Visa applications reach 10.3 million in EU- and Schengen Associated Countries

Figures published by the European Commission show that the consulates of EU countries and Schengen associated countries received more than 10.3 million applications for short-stay visas in 2023. This is a 37% increase compared to 2022 (7.5 million), but it is still lower than the number of applications in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic (17 million). 

The level of visas issued in 2023 also remained lower than the 2019 levels, even if it increased compared to 2022: almost 8.5 million visas issued in 2023 (compared to 5.9 million visas issued in 2022 and 15 million visas issued in 2019).

Number of visa applications lodged in the top five countries:

China: 1 117 365 in 2023; 92 780 in 2022 (ranked 22^nd in 2022)

Türkiye: 1 055 885 in 2023; 778 409 in 2022 (ranked 1^st in 2022)

India: 966 687 in 2023; 671 928 in 2022 (ranked 3^rd in 2022)

Morocco: 591 401 in 2023; 423 201 in 2022 (ranked 4^th in 2022)

Russia: 520 387 in 2023; 687 239 in 2022 (ranked 2^nd in 2022)

The percentage of visa applications that were refused worldwide declined slightly compared to 2022: 16% of all visa applications were refused, while the percentage in 2022 was 17.9% and 13.4% in 2021.

However, the refusal rates edged up slightly in 2023 in certain countries, with some variations: 1.9% (2022) vs 3.4% (2023) in Belarus, 10.2% (2022) vs 10.6% (2023) in Russia, 15.7% (2022) vs 16.1% in Türkiye and 25.2% (2022) vs 30.3% (2023) in Iran.

4.6 million or 54.2% of the almost 8.5 million visas issued in 2023 allowed for multiple entries into the Schengen area, a share that decreased slightly compared to previous year (58.1% in 2022). 

In addition to the almost 8.5 million visas issued abroad, in 2023 the Schengen states also issued 85 200 uniform visas directly at the external borders.

Find out more

Visa policy

Applying for a Schengen visa

The Schengen area explained