The Netherlands was a leading Schengen visa hub in 2024, with more than 728,000 requests and ranking as the sixth leading Schengen state overall. This high demand illustrates the relevance of the country as a top travel destination for tourists from around the world in need of access into Europe’s borderless Schengen Zone. 2024 visa statistics for the Netherlands show interesting trends regarding who’s traveling, who’s getting approved, and what nationalities are most frequently rejected.
While global travel continues to regain momentum and mobility between countries rises, the Schengen visa environment has also grown increasingly competitive and complicated. Travelers, tourism professionals, and immigration specialists are tracking these trends in an effort to better comprehend the new requirements and challenges.
With its wealth of culture, business interests, and geo-strategic location, the Netherlands continues to be a primary gateway for many nationalities into Europe. This article delves into the most recent official figures, comparing the leading nationalities who received the Schengen visas in 2024, those who were declined, and the general trends for tourism and immigration.
If you are organizing your forthcoming European vacation or studying the movement of populations, this in-depth report gives useful insights based on official figures and professional analysis.
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Netherlands Visa Applications: A Snapshot of 2024
- Total Visa Applications Received: 728,656
- Netherlands Ranking: 6th among Schengen countries by visa application volume
- Leading Countries in Visa Applications to Netherlands: Turkey, India, China
- Top 5 Nationalities Granted Visas by the Netherlands:
- Turkish nationals – 84,240 visas (86.8% approval of 97,006 applications)
- Indian nationals – 75,727 visas (83.2% approval of 91,003 applications)
- Chinese nationals – 70,203 visas (96.7% approval of 72,595 applications)
- Indonesian nationals – 51,103 visas (93.1% approval of 54,888 applications)
- Filipino nationals – 46,500 visas (95.8% approval of 48,556 applications)
These numbers illustrate not only high demand but also strong approval rates for key Asian and Middle Eastern countries, reflecting their significant travel and business connections to the Netherlands and Europe.
Who Faced the Highest Visa Rejection Rates by the Netherlands?
Visa rejection trends reveal a different story, especially among applicants from several African countries. While Turkey and China enjoyed high approval rates, some African nationalities faced considerable challenges:
- Top 5 Nationalities with Highest Visa Rejections:
- India: 14,569 rejections
- Morocco: 12,398 rejections
- Turkey: 11,792 rejections
- Ghana: 8,394 rejections
- Egypt: 7,174 rejections
- Highest Rejection Rates (by percentage):
- Senegal: 81.05% (4,478 out of 5,525 applications rejected)
- Algeria: 63.4% rejection rate
- Mali: 60.8% rejection rate
- Ghana: 58% rejection rate
- Uganda: 49.97% rejection rate
These statistics emphasize the heightened scrutiny faced by some African applicants, possibly linked to immigration control policies or documentation issues.
The Bigger Picture: Schengen Visa Applications Across Europe
Across the Schengen Zone, over 11.7 million visa applications were filed in 2024 — a 13.4% increase from previous years — signaling a surge in demand for travel within Europe. Countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Greece top the list in terms of visa issuance, but the Netherlands remains a critical player, especially for certain nationalities.
Key trends across the Schengen area include:
- France remains the most popular Schengen visa destination for 32 nationalities in 2024.
- Germany granted a record 1.29 million Schengen visas, reflecting its strong economic pull.
- Rising visa rejection costs have been reported, with applicants losing an estimated €145 million due to refused applications.
Why the Netherlands? Key Factors Driving High Visa Demand
Several factors explain the Netherlands’ popularity among visa applicants:
- Strong economic ties with Turkey, India, and China, leading to business and study-related travel.
- The country’s reputation as a gateway to Europe with excellent transport infrastructure.
- A thriving tourism sector featuring Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and scenic countryside.
- Dutch policies offering relatively streamlined visa processing for certain nationalities.
For many travelers, obtaining a Dutch Schengen visa opens doors to the entire 27-country Schengen Area, making it an attractive first step for European exploration.
What This Means for Travelers and Tourism Stakeholders
Understanding visa approval and rejection patterns is essential for:
- Travelers planning European trips to know their chances and prepare stronger applications.
- Tourism operators tailoring services and marketing to high-demand markets like Turkey and India.
- Immigration consultants advising clients on application strategies and document preparation.
- Policy makers balancing border security with facilitating legitimate travel and economic growth.
With growing visa applications and fluctuating approval rates, it’s clear that careful planning and awareness of country-specific visa trends can significantly influence travel outcomes.
Tips for Visa Applicants Targeting the Netherlands
To improve your chances of obtaining a Dutch Schengen visa:
- Submit complete and accurate documentation reflecting your travel purpose clearly.
- Demonstrate strong ties to your home country (employment, family, assets) to reduce concerns about overstay.
- Apply early to avoid appointment bottlenecks, especially from countries with high demand.
- Consider professional assistance for complex cases or if you’ve been previously rejected.
Conclusion: The Netherlands as a Dynamic Schengen Visa Gateway
The Netherlands plays a pivotal role in the 2024 Schengen visa landscape, issuing hundreds of thousands of visas to key nationalities and supporting Europe-bound travelers across continents. While many applicants enjoy high approval rates, particularly from Turkey, China, and Southeast Asia, others, especially from certain African nations, continue to face significant hurdles.
For tourists, business travelers, and migration experts alike, staying informed about these trends is crucial. The Dutch visa statistics not only reflect travel aspirations but also broader socio-economic ties and migration policies shaping Europe’s future mobility. As 2025 unfolds, expect continued evolution in visa policies and application dynamics, with the Netherlands firmly at the heart of these developments.
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