Top 7 Schengen Countries to Get Visa Easily: A Travel Guide

Travelling through Europe has forever held a certain mystique. From cobblestone back streets to bullet trains between cosmopolitan capitals, the continent is difficult to beat for its charm. For Indian tourists, the door to these escapades starts with one simple yet potent document, the Schengen visa. A single visa grants access to several countries within the Schengen area, and for that reason, it is extremely coveted. However, with evolving laws and the newly introduced Schengen visa regulations, most potential travellers wonder the same thing: which nations are the easiest to obtain a Schengen visa from?

We walk you through the best 7 Schengen nations where it is easy to obtain a visa in this blog, while also enlightening you on the evolving visa system, requirements, and handy tips to ensure your European dream vacation goes more smoothly.

Knowing the Schengen Visa System

Prior to discussing individual countries, it's crucial to understand the overall framework of the Schengen visa system. The list of Schengen visa countries now encompasses 27 European countries, all of which have dismantled border controls for travellers within the area. This implies that once you get a visa from a single Schengen member, you can move between others freely without additional border checks.

In 2025, the new rules of Schengen visa have facilitated processes with a focus on digital applications and biometric submissions. Indian applicants specifically will be able to find newer systems prioritising transparency and faster processing, although tight scrutiny continues for first-time visitors or incomplete document holders.

With this background, let us proceed towards the most relevant destinations where visa approval rates are comparatively high and the process is comparatively easier.

Read more - Schengen Travel Insurance

Easiest Schengen Countries to Get a Visa

When deciding where to apply, travellers tend to forget that the processing varies by country. Some countries have a reputation for strict screening, but others are friendly with tourists showing proven attachments to home. The following are the easiest 7 Schengen nations to acquire a visa, selected according to approval rates, processes, and experiences of Indian applicants.

Lithuania: The Hidden Gateway

Lithuania is not on all tourists' bucket lists, but for applicants for visas it is a golden door. One of the highest Schengen visa approval rates is found in this country. Rich medieval history, picturesque old cities, and fewer crowded tourist routes make Lithuania a pleasure to visit and a streamlined entry into the Schengen zone.

Its consulates and embassies are known to handle applications efficiently and less frequently rejected. For novice travellers, Lithuania is usually the gateway to the rest of Europe.

Latvia: Simplicity Meets Efficiency

Surrounded by the Baltic Sea, Latvia presents both beautiful architecture and nature. It also offers fairly smooth access to the Schengen area for Indian travellers. Latvia is famous for having a simple application process, especially if applicants have definite travel plans and adequate financial documentation.

Further, Latvia's reduced flow of visa requests from the massive pool of Western European powers like France or Germany results in lesser waiting times. It's a convenient option for those wishing to steer clear of administrative hold-ups.

Slovakia: The Hidden Gem

Slovakia is increasingly becoming a hit among visa seekers due to its streamlined consular processes. Famous for its fairy-tale castles and its mountainous scenery, it offers a mix of culture and adventure to visitors.

Visa processing via Slovakia tends to be quicker, while the nation's embassies outside are also commended for their good communication with applicants. It's especially advisable for those travellers who would love to visit Central Europe without much hassle, owing to its close proximity to Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

Czech Republic: Finding a Balance between Popularity and Accessibility

Prague's enchanting skyline already places the Czech Republic on the list of foremost tourist attractions. Besides its allure, though, it has also been fairly robust with its positive ratings of visa applicants. Although it takes in more than the smaller countries, its consular divisions are well-equipped to deal with the high numbers, facilitating better processing times.

For Indian travellers, showing assured accommodation, return air tickets, and travel insurance generally guarantees success here. The Czech Republic is a perfect balance of popularity and ease of access.

Estonia: Digital and Efficient

Estonia, a leader in e-governance, takes its technological advantage even as far as processing visas. Its embassies have gone digital, perfectly in concert with the new Schengen visa rules that favor online systems.

Estonia's embassies are complimented on being transparent, and new applicants often have good reports. Estonia also provides travellers with an under-rated charm, ranging from the medieval Tallinn Old Town to contemporary digital culture. It is a wise choice both for travel and convenience in obtaining a visa.

Finland: Hospitality Beyond Borders

Finland's hospitality reputation is carried over to its visa services. With transparency of processes and clear instructions, Finland is among the simplest nations for Indian applicants to obtain a Schengen visa from.

