Key Takeaways
- The overall Schengen visa refusal rate was 16.3% in 2023 — meaning 1.7 million applications were rejected.
- Refusal rates vary dramatically by nationality: from under 3% (Canada, USA) to over 50% (some African and South Asian countries).
- Indonesia: 22-35% · Philippines: 28-35% · India: 17-22% · Pakistan: 40-50% · Nigeria: 45-55%
- The top 3 refusal reasons: insufficient financial proof, weak home country ties, and incomplete or inconsistent documentation.
- Most refusals are predictable — check your profile strength before you spend money on an application.
What's in this guide
- Global Schengen refusal rate overview
- Rejection rates by nationality (40+ countries)
- Top 10 highest-refusal nationalities
- Top 10 lowest-refusal nationalities
- Why some countries have higher refusal rates
- The 3 most common refusal reasons (with codes)
- Refusal rates by Schengen embassy
- What to do if your visa is refused
- How to check your personal risk before applying
European Parliament building in Strasbourg — Schengen visa policy center
The global picture: 1.7 million refused in 2023
The European Commission publishes visa statistics every year. The numbers are not secret — they're public. But most applicants never see them until after they've been refused.
In 2023, Schengen member states processed approximately 10.4 million uniform visa applications. Of those, roughly 1.7 million were refused. That's a global refusal rate of 16.3%.
📊 Original Data
Based on EU Commission statistics compiled by GetDocuTrip: the total value of non-refundable visa fees lost to refusals in 2023 exceeded €150 million. That's money applicants will never get back — paid for the privilege of being told no.
But the global average hides enormous variation. Your individual risk depends almost entirely on what passport you hold, which embassy you apply at, and how strong your application is. The table below shows the full picture.
Schengen visa refusal rates by nationality
The following data covers 2022–2023 statistics published by the European Commission. Rates are approximate because exact figures fluctuate year to year and by which specific embassy within a nationality processes the application.
| Nationality | Approx. Applications/Year | Refusal Rate | Risk Level | GetDocuTrip Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | ~15,000 | 55-65% | 🔴 Very High | Exceptional application needed |
| Nigeria | ~80,000 | 45-55% | 🔴 Very High | Strong financials + ties essential |
| Pakistan | ~50,000 | 40-50% | 🔴 Very High | Strong financials + ties essential |
| Ghana | ~30,000 | 40-48% | 🔴 Very High | Strong financials + ties essential |
| Bangladesh | ~25,000 | 35-45% | 🔴 High | Very strong documentation required |
| Iran | ~40,000 | 30-40% | 🔴 High | Document strength is critical |
| Philippines | ~85,000 | 28-35% | 🟠 High | 3x bank balance recommended |
| Egypt | ~60,000 | 25-35% | 🟠 High | 3x bank balance recommended |
| Indonesia | ~130,000 | 22-35% | 🟠 High | 3x bank balance recommended |
| Vietnam | ~45,000 | 20-28% | 🟠 Moderate-High | Strong employment proof |
| India | ~900,000 | 17-22% | 🟡 Moderate | Standard strong application |
| Turkey | ~200,000 | 14-20% | 🟡 Moderate | Standard strong application |
| Morocco | ~150,000 | 15-20% | 🟡 Moderate | Standard strong application |
| Colombia | ~40,000 | 10-15% | 🟢 Low-Moderate | Standard application |
| Thailand | ~300,000 | 8-14% | 🟢 Low | Standard application |
| Mexico | ~35,000 | 8-12% | 🟢 Low | Standard application |
| Brazil | ~60,000 | 5-10% | 🟢 Low | Standard application |
| China | ~1,200,000 | 5-12% | 🟢 Low | Standard application |
| Argentina | ~20,000 | 3-7% | 🟢 Low | Standard application |
| South Korea | ~150,000 | 3-6% | 🟢 Low | Minimal risk |
| Japan | ~80,000 | 2-5% | 🟢 Very Low | Minimal risk |
| United States | ~50,000 | 2-4% | 🟢 Very Low | Minimal risk |
| Canada | ~30,000 | 1-3% | 🟢 Very Low | Minimal risk |
| United Kingdom | ~100,000 | 1-3% | 🟢 Very Low | Minimal risk |
Sources: European Commission Visa Statistics 2022-2023, consolidated by GetDocuTrip. Individual embassy refusal rates may vary. These are averages, not individual outcomes.
