Which Country’s Schengen Visa Is Most Popular Among Foreign Nationals? Here’s All About Visa Trends And Preferences

Every year, millions of travellers dream of exploring Europe’s diverse landscapes, iconic cities, and rich cultural heritage—and for many, this dream begins with a Schengen visa. Among the 29 countries in the Schengen Zone, two nations consistently stand out as popular destinations for visa applicants: France and Germany. The story behind which nationalities favour France or Germany offers a deeper look into how travellers from across the world navigate their European journeys.

Popular Countries For Schengen Visa In 2023

When it comes to applying for Schengen visas, France and Germany consistently dominate as the top destinations for foreign nationals seeking access to Europe. France emerged as the top recipient of Schengen visa applications in 2023, with a staggering 2.6 million requests. This made it the most sought-after country for those looking to visit the Schengen Zone. 

Interestingly, while it received a large number of applications, it also had a relatively high rejection rate of 16.7%, accounting for 436,893 denials, according to Schengen News reports. Among the total visas granted, 36.5% were multiple-entry visas (MEVs), showing France’s popularity for those seeking flexibility with their travel plans. Three nationalities, in particular, demonstrated a clear preference for France over other Schengen countries: China, Morocco, and Algeria.

Germany, while receiving fewer applications overall compared to France, still handled an impressive 1.4 million visa requests in 2023. It showed a slightly lower rejection rate at 14.3%, making it a potentially more favourable choice for some travellers in terms of approval odds. Schengen News reported that citizens of Egypt, Belarus, and Kosovo lead the requests for Germany’s visa requests.

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A Tale Of Popularity And Rejection

While France clearly led the way in terms of sheer volume of visa applications, Germany showed strong numbers with fewer rejections. For many nationalities, choosing between France and Germany comes down to factors such as cultural ties, ease of travel, and economic opportunities. 

For instance, applicants from former French colonies like Morocco and Algeria favoured France, while those seeking Germany were often from countries with strong economic or geographic links to it, such as Egypt and Kosovo.

Despite the popularity of these two destinations, they had differing rejection rates. France rejected 16.7% of visa applications—a higher percentage compared to Germany’s 14.3%. This means that for travellers concerned about their application success, Germany may be seen as a slightly safer bet, despite fewer total applications being processed.

Whether it’s the allure of Parisian landmarks or Germany’s strong job market, foreign nationals are continuing to flock to these two nations, making them Schengen’s visa powerhouses.

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