“Which is the easiest Schengen visa?” is one of the questions we hear most, and the honest answer is that no country is easy in absolute terms, because every Schengen embassy applies the same Visa Code. But there are real differences between countries in approval rates, appointment availability and processing time. And most importantly: you must apply to the embassy of the country where you will actually spend the longest time, not the one that seems easiest. This guide explains how to compare countries and what makes any file easier to approve.

An important rule before choosing a country

Article 5 of the Visa Code requires you to apply to the embassy of your main destination, or of your first point of entry if the stays are equal. Applying to a country because it is “easier” and then travelling mainly to another country breaks this rule, and can lead to a refusal, problems at the airport or a negative effect on future applications. The smart option: if your plans are flexible, make the easier country your genuine main destination, and build your itinerary and bookings around it.

How to compare Schengen countries

• Approval rate in your country of residence: the European Commission publishes annual statistics on the number of applications and visas issued by each consulate in each country, which are more accurate than any ranking published without a source.
• Appointment availability: some countries’ appointments are hard to get in peak season, an important practical factor if you are travelling soon.
• Actual processing time: the legal time is 15 days, but it varies in practice between embassies.
• Length of visa granted: some embassies are more inclined to grant long multiple-entry visas to those who qualify.

Approval rates for applicants from Saudi Arabia

Applicants from Saudi Arabia generally receive high approval rates compared to most countries in the region, according to the visa statistics the European Commission publishes each year. Differences between countries show more for residents of some nationalities, because embassies look at the applicant’s stability and ties to their country of residence. Citizens have an extra advantage: eligibility for a 5-year visa from their first application, as explained in our guide to the 5-year Schengen visa.

Approval rates for applicants from Egypt

Refusal rates in Egypt are generally higher than in Saudi Arabia, and the differences between consulates are clear. That is why strengthening your financial and professional file matters far more here than choosing a country: a bank statement for the last 6 months with normal activity, a clear employer letter, and previous travel history if you have it.

What actually makes a Schengen visa easier?

The difference between approval and refusal usually comes down to five points, not the name of the country:

1. A consistent file: flight, hotel and itinerary with the same dates and cities. Order them together from the flight reservation page.
2. Insurance that meets the requirements: €30,000 in all Schengen countries. Travel insurance
3. A convincing bank statement: covering the trip without sudden deposits.
4. Clear ties to your home country: a job, family, valid residence.
5. Previous travel history: having respected the terms of previous visas is one of the strongest supports for your application.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply to the easiest country and then travel to another?

This is not recommended. The country you apply to must be your main destination, or your first point of entry if the stays are equal.

Which country grants the longest visa?

Visa length is governed more by the common cascade rules than by the country, and Saudi citizens are eligible for 5 years from their first application.

Does a refusal from one country affect the others?

A refusal is recorded in the shared VIS system and is visible to any embassy you apply to later, so address the reason for refusal before applying again.

Does the city where I apply affect approval?

No. The decision is made by the embassy itself regardless of the application centre.

Sources

• European Commission – Schengen visa statistics
• EU Visa Code 810/2009 – Article 5