Visa applications reach 7.5 million in EU- and Schengen Associated Countries – a 258% increase to 2021

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:

As for China: 27 458 in 2021; 92 780 in 2022 (ranked 22^nd in 2022 instead of 23^rd 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 2022

Russia: 3.2% in 2021 vs 10.2% in 2022

Egypt: 17% in 2021 vs 18.8% in 2022

Cote d’Ivoire: 24.5% vs 2021 to 29.8% in 2022

Angola: 20.5% in 2021 vs. 26.3% in 2022

Worldwide, 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 information

Full Schengen visa statistics since 2009