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Top 10 Easiest Countries To Get A Schengen Visa In 2024
Understanding the Schengen Area
The name Schengen comes from a town in southeastern Luxembourg, where France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands signed the original Schengen Agreement in 1985.
The 29 countries in Schengen include Germany, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Bulgaria, Romania, and Switzerland.
Individuals possessing Schengen visas (indicated as “valid for Schengen states” in the language of the issuing country) are permitted to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180 days, given that their visa remains valid during their stay. Similarly, this rule applies to holders of the majority of national residence permits and national category D visas issued by specific Schengen states for extended visits exceeding three months. It’s important to note that a distinct visa may be necessary to travel to other EU states that are not part of the Schengen area
Countries with the Highest Approval Rates for Schengen Visas
For prospective applicants seeking insights into countries with the highest approval rates for Schengen visas, the following list provides valuable information:
Switzerland: 10.7%
Latvia: 11.7%
Italy: 12%
Luxembourg: 12.7%
Lithuania: 12.8%
Slovakia: 12.9%
Germany: 14.3%
Austria: 14.3%
Greece: 14.7%
Iceland with only a 2.2 per cent rejection rate
Variance in Visa Rejection Rates
The 2023 Schengen Visa Statistics demonstrate a notable disparity in visa rejection rates across diverse countries. Prospective applicants should bear this in mind while strategising their visa applications, as choosing countries with lower rejection rates can substantially boost the likelihood of a successful application.
Countries with High Visa Denial Rates
In 2024, applicants need to take note of the elevated rejection rates in specific countries. In 2023, Malta recorded a rejection rate of 37.6%, marking it as the country with the highest visa denial rate. Close behind were Estonia, with a rejection rate of 33.1% and Belgium at 26.5%. Sweden and Croatia also reported relatively high rejection rates, reaching 23.1% and 20% respectively. The average rejection rate across all member states in 2023 was 54.2%.
Best Options for Obtaining a Schengen Visa in 2024
Based on current data, Germany is a favourable choice for securing a multiple-entry Schengen visa in 2024. The country’s efficient visa processes and approval rates make it an attractive option for travellers seeking flexibility in their Schengen travels.
Furthermore, recent developments indicate that Germany is introducing new migration measures to facilitate Romania’s full accession to the Schengen area. These measures are expected to streamline the visa process for Romanian citizens and enhance cooperation between the two countries in the context of Schengen membership.
Importance of Selecting the Right Schengen Travel Insurance Policy
Ensuring the selection of an appropriate Schengen travel insurance policy is essential in avoiding visa denials stemming from insurance-related issues. Applicants should prioritise comprehensive coverage that meets the specific requirements of the Schengen area, including sufficient medical coverage and repatriation in case of emergencies. Thoroughly understanding the terms and conditions of the chosen insurance policy is crucial for a successful visa application process.
In addition to the insurance aspect, applicants should remain vigilant about common pitfalls encountered during the visa application process. These may include incomplete documentation, insufficient proof of financial means, or inadequate travel itinerary details. By proactively addressing these potential stumbling blocks, applicants can significantly reduce the risk of visa rejection.
Future Changes in the Visa Application Process
By mid-2025, an estimated 1.4 billion travellers will be mandated to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before embarking on journeys to the EU. This system aims to enhance security and facilitate smoother entry processes for visitors.
Notably, the EU is actively developing an ETIAS mobile app, set to debut by mid-2025, with the intention of streamlining the application process and providing greater accessibility for travelers.
Furthermore, the countries mentioned have demonstrated commendable approval rates for Schengen visas, presenting potential applicants with advantageous options to consider for their visa applications in 2024.
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JUST IN: Again, APC loses battle to disqualify PDP candidate, Ighodalo in Edo guber poll
By Ojomah Austin.
The APC suit filed at the federal high court in Abuja seeking to oust Ighodalo from the gubernatorial race was dismissed on Friday evening by Justice Peter Lifu.
An eleventh-hour attempt by the All Progressives Congress, APC to get the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Asue Ighodalo disqualified from the Edo State Governorship election has been dismissed.
