Schengen Area Expands to 29 Countries in 2025
The European Commission responsible for border management announced on January 10, 2025, that the Schengen Area now consists of 29 European countries, an increase from the previous 27 nations. The original Schengen members included Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Newly joining the Schengen Area this year are Cyprus and Romania, further strengthening Europe’s seamless travel zone.
With these new additions to the Schengen Zone, Filipino travelers now have even more options when planning their European adventures. But before you apply for a Schengen Visa, it’s essential to know which countries offer the best chances of approval. Based on the latest data, here are some key insights to help Filipino passport holders navigate the Schengen visa process in 2025.
Top 10 Schengen Countries with the Highest Visa Approval Rates for Filipinos
For Filipino passport holders applying for a Schengen Visa in 2025, statistics from SchengenVisaInfo.com and European Commission reports show that the following countries have the highest visa approval rates:
1. Czech Republic – 98.3% approval rate
2. Greece – 97.1% approval rate
3. Germany – 96.2% approval rate
4. Netherlands – 95.7% approval rate
5. Spain – 94.8% approval rate
6. Switzerland – 94.7% approval rate
7. France – 91.5% approval rate
8. Belgium – 90.2% approval rate
9. Hungary – 92.4% approval rate
10. Portugal – 90.0% approval rate
Why Do These Countries Approve More Filipino Visa Applications?
Countries like Czech Republic, Greece, and Germany have historically shown high approval rates due to their diplomatic and economic relationships with the Philippines. Germany and the Netherlands, for instance, have strong Filipino migrant communities, which may contribute to more lenient visa policies. Additionally, Spain and Portugal maintain cultural and historical ties with the Philippines, making visa approval slightly more accessible for Filipino travelers.
Schengen nations with high approval rates also tend to have efficient consulate services and transparent visa policies. Filipino travelers with complete and well-documented applications stand a much better chance of securing approval in these countries.
Top 10 Schengen Countries with the Highest Visa Rejection Rates for Filipinos
On the other hand, some Schengen countries have relatively higher rejection rates, making it more challenging for Filipino passport holders to secure approval:
1. Finland – 18.0% rejection rate
2. Estonia – 33.1% rejection rate
3. Belgium – 26.5% rejection rate
4. Sweden – 22.9% rejection rate
5. Spain – 17.8% rejection rate
6. Italy – 12.0% rejection rate
7. Austria – 14.3% rejection rate
8. Denmark – 19.9% rejection rate
9. Norway – 16.1% rejection rate
10. Poland – 15.0% rejection rate
What Causes High Rejection Rates?
Some of these countries, like Estonia and Finland, have stricter visa application processes and fewer diplomatic engagements with the Philippines, leading to higher scrutiny of visa applicants. Countries such as Belgium and Sweden often require additional financial proof or longer processing times, which can contribute to higher rejection rates.
Spain, despite being one of the top visa approval countries, also appears on the rejection list due to the sheer number of applications they receive. A high volume of requests may lead to stricter screening processes, increasing the likelihood of denials.
Other factors that contribute to visa rejection include incomplete documents, insufficient financial proof, lack of travel history, or weak ties to the Philippines that assure the traveler will return home after their visit.
How Fiesta Tours and Travel Can Help You Secure a Schengen Visa
No matter which Schengen country you’re applying to, Fiesta Tours and Travel is here to guide you through the visa process. Whether you’re applying to a high-approval country like Czech Republic or Germany, or a stricter destination like Finland or Estonia, we ensure that your application is complete, well-documented, and optimized for success.
Our visa assistance services include:
✅ Personalized consultation to assess the best approach for your application
✅ Step-by-step documentation guidance to ensure your paperwork is in order
✅ Professional itinerary planning to strengthen your application
With extensive experience in handling Schengen Visa applications and a commitment to reliable service, Fiesta Tours and Travel is a trusted partner in helping travelers explore Europe with confidence.
🛫 Ready to apply for a Schengen Visa? Contact us today and let’s make your European adventure happen hassle-free!
