France, Spain and Germany granted the most Schengen visas in 2025, according to figures reported by Business Insider Africa.
The latest Schengen visa rankings reveal which European countries issued the most visas. They also show differences in refusal rates.
Worldwide, more than 12.2 million visa applications were submitted in 2025. This marked a 4.3% increase from the previous year.
Meanwhile, European countries issued approximately 10.3 million visas, up 5.7% from 2024.
Schengen visa approvals increase in 2025
According to Business Insider Africa, citing AXA Schengen, the global visa refusal rate fell from 14.8% to 14.6%.
In addition, more than half of the visas issued allowed multiple entries.
For African travellers, Schengen visas remain important for tourism, business and family visits.
However, approval rates vary between countries. Applicants must also meet the relevant visa requirements.
Top 10 countries granting Schengen visas
1. France – 2.6 million visas
France ranked first, receiving approximately 3.1 million applications.
It issued 2.6 million visas and recorded a refusal rate of 14.2%.
France remained the most popular Schengen destination by application volume.
2. Spain – 1.4 million visas
Spain ranked second with approximately 1.7 million applications.
The country issued 1.4 million visas, while its refusal rate reached 14.6%.
3. Germany – 1.3 million visas
Germany received around 1.5 million applications in 2025.
It granted approximately 1.3 million visas and recorded a refusal rate of 13.1%.
4. Italy – 1.1 million visas
Italy ranked fourth, issuing 1.1 million visas from approximately 1.3 million applications.
Its refusal rate stood at 10.8%, the lowest among the ten countries listed.
5. Netherlands – 607,324 visas
The Netherlands received 746,011 applications.
It approved 607,324 visas and recorded a refusal rate of 17.7%.
6. Greece – 596,646 visas
Greece received 704,973 applications and issued 596,646 visas.
Its refusal rate reached 14.5%.
7. Switzerland – 538,341 visas
Switzerland received 619,323 applications.
It granted 538,341 visas and recorded a refusal rate of 12.5%.
8. Hungary – 228,385 visas
Hungary received 265,479 applications and issued 228,385 visas.
Its refusal rate stood at 13%.
9. Austria – 213,694 visas
Austria received 250,112 applications.
It granted 213,694 visas and recorded a refusal rate of 11.9%.
10. Portugal – 194,381 visas
Portugal received 253,108 applications and issued 194,381 visas.
Its refusal rate reached 23.3%, the highest among the ten countries in this ranking.
Which Schengen countries had lower refusal rates?
Italy recorded the lowest refusal rate among the ten largest visa issuers, at 10.8%.
Austria followed with 11.9%, while Switzerland recorded 12.5%.
Germany’s refusal rate stood at 13.1%.
Meanwhile, Portugal had the highest refusal rate in the group, at 23.3%.
Business Insider Africa also reported that Slovakia recorded the lowest refusal rate across Schengen destinations.
However, Slovakia did not feature among the ten countries issuing the most visas.
What does this mean for African travellers?
The Schengen visa rankings offer useful information for African travellers planning trips to Europe.
However, the figures cover applications from around the world. They do not represent approval rates specifically for African applicants.
Furthermore, a country issuing more visas does not necessarily mean it is easier to obtain one.
Visa decisions depend on individual circumstances, supporting documents and travel plans.
Applicants must generally apply through the country that is their main destination.
Overall, the latest figures show growing demand for European travel.
Nevertheless, visa requirements and refusal rates remain important considerations for travellers across Africa.