Planning a trip to Europe can be an exciting adventure, but for Filipino passport holders, obtaining a Schengen visa is a crucial step. Based on recent trends and statistics from SchengenVisaInfo, here are some of the best Schengen countries to apply for a visa, ensuring a higher chance of approval, and some to avoid due to higher rejection rates.

I have personally had success with two Schengen visas from the Netherlands and one from Germany – all of them were approved!

Best Schengen Countries to Apply for a Visa

1. Hungary Hungary stands out as the top choice for Filipino travelers. With an impressive approval rate of 97.27%, it is the easiest Schengen country to obtain a visa from.
2. Netherlands The Netherlands is another excellent option, having granted the most visas to Filipino applicants in recent years. With an approval rate of 94.10%, it offers a high chance of success.
3. Belgium Belgium, known for its medieval towns and Renaissance architecture, has a relatively low rejection rate of 7.1%.
4. Italy Italy, with its rich cultural heritage and world-renowned cuisine, is a popular choice. It has a rejection rate of just 5.3%, making it one of the easier countries to secure a visa.
5. Switzerland For those dreaming of snow-capped mountains and pristine lakes, Switzerland is a great option.
6. Germany Germany is a popular destination for Filipino travelers, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and modern attractions. It has a moderate rejection rate of 9.1%, making it a relatively good option for visa applications.

Schengen Countries to Avoid for Visa Applications

1. Finland Finland has the highest rejection rate for Filipino applicants, with 75.58% of visa applications denied.
2. France France rejected the most visa applications from Filipino residents, with 2,356 out of 45,224 visas denied.

Schengen Visa Applications: Post-Pandemic Trends and Approval Rates

As the world emerges from the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, international travel is gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels. For Filipino residents, the year 2023 marked a significant rebound in Schengen visa applications and approvals. Here’s a detailed look at the latest trends and long-term approval rates.

2023: A Year of Recovery

In 2023, the Schengen States received a total of 200,973 visa applications from Filipino residents. This surge in applications reflects the renewed interest and confidence in international travel as restrictions ease and global mobility resumes.

Out of these applications, 187,846 were approved, resulting in an impressive approval rate of 93.47%. This high approval rate indicates a positive shift in the visa application process, with more Filipino travelers successfully obtaining visas to visit Schengen countries.

Long-Term Trends: 2014 to 2023

Looking at the broader picture, from 2014 to 2023, the visa approval rate for Filipino applicants has consistently been high, averaging 93.47%. This long-term trend underscores the strong bilateral relations between the Philippines and the Schengen States, as well as the effectiveness of the visa application process for Filipino residents.

By choosing the right country and preparing a strong application, Filipino passport holders can increase their chances of obtaining a Schengen visa and enjoy a wonderful European adventure. Happy travels! 

Exploring Europe: Schengen Visa Trends for Filipino Travelers in 2023

As the world continues to recover from the pandemic, international travel is experiencing a resurgence. For Filipino residents, 2023 has been a remarkable year for Schengen visa applications. Let’s dive into the latest trends and what they mean for Filipino travelers.

A Surge in Applications

In 2023, Filipino residents filed a total of 200,973 Schengen visa applications, marking a significant 31.51% increase compared to 2022. This surge reflects the growing enthusiasm for travel and the easing of pandemic-related restrictions.

Filipino applicants accounted for 1.95% of all Schengen visa requests submitted globally, making the Philippines the 13th country with the most applications. This highlights the strong interest among Filipinos in exploring Europe.

Top Destinations and Least Popular Choices

The Netherlands emerged as the top destination for Filipino residents, with 45,224 visa applications. The country’s rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cities make it a popular choice for travelers.

On the other end of the spectrum, Hungary received the least number of visa applications from the Philippines, with only 1,207 submissions. This could be due to various factors, including travel preferences and awareness of the destination.

Rejection Rates and Approval Insights

Visa rejection rates provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by applicants. In 2023, the Schengen States rejected 11,762 visa applications from the Philippines, resulting in a 5.85% rejection rate. This indicates that while the majority of applications were successful, a notable number faced hurdles.

Finland had the highest non-issuance rate for Filipino applicants, with a staggering 75.58% rejection rate. This high rate could be attributed to stringent entry requirements or specific visa policies.

France rejected the most visa applications from the Philippines, with 2,356 out of 45,224 applications being denied. Despite this, France remains a popular destination, attracting a large number of applicants.

The Philippines’ rejection rate per thousand residents stood at 0.11%, reflecting the overall challenges in securing visas.

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