If you are planning to travel to Europe in 2025, one of the first things you need to do is apply for a Schengen visa. The Schengen visa allows you to travel across 27 European countries with a single visa. However, getting this visa approved can sometimes be confusing and stressful—especially for first-time travelers. One of the most common questions people ask is: “Which Schengen country is the easiest to get a visa from?” This article will guide you through that question in a simple, clear, and user-friendly way so that even someone with an 8th-grade understanding can follow along easily.
Why Choosing the Right Country Matters
Although the Schengen visa gives you access to multiple countries, you can’t just apply anywhere. You need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend the most time during your visit. If you’re spending equal time in multiple countries, then you must apply through the country you will enter first. This is important because each Schengen country has its own visa policy, processing speed, and approval rate. Some embassies are stricter than others, and choosing the right country can increase your chances of getting the visa approved smoothly and quickly.
The Easiest Schengen Countries to Apply Through in 2025
In 2025, based on recent data and traveler experiences, countries like Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Iceland have shown the highest visa approval rates. These countries are known for being more relaxed and helpful toward tourists and are often easier to deal with, especially for people applying for the first time.
Let’s start with Lithuania, which is often considered the most visa-friendly Schengen country. Lithuania has a visa approval rate of over 97%, making it one of the best choices for travelers who want a stress-free visa experience. People from countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Nigeria have reported smooth processing through the Lithuanian embassy. As long as your documents are complete and your travel plans are genuine, your chances of getting approved are very high. The embassy staff are known to be friendly and don’t unnecessarily delay applications.
Latvia is another great option. The Latvian embassy has built a reputation for being efficient and tourist-friendly. Their approval rate is also very high, and they usually do not reject applicants without strong reasons. People often praise the smooth and professional handling of visa files by Latvian consulates. If you are planning a peaceful, budget-friendly European vacation, Latvia can serve as both a destination and a gateway to other Schengen countries.
Moving on to Estonia, which has become more popular in recent years. While Estonia is best known for its digital innovation, its visa system is also quite fair and transparent. Travelers find their visa requirements simple and easy to fulfill. The embassy staff typically speak English, and the process tends to be less complicated compared to more tourist-heavy nations like France or Spain. Estonia is especially welcoming to students, solo travelers, and young professionals.
Another country worth considering is Finland. It’s a beautiful country known for its lakes, forests, and peaceful cities, but what many don’t realize is that Finland also has a smooth and straightforward visa process. The Finnish embassies have a solid reputation for treating applicants with respect and handling applications professionally. If you are applying as a family or as part of a group tour, Finland can be a great choice, as they tend to favor well-planned travel itineraries with proper accommodation and return tickets.
Lastly, Iceland may surprise you. Even though it’s not the first country that comes to mind for a European vacation, Iceland’s embassy processes visa applications in a calm and professional way. It doesn’t receive as many applications as larger countries, which means your file is likely to get more careful attention. The visa requirements are fair, and the chances of approval are high if you are submitting honest and complete documents.
Countries That Are More Difficult to Apply Through
On the other hand, some Schengen countries are known for being stricter. These include France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Although these countries are very popular travel destinations, they also receive the highest number of visa applications every year. Because of this, their embassies are more selective and tend to reject applications that are even slightly weak or incomplete. If you don’t have strong proof of funds, confirmed bookings, or a return ticket, your chances of rejection may increase. These countries also tend to scrutinize first-time travelers more closely.
That said, you should not avoid these countries altogether. If your travel plans genuinely involve staying in France or Germany the longest, you must apply through them. Falsifying your travel plans just to apply through an “easier” country can cause bigger issues later, like being banned from applying again or getting stopped at immigration.
Can You Apply Through Another Country Just Because It’s Easier?
It might seem tempting to apply through Lithuania or Latvia even if you’re planning to visit Spain or Italy. However, this is not a good idea. Your visa must match your travel itinerary. If immigration officers find out that you didn’t actually visit the country that issued your visa, you might face trouble in future applications. Always be honest about your travel plans. If you want to apply through an easier country, then consider planning your trip to genuinely start or spend more time in that country.
Tips to Get Your Schengen Visa Approved
No matter which country you choose, there are some basic rules that you must follow to improve your chances of getting approved. First, make sure all your documents are accurate and complete. This includes your valid passport, visa application form, flight and hotel bookings, travel insurance, and proof of financial support. You should also write a clear and polite cover letter explaining your travel plans, who is paying for the trip, and why you will return to your home country.
Second, never submit fake or forged documents. This will not only get your application rejected but may also lead to serious consequences, like being blacklisted or banned from traveling. Third, make sure your bank statement shows that you have enough money to cover your entire trip. Having a job, school, or business that you can return to also makes a big difference. It proves that you have strong ties to your home country and are not planning to overstay in Europe.
Finally, apply early. Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Embassies are busy, and last-minute files often get delayed. Submitting your application 4–6 weeks before your travel date gives you enough time to handle any problems or questions from the embassy.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, if you’re looking for the easiest Schengen countries to apply through, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Iceland are your best options. These countries have high approval rates, simpler processes, and more traveler-friendly embassy staff. However, your success still depends on the quality of your application. Choose your destination based on real travel plans and make sure your documents are clear and truthful. With careful planning, you can enjoy your European adventure with peace of mind and a Schengen visa in hand.
FAQ’s About Schengen Country
Which Schengen country has the highest visa approval rate in 2025?
Lithuania currently has one of the highest Schengen visa approval rates in 2025, with over 97% approvals. It’s a popular choice for first-time applicants due to its smooth process and traveler-friendly consulates.
Can I apply for a Schengen visa from a country I won’t stay in?
No, your visa application must match your actual travel plan. You should apply through the country where you’ll stay the longest or where you’ll enter first if durations are equal. Falsifying routes may lead to visa issues later.
Is it easier to get a Schengen visa as a first-time traveler?
It can be slightly harder for first-timers, especially with stricter embassies. But applying through a high-approval country like Latvia or Finland, with complete documents and proof of return, boosts your chances.
Which countries should I avoid for a first Schengen visa?
Countries like France, Germany, and Spain are known to be stricter. They get more applications and often reject files with incomplete documents or weak financial proofs. Choose a country with higher approval if you’re unsure.
Does the visa approval depend on my nationality?
Yes, your nationality can affect processing. Some embassies may be more cautious based on visa overstay histories. However, honest documents and strong ties to your home country matter more for approval.
What documents help improve my Schengen visa approval chances?
A valid passport, confirmed flight and hotel bookings, travel insurance, proof of funds, a job letter or school enrollment, and a clear travel plan all support your case. A well-written cover letter also helps.
Is Iceland a good choice for an easy Schengen visa in 2025?
Yes, Iceland remains a traveler-friendly option in 2025. It handles fewer applications, so files get more attention. With complete and genuine documents, getting approved by the Icelandic embassy is likely.
Can I reapply immediately if my Schengen visa gets rejected?
Yes, you can reapply, but only after addressing the reasons for rejection. It’s better to correct any issues first—like missing documents or low funds—before submitting a new application, possibly through a friendlier embassy.