Indonesia, Saudi, Thailand, Jamaica, and Philippines Lead in Spain’s 2023 Schengen Visa Approval Rates for an Easy Europe Trip

Spain stands as one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe, captivating travelers with its unique blend of cultural wonders, historical cities, and breathtaking landscapes. In 2023, Spain continued to draw thousands of international travelers applying for Schengen visas, aiming to make Spain their gateway to Europe. For citizens from Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Jamaica, and the Philippines, this journey was notably smoother, as these five nationalities enjoyed some of the highest approval rates for Spanish Schengen visas, paving the way for an easy Europe trip. Spain’s Soaring Popularity Among Schengen Destinations

Spain emerged as one of the leading Schengen countries in 2023, ranking close behind France and Germany in terms of visa application volume. France led with over 2.5 million applications, followed by Germany with nearly 1.5 million applications. Spain, coming in a close third, received a significant number of applications, underscoring its allure as a top European destination. With over a million Schengen visas approved, Spain’s approval rate stood at 77.4%—slightly below the Schengen area average of 82.2%. Despite this, Spain’s strategic position as a popular travel hub has attracted diverse nationalities, making it a top choice for those planning an extended European trip.

This demand aligns with Spain’s overall tourism growth. During the first nine months of 2024, more than 73.9 million international travelers visited Spain, a 10.9% increase over the same period in 2023. In September alone, tourist spending reached €12.62 billion, marking a 12.7% rise from the previous year. Visitor numbers for September rose by 9.1%, totaling 9.6 million arrivals. On average, each visitor spent €1,315 (3.3% more than in 2023), with daily spending increasing by 3.8% to €195. From January to September, Spain welcomed 81.7 million travelers, an impressive 11.7% increase from 2023, solidifying its position as a top choice for international visitors. Top Nationalities with High Approval Rates for an Easy Europe Trip

For travelers from Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Jamaica, and the Philippines, securing a Spanish Schengen visa in 2023 was relatively straightforward, thanks to high approval rates. These favorable rates reflect the success of these nationalities in meeting Spain’s requirements, offering a more accessible route to explore not just Spain, but the broader Schengen zone.

1. Indonesia
   Indonesian citizens saw a high approval rate of 96.1% for Spanish visas, with 19,317 approvals out of 20,090 applications. This strong rate points to consistent compliance with Spain’s visa criteria, making Spain an attractive destination for Indonesian travelers eager for a European experience.
2. Saudi Arabia
   Saudi applicants enjoyed a 94.3% success rate, with 49,636 visas approved from 52,624 applications. For Saudi travelers, these high approval numbers facilitate an accessible journey to Europe, positioning Spain as a favorable starting point for an extended European itinerary.
3. Thailand
   Thai nationals similarly benefited from a high approval rate, reaching 95%. Of 11,203 applications, 10,647 were approved, showcasing a seamless entry process into Spain. This favorable rate makes it easier for Thai citizens to plan and embark on an enriching Europe trip, with Spain as the gateway.
4. Jamaica
   Jamaicans topped the list with an impressive 98.4% approval rate, the highest among the five countries. Out of 3,062 applications, 3,013 were approved with just 41 rejections. This success rate emphasizes the smooth access that Jamaican travelers experience when applying to visit Spain, opening doors for further European exploration.
5. Philippines
   Filipinos also saw favorable outcomes, with a 93.9% approval rate. Of the 21,527 applications filed, 20,208 were approved. Spain’s high approval rate for Filipinos highlights the accessibility of Europe for Filipino travelers, enabling them to begin their European journey with ease in Spain.

These high visa approval rates align with Spain’s booming tourism sector, which saw an influx of international travelers in 2024. As of September, Spain recorded 81.7 million visitors, reflecting an 11.7% increase over 2023. The rise in tourism revenue mirrors this growth, with €12.62 billion spent by tourists in September alone—a significant 12.7% increase compared to September 2023. The average spending per tourist reached €1,315, up by 3.3% from the previous year, with daily spending also rising to €195 (an increase of 3.8%).

The regional distribution of these tourists underscores a growing trend toward market diversification. The Region of Valencia saw the highest increase in tourist numbers, with a 15.9% rise, while the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands grew by 8.6% and 5%, respectively. This data reveals an ongoing shift as international travelers diversify their Spanish destinations, exploring beyond the usual tourist hotspots. Expanding the Journey: Spain as a Gateway to Europe

With high visa approval rates, travelers from Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Jamaica, and the Philippines can easily make Spain their gateway to Europe. Spain’s position as a member of the Schengen zone allows these travelers to visit neighboring countries, exploring iconic European cities and landscapes with seamless travel. This ease of movement amplifies Spain’s appeal, offering these travelers the ideal start for an extended European tour. Diversifying Spain’s Tourism Market

Spain’s travel market reflects a broader diversification trend, as arrivals increase not only from traditional tourism regions but also from newer markets. Visitors from Ibero-American countries rose by 15.6%, Canada by 18.3%, China by 71.8%, and Persian Gulf countries by 34.9%. These increases illustrate Spain’s appeal to an increasingly diverse set of global travelers, enriching its tourism sector with a broader range of cultures and backgrounds.

With such high Schengen visa approval rates for Indonesian, Saudi, Thai, Jamaican, and Filipino travelers, Spain has solidified its position as an accessible European destination. As Spain’s tourism numbers continue to rise and its market diversifies, travelers from these nations enjoy an inviting and streamlined path to explore the country’s vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and cultural landmarks. This access to Spain opens the door for a broader European experience, allowing travelers to venture into the Schengen zone with ease. Whether exploring Madrid’s bustling streets, the historic Alhambra, or Barcelona’s artistic avenues, travelers from Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Jamaica, and the Philippines have an ideal starting point for their European journeys.

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