GetDocuTrip Internal Data
Approval Rate: What Your Bank Statement Shows
Based on self-reported outcomes across Schengen and Australia visa categories
Applicants with both salary + savings above 3x trip cost approved at a 23 percentage point higher rate
Top 10 highest-refusal nationalities
🔑 Key Insight
If your nationality appears on this list, it doesn't mean you'll be refused. It means the average applicant from your country faces more scrutiny. A strong application from a high-refusal nationality can still be approved. The key is understanding that your margin for error is thinner — every document matters more.
| Rank | Nationality | Refusal Rate | Primary Refusal Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Afghanistan | 55-65% | Insufficient proof of return intent |
| 2 | Nigeria | 45-55% | Financial documentation concerns |
| 3 | Pakistan | 40-50% | Financial + home country ties |
| 4 | Ghana | 40-48% | Financial documentation concerns |
| 5 | Bangladesh | 35-45% | Incomplete documentation |
| 6 | Iran | 30-40% | Destination risk + ties |
| 7 | Philippines | 28-35% | Financial proof insufficient |
| 8 | Egypt | 25-35% | Financial + employment verification |
| 9 | Indonesia | 22-35% | Bank balance pattern + ties |
| 10 | Vietnam | 20-28% | Employment + financial proof |
Top 10 lowest-refusal nationalities
Applicants from these countries are typically approved at very high rates. This reflects the strength of their passport, economic stability, and historical compliance with visa terms (low overstay rates).
| Rank | Nationality | Refusal Rate | Why So Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canada | 1-3% | Strong passport, economic ties, low overstay risk |
| 2 | United Kingdom | 1-3% | Strong passport, comprehensive documentation culture |
| 3 | United States | 2-4% | Strong passport, high return rate |
| 4 | Japan | 2-5% | Very low overstay rate, strong economic ties |
| 5 | South Korea | 3-6% | Strong passport, high compliance |
| 6 | Argentina | 3-7% | Low overstay, good financial documentation |
| 7 | Brazil | 5-10% | Improving economic profile, moderate compliance |
| 8 | China | 5-12% | High volume, generally strong applications from urban applicants |
| 9 | Mexico | 8-12% | Moderate, varies by region and income level |
| 10 | Thailand | 8-14% | Moderate, stronger from Bangkok-based applicants |
Is your bank balance enough for your visa?
Check your personal approval chances with GetDocuTrip's Visa Predictor. It scores your bank balance against your destination, nationality, employment, and travel history.
Why refusal rates vary so much by nationality
Three factors explain most of the variation:
1. Economic profile of the average applicant. Applicants from high-GDP countries tend to have stronger financial documentation, stable employment, and more savings. This makes their applications easier to approve. Applicants from lower-GDP countries may struggle to meet the financial thresholds, even when they're individually well-qualified.
2. Historical overstay rates. Schengen consulates track how many visa holders from each nationality overstay their allowed period. Nationalities with historically high overstay rates face more scrutiny, regardless of the individual applicant's intentions. This is the single biggest driver of refusal rate differences.
3. Document quality and availability. In some countries, getting properly formatted employment letters, certified bank statements, or verified business documents is straightforward. In others, documentation systems are less standardized, which leads to more inconsistencies and refusals.
🔍 Unique Insight
The refusal rate is not a verdict on you as an individual. It's a statistical average across hundreds of thousands of applicants. A Nigerian applicant with a stable job, $12,000 in savings, and prior travel history is in a very different position than the average 45% refusal rate suggests. The rate tells you how much margin for error you have — not whether you'll be approved.
The 3 most common Schengen refusal reasons
When a Schengen visa is refused, the consulate issues a standard refusal letter with a reason code. The three most common codes:
Reason 1: "Justification for the purpose and conditions of the planned stay was not provided" (Code 8)
This covers incomplete itineraries, missing hotel bookings, non-verifiable flight reservations, and vague travel plans. It accounts for approximately 30-35% of all refusals.
Reason 2: "The information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and conditions of the planned stay was not reliable" (Code 9)
This means the officer found inconsistencies or untruthful information in your application. Mismatched dates, names that don't match across documents, or documents that couldn't be verified. Approximately 25-30% of refusals.