The Judge agreed with Ighodalo’s lawyer, Chief Akinlolu Kehinde that the suit was frivolous, baseless, and unwarranted and was thrown out.
In his judgment in the suit, Justice Lifu rejected the prayer of the APC to use another judgment of the same court that had queried the validity of the primary election that produced Ighodalo to kick him out of the race.
In a suit marked THC/ABJ/CS/165/2024, Justice Inyang Ekwo had on July 4 held that PDP was wrong in excluding 378 delegates from its February 22 primary election that produced Ighodalo.
Although Justice Ekwo did not categorically declare the primary election invalid, the APC cashing in on Ekwo’s finding, filed a fresh suit to disqualify Ighodalo on the strength of the alleged unlawful exclusion.
However, Justice Lifu upheld the submission of the senior lawyer that the federal high court cannot sit as an appellate court in its own judgment.
The Judge also agreed that APC was a busybody and meddlesome interloper by dabbing into the internal affairs of PDP.
Besides, Justice Lifu also upheld the argument of Kehinde SAN that the high court judgment being used to press for Ighodalo’s disqualification had since been voided and set aside by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
The Judge subsequently dismissed the APC’s disqualification request on the ground that it lacked merit and substance.
The APC had sued the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Asue Ighodalo and PDP as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.
News
Tight security in Benin as Edo governorship election draws near
By Ojomah Austin.
A large number of officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been mobilized across the city, causing traffic congestion in several areas.
Security personnel were spotted at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin, securing strategic locations, with some awaiting further deployment to other parts of the state.
This follows the recent deployment of 35,000 police officers to maintain law and order during the elections, With less than 48 hours to the Edo State governorship election.
The NSCDC also deployed 6,433 officers, while the Defence Headquarters has stationed soldiers to ensure a safe environment for voters.
In addition, authorities have implemented a “show of force” with security agents patrolling key areas.
In anticipation of the election, the Edo State Government declared Friday a work-free day to allow voters to travel to their polling units.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) held a prayer session in Benin, calling for peace and the election of a credible leader who will govern with integrity.
INEC has also commenced the distribution of sensitive electoral materials to all 18 local government areas, ensuring readiness for Saturday’s vote.
News
New video of Zinoleesky gets tongues wagging
……“E remain small make breeze blow am away”
By Ojomah Austin.
Nigerian singer, Zinoleesky stirs a buzz online due to a recent video of him circulating on social media.
In the video, Zinoleesky dons a white shirt alongside black trousers as he brags about being worthy to be used as a Valentine’s gift.
Reacting to the video, netizens commented on his skinny appearance.
Famous musician, Oniyide Azeez, better known as Zinoleesky trends online due to a new clip serving the rounds on social media.
In the video, the ‘Element’ hitmaker is spotted wearing a white shirt and a stylish black trouser. While being filmed, Zinoleesky bragged mightily about his looks.
He reiterated that he could be used as a Valentine’s gift to any girl.
The video generated a buzz online with a large number of netizens commenting on his thin body shape. Some swiftly leveraged it to make fun of the artiste.
One @janicekate_x wrote: “E remain small make breeze blow am away 😂.”
soromotoochukwu wrote: “I like how music can take you to another place. For example, this restaurant is playing Zinoleesky so now I’m going to a different restaurant.”
dave.dexter27 wrote: “Make breeze sha no blow as we wan deliver the valentine gift😂😂😂.”
oluwatamilore_xx wrote: “Bro,drank all the whole slimming tea and nothing is left to slim down.”
isco_west_whil wrote: “Chaii dem don set this Guy up for dragging again😂😂.”
scheargoon wrote: “Try put stone for your pocket guy”
bouncequotes wrote: “My boy 😂😂😂😂 slim daddy for dem girls.”
just_eniola_olayemisi wrote: “No be your fault zino, u no just get choice that to continue to dey craze 🥺 I feel for u my bro.”
zaza_mula112 wrote: “Zino Dey enjoy, while seyi vibe Dey cry under record label 😂😂.”
jamesmike7837 wrote: “See person be like broom stick😂.”
sheis_shuga wrote: “Who Dey decive you werey 😢😢see as u slim like who get HIV 😢😔🙄🥺Dooh.”
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