Europe is a beautiful continent, full of stunning landscapes, amazing history, and diverse cultures. Planning a trip to Europe can be exciting, but obtaining a Schengen Visa can be daunting. The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows travellers to visit multiple countries in the Schengen Area, without the need for multiple visas. However, the process of obtaining a Schengen Visa can be complex and time-consuming, with varying requirements and documentation. Fortunately, some countries make the process easier than others. This article will comprehensively guide the top 8 easiest countries to obtain Schengen visas.

What is a Schengen Visa?

Before we dive into the list of the top 8 easiest countries to obtain Schengen Visa, let’s first understand what a Schengen Visa is. A Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows travellers to visit multiple countries in the Schengen Area, which consists of 26 European countries. This visa is valid for up to 90 days within 180 days and allows travellers to move freely within the Schengen Area without needing multiple visas.

Criteria for Selecting the Top 8 Easiest Countries to Obtain Schengen Visa

To select the top 8 easiest countries to obtain Schengen Visa, we considered the following criteria:

1. Schengen Visa Approval Rate: A country’s Schengen Visa approval rate is important as it indicates how easy or difficult it is to obtain a Schengen Visa.
2. Document Requirements: The document requirements of a country can vary, and some countries may require more documents than others, making the process more complex.
3. Processing Time: The processing time of a Schengen Visa application can vary from country to country, and some countries may have a faster processing time than others, making the process easier.

Top 8 Easiest Countries to Obtain Schengen Visa

Based on the above criteria, here are the top 8 easiest countries to obtain Schengen Visa:

1. Lithuania
2. Estonia
3. Latvia
4. Iceland
5. Slovakia
6. Czech Republic
7. Poland
8. Hungary

Lithuania

Lithuania is a small country in the Baltic region of Europe. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, medieval architecture, and rich history. Lithuania has a high Schengen Visa approval rate of 98%, which makes it one of the easiest countries to obtain a Schengen Visa. The document requirements for a Schengen Visa in Lithuania are also relatively easy to fulfil. The processing time for a Schengen Visa application in Lithuania is around 10-15 days.

Estonia

Estonia is a small country located in Northern Europe. It is known for its beautiful nature, modern cities, and rich culture. Estonia has a Schengen Visa approval rate of 98.4%, which makes it one of the easiest countries to obtain a Schengen Visa. The document requirements for a Schengen Visa in Estonia are also relatively easy to fulfil. The processing time for a Schengen Visa application in Estonia is around 15-30 days.

Latvia

Latvia is a country located in the Baltic region of Europe. It is known for its beautiful forests, rivers, and sandy beaches. Latvia has a Schengen Visa approval rate of 98.3%, which makes it one of the easiest countries to obtain a Schengen Visa. The document requirements for a Schengen Visa in Latvia are also relatively easy to fulfil. The processing time for a Schengen Visa application in Latvia is around 15-20 days.

Iceland

Iceland is a Nordic island country located in the North Atlantic. It is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and glaciers. Iceland has a Schengen Visa approval rate of 97.9%, which makes it one of the easiest countries to obtain a Schengen Visa. The document requirements for a Schengen Visa in Iceland are also relatively easy to fulfil. The processing time for a Schengen Visa application in Iceland is around 15 days.

Slovakia

Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is known for its stunning natural scenery, including the Tatra Mountains, national parks, and caves. Slovakia has a Schengen Visa approval rate of 97.5%, which makes it one of the easiest countries to obtain a Schengen Visa. The document requirements for a Schengen Visa in Slovakia are also relatively easy to fulfil. The processing time for a Schengen Visa application in Slovakia is around 15-30 days.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a country located in Central Europe. It is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious beer. The Czech Republic has a Schengen Visa approval rate of 97.4%, which makes it one of the easiest countries to obtain a Schengen Visa. The document requirements for a Schengen Visa in the Czech Republic are also relatively easy to fulfil. The processing time for a Schengen Visa application in the Czech Republic is around 15-30 days.

Poland

Poland is a country located in Central Europe. It is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious food. Poland has a Schengen Visa approval rate of 97.3%, which makes it one of the easiest countries to obtain a Schengen Visa. The document requirements for a Schengen Visa in Poland are also relatively easy to fulfil. The processing time for a Schengen Visa application in Poland is around 15-30 days.

Hungary

Hungary is a country located in Central Europe. It is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and delicious food. Hungary has a Schengen Visa approval rate of 96.6%, which makes it one of the easiest countries to obtain a Schengen Visa. The document requirements for a Schengen Visa in Hungary are also relatively easy to fulfil. The processing time for a Schengen Visa application in Hungary is around 15-30 days.

FAQs

Q: What is the Schengen Area?

A: The Schengen Area comprises 26 European countries that have abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual borders.

Q: Can I apply for a Schengen Visa in any of the countries on this list?

A: Yes, you can apply for a Schengen Visa in any of the countries on this list if you meet the eligibility criteria and provide the required documentation.

Q: Can I travel to any country in the Schengen Area with a Schengen Visa?

A: Yes, you can travel to any country in

the Schengen Area with a Schengen Visa. There are no internal borders within the Schengen Area, so you can travel freely between the countries that are part of it.

Q: How long can I stay in the Schengen Area with a Schengen Visa?

A: The duration of your stay in the Schengen Area with a Schengen Visa depends on the type of visa you have been granted. Generally, short-term Schengen Visas allow you to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Q: Can I extend my Schengen Visa?

A: Extending your Schengen Visa in certain circumstances, such as medical emergencies or unforeseen events that prevent you from leaving the Schengen Area is possible. However, extensions are rare and difficult to obtain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining a Schengen Visa can be daunting, but it is easier to apply in one of the countries with the highest approval rates. The Top 8 easiest countries to obtain a Schengen Visa are Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Iceland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary. These countries have relatively easy document requirements and faster processing times. However, it is important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria and providing all necessary documentation is still crucial for obtaining a Schengen Visa.