Reason 3: "Your intention to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa could not be ascertained" (Code 13)
This is the "home country ties" refusal. The officer wasn't convinced you'd return. Common for young, single applicants with no property, no stable employment, and no prior travel history. Approximately 20-25% of refusals.
Person reading official document at a government office counter
| Refusal Code | Reason | % of Refusals | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code 8 | Purpose/conditions not justified | 30-35% | Complete itinerary, verifiable flight reservation, hotel bookings for full stay |
| Code 9 | Unreliable information submitted | 25-30% | Consistent names, dates, and details across all documents |
| Code 13 | Return intent not proven | 20-25% | Employment letter with leave approval, property docs, travel history |
| Code 12 | Insufficient financial means | 10-15% | 3x bank balance, 3+ months of statements, regular income pattern |
| Other codes | Various (insurance, passport issues, etc.) | 5-10% | Check specific code and address before reapplying |
Refusal rates by Schengen embassy
Which Schengen country you apply through also affects your chances. Each embassy processes applications differently, has different staffing levels, and applies slightly different scrutiny standards:
| Schengen Embassy | Typical Processing Time | Scrutiny Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 5-15 days | High | Strict financial document review, pattern-focused |
| France | 10-15 days | Medium-High | High volume, efficient but thorough |
| Netherlands | 10-15 days | Medium | Generally fair, good for first-time applicants |
| Italy | 15-30 days | Medium | Slower processing, variable by consulate location |
| Spain | 10-20 days | Medium | Higher daily financial requirement |
| Switzerland | 10-15 days | High | Tight financial scrutiny, higher cost expectations |
| Greece | 10-15 days | Low-Medium | Lower financial threshold, generally approachable |
| Belgium | 10-15 days | Medium | Standard processing, moderate scrutiny |
| Sweden | 10-20 days | Medium-High | Thorough, may request additional documents |
| Portugal | 15-25 days | Low-Medium | Lower daily requirement, less appointment competition |
💡 Personal Experience
After being refused by one Schengen embassy, I successfully applied through a different one for my next trip — not because I was "shopping for an easy consulate," but because my itinerary genuinely changed. If you're choosing between embassies for a multi-country trip, the embassy you apply at should always match where you spend the most nights. Never choose an embassy based on perceived ease if your itinerary doesn't support it.
GetDocuTrip Data
Minimum vs. Recommended Bank Balance
Based on GetDocuTrip scoring engine thresholds, USD equivalent
What to do if your Schengen visa is refused
A refusal is not the end. Here's what you can do:
1. Read the refusal letter carefully. It includes a reason code (see the table above). This code tells you exactly what to fix. Don't guess — the answer is on the paper.
2. Decide: appeal or reapply? You have the right to appeal within 30 days. Appeals are free but take 2-6 months and succeed only about 10% of the time. Reapplying is faster and more practical if you can fix the reason for refusal.
3. Fix the specific weakness. If refused for financial reasons (Code 12), build your bank balance to 3x trip cost and wait 3 months for a natural pattern. If refused for return intent (Code 13), strengthen your employment letter, add property documents, or build travel history.
4. Reapply when ready — not immediately. Unless you have new, materially different evidence, reapplying right away with the same application will likely produce the same result. Take the time to genuinely improve your profile.
🔑 Key Insight
A prior visa refusal drops your profile score by approximately 20 points in most scoring models. The refusal is visible to other consulates. Before reapplying, use GetDocuTrip's Predictor to check whether your updated profile is strong enough to overcome the refusal penalty.
Is your bank balance enough for your visa?
Check your personal approval chances with GetDocuTrip's Visa Predictor. It scores your bank balance against your destination, nationality, employment, and travel history.
How to check your personal risk before applying
The refusal rates in this article are averages. Your personal risk depends on your individual profile — your financial situation, employment, travel history, and how well your documents are prepared.
Before you pay the €90 non-refundable fee:
- Check your bank balance against the 3x trip cost threshold for your destination
- Review your employment letter — does it include position, salary, tenure, and leave approval?
- Audit your documents — are all names, dates, and details consistent across every document?
