In 2022, the consulates of the EU- and Schengen Associated Countries received more than 7.5 million applications for short-stay visas. This is a 258% increase compared to 2021 (2.9 million) but still lower than the number of applications in 2019 (17 million). The COVID-19 pandemic had significant effects on the demand for Schengen visa applications worldwide, with 2.4 million visas being issued in 2021, compared to 5.9 million in 2022 and 15 million in 2019.Number of visa applications lodged in the top five countries:CountryNumber of visas issued in 2021Number of visas issued in 2022Türkiye271 997778 409Russia536 241687 239India130 427671 928Morocco157 100423 201Algeria140 212392 053As for China: 27 458 in 2021; 92 780 in 2022 (ranked 22nd in 2022 instead of 23rd in 2021).Recent figures show that the average percentage of refused visa applications in the EU and Schengen Associated Countries increased slightly in 2022 in certain countries.Belarus: From 1.1% in 2021 vs 1.9% in 2022Russia: 3.2% in 2021 vs 10.2% in 2022Egypt: 17% in 2021 vs 18.8% in 2022Cote d’Ivoire: 24.5% vs 2021 to 29.8% in 2022Angola: 20.5% in 2021 vs. 26.3% in 2022Worldwide, 17.9% of all visa applications were refused, while the percentage in 2021 was 13.4%.Despite the overall increase in the number of applications, only 58.1% of the 5.9 million visas issued allowed for multiple entries into the Schengen area – a share that decreased compared to previous years (70.5% in 2021). In addition to the 5.9 million visas issued abroad, the Schengen States also issued 80 336 short stay visas directly at the external borders.More informationFull Schengen visa statistics since 2009 Details Publication date24 May 2023AuthorDirectorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs