Schengen Visa Statistics & Trends: 2023 Insights and 2025 Predictions
In 2023, Schengen countries witnessed a remarkable resurgence in travel demand, processing over 10.3 million short-stay visa applications—a 37% increase compared to 2022. This surge highlights a strong global desire for European travel, with many countries showing significant contributions to the visa application pool. The data and insights presented in this article are sourced from SchengenVisaInfo, a trusted resource for visa-related statistics and travel information.
Top Nationalities Applying for Schengen Visas
Among the top 10 nationalities applying for Schengen visas, Asia played a dominant role. The leading countries were:
- China – 1.1 million applications
- Turkey – 1.05 million applications
- India – 966,000 applications
- Morocco – 591,000 applications
- Russia – 520,387 applications
- Algeria – 496,853 applications
- Saudi Arabia – 410,419 applications
- Egypt – 367,046 applications
- Thailand – 355,853 applications
- Tunisia – 305,563 applications
Thailand: Southeast Asia’s Leading Applicant
One of the most interesting insights from the 2023 data is Thailand ranking No. 9 globally and No. 1 in Southeast Asia in Schengen visa applications. With over 355,000 applications, Thailand outpaced other ASEAN countries, demonstrating a growing interest among Thai citizens in European travel. This reflects two key trends:
- Increasing affordability of European travel for Thai tourists – As Thailand's economy strengthens, more Thai travelers can afford international trips, including to Europe, which is often perceived as a premium travel destination.
- Thailand’s potential as a provider of high-quality labor – The high number of applications could also indicate that skilled Thai workers, including professionals in hospitality, culinary arts, and other industries, are seeking opportunities in Europe.
- Thai students pursuing education in Europe – Many Thai students apply for Schengen visas to study abroad in European universities, benefiting from high-quality education, cultural exchange opportunities, and career prospects after graduation.
- Business and trade connections – Thai entrepreneurs and business professionals increasingly travel to Europe to explore investment opportunities, attend trade fairs, and build international partnerships.
- Cultural and familial ties – A significant number of Thai applicants travel to visit relatives residing in Europe or participate in cultural exchange programs that strengthen Thai-European relations.
- Medical tourism and specialized healthcare – Some Thai citizens apply for Schengen visas to access advanced medical treatments available in Europe, further diversifying the reasons behind visa applications.
Which Schengen Countries Issued the Most Visas?
The Schengen states with the highest number of visa applications received were:
- France – 2,625,846 applications (issued 2,169,332 visas)
- Germany – 1,459,560 applications (issued 1,233,561 visas)
- Spain – 1,413,222 applications (issued 1,153,328 visas)
- Italy – 1,108,035 applications (issued 895,519 visas)
France remains the most sought-after Schengen destination, with nearly one in four Schengen visa applications directed towards the country.
Rejection Rates and Security Concerns
While the overall Schengen visa approval rate stood at 82.3%, rejection rates varied across countries. France had a 16.6% rejection rate, denying 436,893 applications. Security concerns also played a significant role, particularly for Russian applicants, as Schengen states imposed stricter regulations due to geopolitical tensions.
Multiple Entry Visas (MEVs)
Multiple Entry Visas allow travelers to enter and exit the Schengen Area multiple times within the visa’s validity period. In 2023:
- Germany issued 1,233,561 MEVs (90.4% of total visas issued)
- France issued 2,169,332 MEVs (82.6% of total visas issued)
These statistics indicate that most travelers, including Thai tourists, are securing visas that enable them to visit Europe more than once within a given period.
Interesting Facts About Schengen Visas
- Most Expensive Visa Processing Costs: A Schengen visa application costs €80 for adults and €40 for children, but additional service fees can increase the total cost. For Thai travelers, this remains an affordable expense compared to the potential benefits of European tourism.
- Fastest Visa Processing Time: Some Schengen countries, like Lithuania and Estonia, process visas in as little as 7–10 days, while others take several weeks.
- The Most Powerful Schengen Passport: Germany and Spain’s passports allow visa-free access to 194 destinations worldwide, making them the most powerful in Europe.
Schengen Visa Trends for 2025: What to Expect?
As we look ahead to 2025, several key trends are likely to shape Schengen visa applications:
- Continued Growth in Applications: The demand for Schengen visas is expected to rise further, especially from countries like India, China, and Thailand, where middle-class travel is booming.
- Stricter Entry Requirements: With increased security measures, Schengen states may introduce enhanced digital verification systems and stricter screening processes.
- Faster Visa Processing: The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is set to improve visa processing times, benefiting frequent travelers.
- Thailand’s Strong Presence in the Rankings: Given Thailand’s consistent growth in applications, the country could move even higher in global rankings, further solidifying its position as a top source of Schengen tourists.
Final Thoughts
The 2023 Schengen visa statistics highlight the post-pandemic recovery of global travel and the increasing accessibility of Europe for travelers worldwide. Thailand’s presence in the top 10 visa applicants is a major milestone for Southeast Asia, reflecting the growing purchasing power of Thai tourists and potential labor mobility in Europe. As demand continues to rise, Schengen countries may see even more diverse travelers exploring their rich cultural and economic opportunities in the coming years.
