Every year, millions, including thousands of Nigerians, go through long queues, overwhelming paperwork, and unclear embassy guidelines only to hear: “Application Denied.” According to the official Schengen Visa Statistics 2024, in 2024 alone, 1.7 million out of 11.7 million Schengen visa applications were rejected. That’s a 14.8% rejection rate, and sadly, applicants from Nigeria are among the most affected due to consular scrutiny and tighter documentation requirements.
However, it is essential to know that not all Schengen countries are equally strict. Some have significantly higher approval rates, smoother embassy experiences, and more transparent application processes than the others. That’s where knowing the easiest countries to get a Schengen visa is highly important to help you make informed decisions.
Easiest Countries to Get a Schengen Visa
Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a frequent traveller seeking to visit a Schengen country, here are the 11 easiest Schengen countries you can easily get a visa for.
1. Iceland – Visa Rejection Rate: 6.47%
Iceland tops the list of the easiest countries to get a Schengen visa with a phenomenal 93.53% visa approval rate. Iceland is known for its clear, straightforward application process and traveller-friendly policies.
Despite processing nearly 20,000 more applications this year than last, the rejection rate only slightly increased, and it is still one of the lowest in the entire Schengen region. That means your chances of success here are much higher than in other Western European countries. Also, Iceland’s Directorate of Immigration website offers step-by-step guidelines, and the process typically starts online before submitting documents in person at the nearest embassy.
2. Bulgaria – Visa Rejection Rate: 10.02%
Bulgaria is new to the Schengen club but is already making visa applications easier for tourists, students, and business visitors. With a rejection rate just over 10%, it’s one of the easiest Schengen countries for Nigerians to obtain a visa. Additionally, Bulgaria’s system is easy to understand, especially if you’re applying for tourism or short-stay purposes.
3. Romania – Visa Rejection Rate: 9.28%
Romania, officially added to the Schengen Area in March 2024, has quickly become one of the easiest countries to get a Schengen visa, especially for first-time Nigerian applicants. With a visa approval rate above 90%, it’s an ideal destination to enter Europe without the usual bureaucratic headache. You can check out the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as it outlines all requirements in a clear format.
4. Latvia – Visa Rejection Rate: 10.81%
With an 89.19% approval rate, Latvia has remained a favourite destination among travellers looking for a high chance of Schengen visa success. Even though fewer people applied this year, Latvia maintained its low rejection rate and continues to offer a relatively stress-free experience. When applying for your visa, it is always important to double-check your online form for accuracy. According to feedback from past applicants, minor typos are a common reason for avoidable rejections.
5. Slovakia – Visa Rejection Rate: 9.98%
Slovakia is another exclusive destination for Schengen visa applicants looking for minimal stress. It has a 90.02% visa success rate and offers a relatively smooth and predictable process. Though rejection rates increased slightly in 2024, it still ranks among the easiest countries to get a Schengen visa. One major thing you have to know about Slovakia is that embassy appointment slots can fill quickly, so schedule yours early. Check Slovakia’s consular website for your country before you begin your application.
READ MORE: 7 Cheapest European Countries to Live In
6. Portugal – Visa Rejection Rate: 10.77%
Portugal is not just famous for its beautiful coastline and laid-back lifestyle; it’s also rapidly becoming one of the easiest countries to get a Schengen visa. In 2024, the country approved nearly 9 out of every 10 visa requests, which is a major improvement from previous years. It is essential to use Portugal’s official visa portal for updated info as their consulates now prioritise clarity and responsiveness, especially in Africa.
7. Hungary – Visa Rejection Rate: 12.77%
Known for its vibrant cities, healing thermal baths, and rich history, Hungary also ranks high for its efficient visa application process. In 2024, the country had a success rate of 87.23%, making it a smart pick for Nigerian travellers. Due to the Hungarian embassy’s attention to detail, it is essential to confirm your supporting documents to ensure you exactly match the checklist.
8. Switzerland – Visa Rejection Rate: 11.27%
Efficient, reliable, and organised, Switzerland lives up to its reputation, even when it comes to visa processing. With an 88.73% visa success rate in 2024, it remains one of the easiest countries to get a Schengen visa, despite processing over 600,000 applications this year. Additionally, you can begin your application at Switzerland’s SEM website, which provides real-time updates and document checklists.
9. Italy – Visa Rejection Rate: 10.89%
If you are surprised to see Italy here, don’t be surprised. Despite its popularity and the high volume of applications, Italy has managed to keep its visa rejection rate under 11% which is quite impressive. Nigerian travellers love Italy not just for the food and culture, but also for its user-friendly visa application procedures. To improve your chances, submit a comprehensive travel itinerary, including accommodation, flight bookings, and an apparent reason for your trip.
