal, most visa applicants qualify by buying residential property.

Americans make up a big portion of the foreigners flooding into southern European countries. They're gobbling up some of the most expensive real estate in Spain . They spent more per square meter on homes in Spain than any other nationality besides Danes, The New York Times reported last year. And they purchased more Portuguese golden visas than any other nationality in 2022 . Some are escaping increasingly unaffordable housing markets in the US . But they're now contributing to housing affordability issues across the Atlantic.

A surge in real estate investment has pushed home values way up, gentrifying in-demand cities , displacing longtime residents, and preventing young people from moving out of their parents' homes. Despite their booming economies, average southern Europeans still have relatively low wages and just can't compete with foreign investors, homebuyers, tourists, and remote workers.

Portugal, which has had one of the most popular and lucrative golden visas, rolled out its policy in 2012, fast-tracking visas for well-heeled foreigners, including those who transferred at least one million euros to a Portuguese bank account, purchased at least 500,000 euros in real estate, created at least 10 jobs, or donated at least 250,000 euros to certain cultural or artistic initiatives. The visa holders can travel freely in more than two dozen EU countries and are eligible for family reunification.

The visas have had a huge impact on Portuguese real estate and housing costs, João Pereira dos Santos, a researcher at the School of Economics and Finance at Queen Mary University of London, told Business Insider. The vast majority of visa holders have used a real estate purchase as their way in.

"They buy houses, so they do not invest and create jobs. And we know part of this housing is immediately put in the long-term and in the short-term rental markets," Pereira dos Santos said. "So these people that apply for the visa, they do not come to live in Portugal."

Portuguese home prices rose 19% just between 2021 and 2022. The whole market — from cheaper rentals to luxury houses — has been affected, Pereira dos Santos said. "The problem was so salient that it even appreciated houses that were deals between Portuguese buyers and sellers," he said.

Golden visas aren't all to blame. At the same time, Portugal, like the rest of sunny southern Europe, has seen a huge surge in tourists. Many emerged from pandemic lockdowns with the travel bug — and cash to spend. Last year was "the best year in the history of tourism in Portugal," the country's Secretary of State for Tourism, Trade and Services, Nuno Fazenda, told Bloomberg . The pandemic also ushered in a wave of remote workers and retirees looking for a high quality of life in relatively affordable European countries. New digital nomad visas for foreign remote workers have also juiced demand for housing.

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But as Portugal has experienced a worsening housing affordability crisis, Portuguese public opinion on golden visas has soured. Pereira dos Santos and his colleagues conducted a nationally representative survey in Portugal that found that a majority of respondents were in favor of ending the golden visa program even if it harmed the Portuguese economy to do so. Last year, the country changed the terms of its golden visa program to exclude real estate investment .

Other southern European countries are following suit, similarly pointing to skyrocketing real estate prices. Last month, Spain announced the end of its golden visa program, which was almost entirely dependent on foreign real estate investment.

Due to these measures, some of the most in-demand places in southern Europe will likely see slower housing price growth going forward. But because these economies are still doing so well overall, real estate prices will generally continue to tick up, Holger Schmieding, the chief economist at Berenberg Bank in London, told Business Insider.

"These economies are better places to invest and create jobs for domestic and for foreign investors into the economies as a whole," Schmieding said. "With better employment prospects people feel confident to buy a house or build a house. The real estate market is largely a reflection of the economy being on a more solid footing."

Northern Europe faces its own crunch

The economies of southern Europe are doing much better than the traditional powerhouses of northern Europe. Portugal and Spain grew more than three times as fast as Germany did in the first quarter of this year. But northern Europe is struggling with a housing crunch of its own.

The Netherlands has one of the most severe housing crises on the continent. Home prices have doubled , on average, over the last decade and now a newly-constructed home costs 16 times the average Dutch salary. Limits on building permits, a shortage of building materials and construction workers, and limited land have all contributed to the country's housing shortage.

Germany has seen a significant home price correction as it faced relatively high interest rates, an energy crisis, and new regulations requiring that homeowners switch from oil and gas heating systems to heat pumps that rely on renewable energy. That combination has helped dampen demand for homes and construction.

German housing prices are expected to start rebounding as the home heating policy becomes better understood, the European Central Bank signals it will soon cut interest rates, and wages rise faster than prices . "The German market for house prices is close to bottoming out, and the same probably holds for building permits and residential construction," Schmieding said.

France similarly saw housing costs steadily climb in recent years, but, like Germany, has seen its prices come down amid high interest rates. Schmieding also expects home prices and rents to tick back up later this year in France as long as interest rates come down.

The country is still facing housing affordability issues — a situation one prominent charity recently called "a social bomb"  — with rising homelessness and a growing waitlist for social housing. The Paris Olympic games this summer are only intensifying housing demand in the capital, including for short-term rentals, which has reduced the number of rental apartments on the market .

Despite very different economic conditions, all kinds of European countries are facing the same dilemma that's plaguing the US: a shortage of affordable homes.

Axel Springer, Insider Inc.'s parent company, is an investor in Airbnb.

Watch: Was Italy's $1 home scheme worth it?

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