Brussels, May 20, 2025 – The European Commission’s Directorate‑General for Migration and Home Affairs today disclosed that consulates in EU Member States and Schengen-associated countries registered more than 11.7 million applications for short‑stay (Schengen) visas in 2024, marking an increase of 13.6% compared to 2023’s 10.3 million and a remarkable 56% surge over 2022 figures (Migration and Home Affairs).
Recovery still below pre‑pandemic peak
Although applications rebounded strongly from pandemic lows, they remain well under the pre‑COVID peak, when approximately 17 million visa requests were lodged in 2019 (Migration and Home Affairs).
Issued Visas and Entry Options
In 2024, over 9.7 million visas were granted, reflecting a 14.1% increase from 2023, yet still shy of the 15 million issued in 2019 (Migration and Home Affairs). More than half of those issued were multiple-entry visas, enhancing flexibility for repeat travellers. Additionally, 85,119 uniform visas were issued directly at external borders (Migration and Home Affairs).
Leading Source Countries
Five countries accounted for a substantial portion of applications:
- China: ~1,779,255 applications (up from 1,117,365)
- Türkiye: ~1,173,917 (up from 1,055,885)
- India: ~1,108,239 (up from 966,687)
- Morocco: ~606,800
- Russia: ~606,594 (Migration and Home Affairs)
These top applicants mirror global travel trends and tourist demand (VisaGuide World).
Falling Refusal Rates
The overall visa refusal rate dipped to 14.8% in 2024, down from 16% in 2023 and 17.9% in 2022 (Migration and Home Affairs). Country‑level declines were notable: Russia’s refusal rate dropped from 10.6% to 7.5%; Türkiye saw a reduction from 16.1% to 14.5%; Iran from 30.3% to 26%; and Bangladesh from 43.3% to 54.9%—though some countries still registered elevated rejection ratios (Migration and Home Affairs).
What the Data Reveals
1. Robust Post‑COVID Recovery
The significant rebound in applications indicates growing international travel demand—though totals remain significantly below 2019 levels.
2. Growing Influence of New Schengen Entrants
Bulgaria and Romania began issuing Schengen visas from 31 March 2024, meaning newer countries are now fully integrated in the system—contributing to the application volume rise (Migration and Home Affairs).
3. Visa Fees Driving Revenue
Although not detailed in the Commission release, external sources estimate that in 2024, Schengen visa revenues exceeded €995 million, a 20.5% increase year‑on‑year—and approximately €145 million was lost in non‑refundable fees from rejected visa seekers (International Business Times UK).
4. Digitalisation Ahead
In response to heavier application loads, the EU is preparing to launch the EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP) around January 2026, with full migration expected by 2028–2031. Meanwhile, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is slated to begin operations on 12 October 2025, and the ETIAS travel authorization system is scheduled for late 2026 (Wikipedia).
At a Glance: Visa Trends Table
| Metric | 2024 Value | % Change from 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Applications | ~11.7 million | +13.6% |
| Visas issued | ~9.7 million | +14.1% |
| Refusal rate | 14.8% | Down from 16% |
| Top applicant country (China) | ~1.78 million | +60% over 2023 |
What It Means for Stakeholders
- Travelers: Growing demand and evolving processes mean earlier planning and choosing consulates strategically can improve success rates, especially for nationals of high‑demand countries like India, Türkiye, and China.
- Member States: The data underscores pressure on consular operations and the need to modernize systems rapidly.
- Policy Makers: Declining refusal rates signal better consistency—or changing priorities—in visa policy enforcement, and new automation and digital tools are becoming essential.
In summary, the 2024 statistics demonstrate a resilient recovery in short‑stay travel to the Schengen area—with new countries onboard, stronger digital frameworks looming, and shifting patterns in international mobility.
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