10. Norway – Visa Rejection Rate: 12.80%
Norway also ranks as one of the easiest countries to get a Schengen visa, with an 87.20% approval rate. Known for its stunning natural scenery and quality of life, Norway has made its visa system more user-friendly, especially through its online application system. When applying for your Norway visa, you can begin your application at UDI Norway, the official immigration portal. Their system is simple to navigate and helps reduce mistakes.
11. Luxembourg – Visa Rejection Rate: 12.59%
Don’t let Luxembourg’s size fool you. With only 13,000 applications in 2024, this small country can dedicate more attention to each file. With a visa approval rate of 87.41%, it is one of the easiest countries to get a Schengen visa. Appointments are usually more available, and embassies are less crowded, which makes it a perfect choice if you want quicker processing times.
READ MORE: 10 Cheapest Countries to Study in Europe for International Students (2025)
The easiest Schengen Countries to get a Visa From Nigeria
While Iceland may top the global charts, not all embassies treat Nigerian applicants the same. Some Schengen countries are simply more accessible from Nigeria based on embassy efficiency, document requirements, and past visa issuance history.
Here are the top Schengen countries Nigerians find easiest to apply to:
1. Italy
Italy has always been a top pick for Nigerian travellers, and not just because of its food and fashion. Its embassy in Nigeria is known to process a large volume of applications, and they offer structured appointment systems and a relatively predictable approval process (if your documents are solid).
2. Portugal
Portugal has quickly climbed the ranks. Nigerian applicants have reported enjoying the transparent process, especially with travel agencies helping clients prepare visa documents. Another amazing thing is that Portuguese consulates are generally approachable.
3. Hungary
With precise requirements and one of the more straightforward application flows, Hungary is an underrated gem for Nigerian applicants. The rejection rate is relatively low, and the embassy staff is often helpful with guidance.
4. Latvia & Slovakia
Smaller Schengen countries like Latvia and Slovakia tend to receive fewer applications from Nigerians, so this means fewer people, faster processing, and more individualised attention.
What’s the Quickest Way to Get a Schengen Visa?
Here are some of the ways to speed up the process and get your Schengen visa:
1. Apply Through a Country with Fast Processing
Some embassies are simply faster. Based on available data, the embassies of Portugal, Hungary, and Latvia in Nigeria tend to process visas quickly—often in less than 10 working days—provided your documents are in order.
2. Use VFS Global or TLScontact
These visa centres handle most Schengen applications in Nigeria. Booking your appointment early through VFS (for countries like Italy, Hungary, and Portugal) or TLScontact (for France and others) can save weeks.
3. Submit Complete, Accurate Documents
The best way to avoid back-and-forths is to submit every document listed on the consulate’s checklist. One missing bank statement or fake flight reservation can delay your approval, or worse, result in rejection.
Which Country in Europe Is the Easiest to Get a Residency Visa?
Portugal stands out as the easiest country to get a residency visa in Europe, especially when you apply via the D7 Visa and Digital Nomad Visa, and they are designed for individuals with stable income sources such as remote work, pensions, or savings. Spain is another good option, offering residency through its Non-Lucrative Visa, ideal for retirees or those with passive income. Germany also makes the list, particularly for skilled professionals, who can easily access residency via the Job Seeker Visa.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Schengen Visa in Nigeria?
If your documents are ready and appointments are available, the average processing time is 10–15 working days. But here’s the breakdown:
- Appointment Booking: 1–3 weeks (sometimes longer if peak season)
- Application Review: 10–15 working days
- Visa Collection: 2–3 days after decision
Also, you must book your appointment 6–8 weeks before your travel date. Don’t wait until the last minute to avoid delays.
Which Schengen countries have the highest visa rejection rates?
Malta, Estonia, Slovenia, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Croatia, Poland, the Czech Republic, and France have the highest visa rejection rate. If you must apply through one of these countries, ensure that your application is flawless, your documents are complete, your purpose of travel is clearly stated, and your finances are transparent and verifiable. A well-prepared, consistent application gives you the best shot at approval, even with the stricter embassies. Also, if you are a first-time traveller, go through Schengen countries that are easy to get a visa for to build your travelling history before applying for any of these countries.
READ MORE: Top 15 Schengen Countries with the Quickest Visa Processing Times for African Travellers
Getting a Schengen visa as a Nigerian can be frustrating. Still, it’s far from impossible, especially when you know the easiest countries to get a Schengen visa and how to approach them.
Rather than wasting time on high-rejection embassies, go for countries like Iceland, Portugal, Italy, Latvia, and Hungary, where your chances of approval are significantly higher. Prepare thoroughly, start early, and choose your embassy wisely.
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