- Use the Visa Approval Predictor to get a personalized score based on your specific profile
🔍 Unique Insight
Most Schengen refusals are predictable. In our data at GetDocuTrip, applicants who scored below 50 on the Predictor had a refusal rate 3x higher than those who scored above 70. Knowing your score before you apply doesn't change the outcome — but it does change whether you waste €90 on an application that was always going to fail, or whether you wait, fix the weaknesses, and apply when your profile is actually strong enough.
Continue Reading
[INTERNAL-LINK: Complete Schengen visa guide → /blog/schengen-visa-guide] [INTERNAL-LINK: Bank balance requirements for every destination → /blog/bank-balance-for-visa] [INTERNAL-LINK: What visa officers actually look for → /blog/visa-approval-chances-guide] [INTERNAL-LINK: Get a verifiable flight reservation → /flight-reservation]Need a verifiable flight reservation for your visa?
Get a dummy ticket with a real PNR that embassies can verify on the airline's website. Accepted by Schengen, US, UK, Japan, and Australia embassies worldwide.
Visa approved? Congratulations! Now it's time to buy your actual flight ticket. Search and compare real flight prices at flights.getdocutrip.com — find the best deals for your Schengen, US, UK, Japan, or Australia trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall Schengen visa refusal rate?
The global refusal rate was 16.3% in 2023, according to the European Commission. This means roughly 1 in 6 applications was rejected. However, rates vary dramatically by nationality — from under 3% for some countries to over 50% for others.
Which nationality has the highest Schengen visa refusal rate?
Afghanistan consistently ranks highest at approximately 55-65%, followed by Nigeria (45-55%) and Pakistan (40-50%). These rates reflect high overstay history, weaker average financial profiles, and document verification challenges.
Does a previous Schengen refusal affect future applications?
Yes. Previous refusals are recorded in the Visa Information System (VIS), which all Schengen countries share. A prior refusal doesn't mean automatic rejection, but it does increase scrutiny on your next application. Address the specific refusal reason before reapplying.
Which Schengen country is easiest to get a visa from?
There is no "easy" Schengen country — you must apply at the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most nights. That said, embassies like Greece, Portugal, and the Netherlands tend to have lower refusal rates for well-prepared applicants. Never apply at an embassy that doesn't match your itinerary.
Can I improve my chances if my nationality has a high refusal rate?
Absolutely. The refusal rate is an average across all applicants. Individual outcomes depend on your personal profile. A strong financial position (3x trip cost in savings), stable employment with leave approval, prior travel history, and complete consistent documents can overcome a high nationality refusal rate.
How many Schengen visas are refused each year?
Approximately 1.5-1.7 million Schengen visa applications are refused each year, based on 2022-2023 data. The total lost in non-refundable visa fees exceeds €150 million annually.
What does Schengen refusal code 8 mean?
Code 8 means "the purpose and conditions of the planned stay were not justified." This typically means your itinerary, hotel bookings, or flight reservations were incomplete, inconsistent, or non-verifiable. Fix these before reapplying.
How soon can I reapply after a Schengen refusal?
There is no mandatory waiting period — you can reapply immediately. However, unless you've materially changed your application (stronger financials, better documents, fixed the refusal reason), reapplying right away will likely produce the same result. Take the time to genuinely improve your profile first.
Business analytics dashboard on laptop screen — visa statistics data
The bottom line
🔍 Unique Insight
Your nationality's refusal rate is a backdrop, not a verdict. An Indonesian applicant with $10,000 in savings, a stable job, and prior travel history is in a fundamentally different position than the 22-35% average suggests. The rate tells you how much margin for error you have. A Nigerian applicant needs near-perfect documents. A Japanese applicant can afford a minor inconsistency. Know where you stand — and prepare accordingly.
Check your personal profile strength before you apply. Fix what you can. Use a verifiable flight reservation, not a dummy ticket. And if your nationality has a high refusal rate, invest extra time in making your financial documentation and home country ties airtight.
Is your bank balance enough for your visa?
Check your personal approval chances with GetDocuTrip's Visa Predictor. It scores your bank balance against your destination, nationality, employment, and travel history.
Have a question about this article?
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Meet the Author
Mentari Rahman
Founder & Travel Visa Expert
Mentari is a tech leader and world traveler who built GetDocuTrip to help travelers navigate complex visa systems with data-driven confidence. Former SEO Outreach Specialist at Canva and 7-year Country Manager at Financer, she has traveled to 38+ countries on an Indonesian passport.