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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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At last, Tinubu sacks five ministers, makes seven fresh nomination
By Francesca Hangeior.
At last, president Bola Tinubu has reshuffle his cabinet appointing seven new ministers.
This development is coming few months after growing calls for the President to rejig his cabinet.
In a statement issued by the presidency after the federal executive council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, president Tinubu re-assigned 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios and appointed seven new ministers for Senate confirmation.
The president on Wednesday, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC), announced the sack of Uju-Ken Ohanenye as Minister of Women Affairs; Lola Ade-John as Minister of Tourism; Tahir Mamman as Minister of Education; Abdullahi Gwarzo as Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development; and Jamila Ibrahim as Minister of Youth Development.
Tinubu subsequently nominated Bianca Odumegu-Ojukwu as the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, while Nentawe Yilwatda as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, officially bringing an end to the tenure of suspended Betta Edu.
The President also nominated Maigari Dingyadi as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Jumoke Oduwole as the Minister of Industry, Idi Maiha as Minister for the newly created Livestock Development Ministry, Yusuf Ata as the Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, with Suwaiba Ahmad as Minister of State Education.
Earlier on Wednesday, the President scrapped the Ministry of Nigeria Delta Development and announced the Ministry of Regional Development as a replacement to oversee the activities of all the regional development commissions.
The regional development commissions to be under the supervision of the new Ministry are the Niger Delta Development Commission, the South East Development Commission, the North East Development and the North West Development Commission.
Tinubu also scrapped the Ministry of Sports Development and transferred its functions to the National Sports Commission to “develop a vibrant sports economy”.
The President further approved the merger of the Federal Ministry of Tourism and the Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture to become the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy.
“The appointment of Shehu Dikko as Chairman of the National Sports
Commission.
“The appointment of Sunday Akin Dare as Special Adviser to the president on Public Communication and Orientation working from the ministry of Information and National Orientation,” the President said.
The President appreciated the outgoing members of the Federal Executive Council for their service to the nation while wishing them the best in their
future endeavours.
He then charged the newly appointed ministers as well as their reassigned colleagues to see their appointment as a call to serve the nation.
He added that all appointees must understand the administration’s eagerness and determination to set Nigeria on the path to irreversible growth and invest the best of their abilities into the actualisation of the government’s priorities.
It could be recalled that Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, appointed 48 ministers in August 2023, three months after his inauguration.
The Senate immediately screened and confirmed the ministers. One of the ministers, Betta Edu, was suspended in January while another, Simon Lalong, moved to the Senate.
There have been growing calls for the President to reshuffle his cabinet as many Nigerians are not impressed by the performance of some of the ministers, especially in the face of unprecedented inflation, excruciating economic situation and rising insecurity.
In September, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the President would reshuffle his cabinet but didn’t give a time to the reorganisation.
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