Schengen Visa Applications Surge in 2023, China Leads the Way

In 2023, Schengen States witnessed a remarkable surge in visa applications, totaling over 10.3 million, representing a 37% increase from the previous year. The European Commission disclosed that Chinese nationals filed the highest number of visa applications, reaching 1.1 million, reclaiming the top spot for the first time since 2018.

"China is once again the first country with the most Schengen visa applicants in the world. This outcome further proves the point that application rates have recovered from COVID-19," stated Besart Bajrami.

Moreover, Schengen States issued 8.49 million visas in 2023, with an approval rate of 82.3%, up from 78.4% in 2022. The top five countries contributing to visa applications were China, Turkiye, India, Morocco, and Russia.

Turkiye, which held the top position in 2022, dropped to second place, while China's resurgence saw a significant increase in applications by 1104% compared to the previous year. India and Morocco maintained their positions in third and fourth place, respectively, with notable increases in application numbers.

Russia witnessed a substantial decline in visa applications, moving from the second position in 2022 to fifth in 2023. Furthermore, refusal rates for applicants from Belarus, Russia, Turkiye, and Iran were notably higher compared to the previous year.

"Refusal rates for applicants coming from Belarus, Russia, Turkiye, and Iran were higher in 2023," noted EU Home Affairs. This trend reflects a tightening of visa regulations, with rejection rates increasing for certain countries compared to 2022.

Overall, while the number of visa applications surged in 2023, accompanied by changes in the top applicant countries, refusal rates indicate stricter scrutiny in certain regions. This highlights ongoing dynamics in visa application processes and the evolving landscape of international travel regulations within the Schengen Area.

By fLEXI tEAM