Applicants who provide detailed travel plans, especially covering Finland’s northern lights or Helsinki’s cosmopolitan culture often see smooth approvals. The country is also known for a slightly longer validity on multiple-entry visas, making it a strong choice for frequent travellers.

Luxembourg: Small Country, Big Advantage

Luxembourg may be the smallest country on the Schengen visa countries list, but size is most definitely a virtue when it comes to visas. With fewer applicants than giants such as Spain or Italy, Luxembourg provides speed and shorter turnaround times.

The country is geographically at the center, sharing borders with France, Germany, and Belgium, and thus an ideal hub to visit Western Europe upon visa approval. For Indian travellers in search of fewer hassles and high chances of approval, Luxembourg is an informed option.

Reasons a Country is "Easy" for Visa Applicants

It should be mentioned that no Schengen country promises approval. Yet, a few reasons help make some countries more suitable for applicants:

• Approval Rates: Countries such as Lithuania and Latvia always register higher acceptance rates.

• Application Volume: Fewer applications received by countries frequently result in faster and less scrutinising visa processing.

• Digital Adaptation: Estonia, along with other countries following the new Schengen visa rules, streamlines applications for worldwide travellers.

• Consular Support: Clear communication and hassle-free embassy processes greatly influence the experience of an applicant.

Preparing a Strong Schengen Visa Application

Even if you select a nation with a better reputation for easier approvals, the result relies heavily on application strength. Following are necessary steps to maximise chances of approval:

• Clear Travel Itinerary: Always have flight bookings, accommodation information, and an organised plan of your journey.

• Financial Proof: Bank statements, income tax returns, and sponsorship letters wherever necessary assure consulates of your capacity to finance your journey.

• Employment/Academic Proof: Proving connections to your home country, e.g., steady employment or continued education, minimises the chances of rejection.

• Travel Insurance: Required by all Schengen nations, having coverage from a reputable insurer is important.

• Early Application: Apply far in advance of your planned travel date to prevent delays due to busy seasons or surprise backlogs.

Why Choosing the Right Country Matters

Choosing the appropriate country to apply from is more than an indulgence, it can make or break your travel plan. For instance, applying to high-volume nations like France or Spain could result in increased waiting times and rigorous checks. On the other hand, nations like Lithuania or Luxembourg could offer an easier journey, cutting down on stress and uncertainty.

Conclusion: Navigating Europe with Confidence

Getting a Schengen visa can at first sound daunting, with the new Schengen visa rules and changing requirements. But selecting the proper point of entry from the list of Schengen visa countries can greatly simplify things. From Lithuania's handsome approval record to Luxembourg's strategic location, the seven nations listed below present realistic options for Indian travellers to achieve their European dreams.

Finally, the key to a strong application is preparation, meticulous documents, evidence of financial solvency, and a good travel insurance plan. Travel insurance, in fact, is not a bureaucratic requirement but something that is essential to your peace of mind. Many travellers bank upon established names like us at Niva Bupa, who provide complete international travel insurance schemes that meet Schengen specifications. With correct preparation and choice of nation, your trip through Europe can start on a confident note of enthusiasm.

FAQ’s

1. Which Schengen country is the easiest to get a visa from?

Lithuania is often considered the easiest, with one of the highest visa approval rates. Other relatively smooth options include Latvia, Estonia, and Luxembourg.

2. What are the new Schengen visa rules for 2025?

The new Schengen visa rules emphasise digital applications, biometric data, and streamlined processes. Travellers can now apply online in most countries, reducing paperwork and making the system more transparent.

3. How many countries are in the Schengen visa countries list?

Currently, the Schengen visa countries list includes 27 European nations, covering popular destinations like France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, as well as smaller states like Lithuania and Luxembourg.

4. How early should I apply for a Schengen visa?

It is recommended to apply at least 15 days before your travel date, though applying 4–6 weeks in advance is safer to avoid delays during peak seasons.

5. Is travel insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa?

Yes. All applicants must have travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses, valid across all Schengen countries.

6. Can I visit multiple countries with one Schengen visa?

Yes. A Schengen visa allows free movement within all 27 member countries. You only need to apply to the country you will spend the most time in, or your point of first entry.