Schengen Visa 2024 Statistics: 11.7 Million Applications Reveal Massive Growth Opportunity for Travelers and Travel Insurance

The Schengen visa market is rapidly expanding again after the pandemic slowdown. According to the latest European Commission figures, 11.7 million Schengen visa applications were submitted in 2024 — a major increase that signals the strong return of international travel to Europe.

For travelers planning a European trip, these numbers are more than statistics. They reveal:

  • Increasing demand for Schengen visas
  • Lower refusal rates
  • Growing need for compliant travel insurance
  • Higher competition for appointments and approvals

For platforms like SchengenSure, this creates a major opportunity to help travelers secure visa-compliant travel medical insurance quickly and affordably.

Schengen Visa 2024: Key Figures You Need to Know

The latest 2024 Schengen visa data shows:

  • 7 million Schengen visa applications submitted
  • 8 million visas granted
  • 7 million visa refusals
  • 8% refusal rate
  • 1 million multiple-entry visas (MEV) issued
  • 65,300 Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) visas issued
  • 6,468 Airport Transit Visas (ATV) granted

This represents a substantial recovery in European travel demand.

Applications Increased by 13.6%

Compared to 2023, Schengen visa applications increased by 13.6%. Compared to 2022, the increase exceeds 56%.

This surge indicates:

  • Strong tourism recovery
  • Increased business travel
  • Rising student mobility
  • Growing outbound travel from India, China, the Middle East, and Africa

Travelers are once again prioritizing Europe for tourism, study, family visits, and business opportunities.

What Is Driving the Surge in Schengen Visa Applications?

Several factors contributed to the growth:

1. Post-Pandemic Travel Recovery

European tourism is approaching pre-COVID levels. Countries like France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and the Netherlands continue to attract millions of international visitors.

2. Increased Global Mobility

More travelers are seeking:

  • International education
  • Cross-border business meetings
  • Family reunification
  • Multi-country European holidays

3. Easier Travel Planning

Digital visa appointment systems, online documentation, and easier insurance purchasing have simplified the application process.

Schengen Visa Refusal Rate Dropped to 14.8%

One of the most important updates for applicants is the declining refusal rate.

  • 2023 refusal rate: 16%
  • 2024 refusal rate: 14.8%

This means more applicants successfully obtained visas in 2024.

However, visa refusals still affect nearly 1 in 7 applicants.

Common reasons for rejection include:

  • Inadequate travel insurance
  • Incomplete documents
  • Insufficient financial proof
  • Unclear travel purpose
  • Suspicious itinerary
  • Invalid hotel or flight reservations

This is where choosing the right Schengen travel insurance provider becomes critical.

Why Schengen Travel Insurance Is Mandatory

To obtain a Schengen visa, applicants must provide compliant travel medical insurance that covers:

  • Minimum €30,000 medical coverage
  • Emergency hospitalization
  • Medical evacuation
  • Repatriation expenses
  • Coverage across Schengen countries

If your insurance policy fails to meet embassy requirements, your visa application may be delayed or refused.

Platforms like SchengenSure help travelers compare compliant insurance plans from trusted providers suitable for Schengen visa applications.

Why Multiple Entry Visas (MEV) Matter

In 2024:

  • 1 million Multiple Entry Visas (MEV) were issued
  • MEVs accounted for more than 52% of all granted visas

A Multiple Entry Visa allows travelers to:

  • Enter and leave the Schengen Area multiple times
  • Travel flexibly for business or tourism
  • Avoid repeated visa applications

MEVs are especially valuable for:

  • Frequent business travelers
  • Students
  • Family visitors
  • Digital nomads
  • Multi-country tourists

Travelers holding MEVs often seek annual multi-trip travel insurance plans, creating a growing market for flexible insurance solutions.

Bulgaria and Romania Joined the Schengen Area

Another major development:

  • Bulgaria and Romania partially entered Schengen on March 31, 2024
  • They became full Schengen members on January 1, 2025
  • Total Schengen member countries increased to 29

This expansion improves travel flexibility across Europe and increases tourism opportunities throughout Eastern Europe.

Destinations such as:

  • Bucharest
  • Sofia
  • Varna
  • Brasov
  • Cluj-Napoca

are expected to see increased international visitor demand.

Schengen Visa Numbers Are Still Below Pre-COVID Levels

Although recovery is strong, the market has not fully returned to 2019 levels.

2019 vs 2024

Applications

  • 2019: 17 million
  • 2024: 11.7 million

Visas Granted

  • 2019: 15 million
  • 2024: 9.8 million

This indicates substantial future growth potential in:

  • Travel insurance
  • Visa support services
  • European tourism
  • Flight bookings
  • Hotel reservations

Why Schengen Travel Insurance Demand Will Continue Growing

As visa applications increase, demand for compliant insurance grows alongside it.

Key growth drivers include:

Rising International Travel

Millions of travelers need compliant policies every year.

Increasing Visa Awareness

Applicants now understand that insurance quality directly impacts approval chances.

Higher Medical Costs in Europe

Travelers seek stronger protection against unexpected emergencies abroad.

More Frequent Travelers

Multiple-entry visas increase demand for annual coverage plans.

How SchengenSure Helps Travelers

SchengenSure simplifies the visa insurance process by helping travelers:

  • Compare Schengen-compliant insurance plans
  • Choose affordable coverage
  • Receive instant policy documents
  • Meet embassy requirements
  • Avoid common visa insurance mistakes

Whether you are traveling for:

  • Tourism
  • Business
  • Study
  • Family visits
  • Conferences

having the right insurance is essential for a successful Schengen visa application.

Tips to Improve Your Schengen Visa Approval Chances

1. Buy Valid Travel Insurance

Ensure your policy meets Schengen requirements.

2. Submit Complete Documentation

Missing paperwork is one of the biggest rejection reasons.

3. Show Financial Stability

Provide strong bank statements and income proof.

4. Maintain a Clear Travel Itinerary

Include hotel bookings, flights, and travel plans.

5. Apply Early

Appointment delays are increasing due to high demand.

Get Schengen-Compliant Travel Insurance Online

If you are planning a trip to Europe, SchengenSure helps you compare compliant travel insurance plans suitable for Schengen visa applications.

Visit SchengenSure today and secure your travel insurance before your visa appointment.