Schengen Visa Statistics From Bangladesh (2014-2022)

Curious about how Schengen visa approvals and denials stack up for Bangladeshi travelers each year? Which embassies in Dhaka manage the highest volume of applications? You’ve come to the right place!

Imagine your passport as a ticket to a fairytale adventure through Europe’s iconic cities and breathtaking landscapes. For Bangladeshi travelers, however, the journey to the Schengen Zone begins with navigating the visa process—an effort that blends anticipation with meticulous preparation.

This post dives deep into Schengen Visa Statistics from Bangladesh, spanning 2014 to 2021 (with 2022 data on the way). Get ready to uncover the numbers and trends that showcase how Bangladeshis pursue their European travel dreams.

From bustling Dhaka to the gateways of Europe, this blog reveals the official Schengen visa stats, highlights the embassies issuing these visas, and tracks how approval rates have evolved. Let’s embark on this statistical journey!

Why the Schengen Visa Is So Coveted

The Schengen Area is like a giant theme park that includes 27 European countries (at the time of writing). Once you receive a Schengen Visa, you can freely hop between these member states without going through repeated border checks.

It’s your golden ticket to explore the romantic streets of Paris, the historic castles of Germany, and the gondola rides in Venice—all under one visa. So naturally, it’s a hot item for many Bangladeshi travelers yearning for a European adventure.

Schengen Visa Issuing Embassies in Bangladesh

While there are 27 Schengen countries, not all have embassies or consulates in Dhaka. Other member states represent some nations. Below are the embassies currently issuing visas in Bangladesh:

The Embassy of France
The Embassy of Sweden
Embassy of Denmark
Embassy of Germany
Embassy of Italy
Embassy of Switzerland
Embassy of Spain

These embassies sometimes handle visas for multiple Schengen countries that do not have a direct presence here. For instance, the Embassy of Sweden processes visa applications for the Netherlands, making it a multi-country hub for travelers eyeing Europe.

Breaking Down the Visa Application Data

Let’s clarify the data you’ll be seeing throughout this blog post. We have four primary indicators:

Number of Visa Applications – This is the total count of applications a consulate receives. It covers various categories, including Airport Transit Visas (ATVs), Multiple Entry Schengen Visas (MEVs), and Long-Term Visas (LTVs).
Visas Issued – The number of Schengen visas granted in each category shows how many applicants succeeded in their quest.
Visas Refused – This tells us how many unfortunate souls had their applications denied.
Refusal Percentage – A straightforward calculation of the refusal rate for all types of visas (ATVs, MEVs, LTVs).

1. Number of Visa Applications

When you see something like “Germany received 5,058 applications in 2016,” it means that—5,058 separate requests for Schengen Visas landed on the consulate’s desk that year.

2. Visas Issued

If you notice, “France issued 2,590 visas in 2019,” that means those were the lucky folks who got the green light to pack their bags and fly off to Europe, with the possibility of bouncing between multiple Schengen countries.

3. Visas Refused

This number reflects the heartbreaking side of the equation—people who had to watch their European dream remain a dream for various reasons.

4. Refusal Percentage

The refusal percentage is your quick snapshot. It tells you how strict or lenient a consulate might be, often influenced by the applicant’s travel history, supporting documents, and overall credibility.

Schengen Visa Statistics in 2021

Denmark: Received 143 applications, approved 103, and refused 16, with an 11% refusal rate.
France: 1,051 applications appeared, of which 954 got their visas, while 125 were refused (12% refusal).
Germany: 439 applications, 429 issued, 9 refused, and a very low 2% refusal rate.
Italy: Handled 883 applications, issued 765 visas, refused 118, and landed a 13% refusal rate.
Spain: 585 total, 398 approvals, 93 refusals, 16% refusal rate.
Sweden: 699 total applications, 549 approved, 133 refused, and a 19% refusal rate.
Switzerland: 366 applicants, 307 approvals, 59 refusals, 16% refusal rate.

Schengen Visa Statistics in 2020

Denmark: 1,441 applications, 1,172 approved, 247 refused, marking a 17% refusal.
France: 791 total, 401 issued, a striking 371 refused, leading to a 47% refusal.
Germany: 1,067 total, 823 issued, 239 refused (22% refusal).
Italy: 2,665 total, 1,045 approvals, 1,594 refusals, a 60% refusal rate—relatively high!
Spain: 580 total, 339 approved, 184 denied, 32% refusal.
Sweden: 1,123 total, 688 approved, 503 refused, 45% refusal rate.
Switzerland: 2,141 applicants, 1,574 approvals, 560 refusals, 26% refusal rate.

Schengen Visa Statistics in 2019

Denmark: 1,441 total, 1,172 issued, 247 refused (17% refusal).
France: 4,806 total, 2,590 approved, 2,221 refused (46% refusal).
Germany: 6,611 total, 5,086 approvals, 1,449 refusals (22% refusal).
Italy: 11,397 total, 5,983 visas, 5,394 refusals (47% refusal).
Spain: 2,886 total, 1,690 issued, 881 refused (31% refusal).
Sweden: 7,962 total, 4,803 approved, 2,977 denied (37% refusal).
Switzerland: 2,141 total, 1,574 approved, 560 refused (26% refusal).

Schengen Visa Statistics in 2018

Denmark: 1,586 total, 1,324 issued, 224 refused (14% refusal).
France: 5,048 total, 3,134 approved, 1,748 refused (35% refusal).
Germany: 5,854 total, 4,765 approvals, 1,072 refusals (18% refusal).
Italy: 6,935 total, 3,774 approved, 3,124 refused (45% refusal).
Spain: 2,217 total, 1,363 approvals, 737 refusals (33% refusal).
Sweden: 7,025 total, 4,237 issued, 2,637 denied (38% refusal).
Switzerland: 1,897 total, 1,389 approved, 434 refused (23% refusal).

Schengen Visa Statistics in 2017

Denmark: 1,266 total, 1,101 approved, 141 refused (11% refusal).
France: 5,267 total, 3,477 issued, 1,726 refused (33% refusal).
Germany: 5,997 total, 4,870 approved, 1,127 refused (19% refusal).
Italy: 6,222 total, 3,618 approvals, 2,604 refusals (42% refusal).
Spain: 2,578 total, 1,592 issued, 965 refused (37% refusal).
Sweden: 5,720 total, 3,742 approved, 1,877 refused (33% refusal).
Switzerland: 1,812 total, 1,392 issued, 420 refused (23% refusal).

Schengen Visa Statistics in 2016

Denmark: 1,270 total, 1,018 issued, 230 refused (18% refusal).
France: 4,490 total, 2,982 approved, 1,455 refused (32% refusal).
Germany: 5,058 total, 4,097 approved, 961 refused (19% refusal).
Italy: 3,922 total, 3,131 issued, 791 refused (20% refusal).
Spain: 2,664 total, 1,629 approvals, 982 refusals (37% refusal).
Sweden: 4,943 total, 3,153 issued, 1,592 refused (32% refusal).
Switzerland: 1,582 total, 1,295 approved, 287 refused (18% refusal).

Schengen Visa Statistics in 2015

Denmark: 330 total, 273 issued, 32 refused (10% refusal).
France: 4,791 total, 3,463 approvals, 1,320 refused (28% refusal).
Germany: 4,532 total, 3,684 issued, 848 refused (19% refusal).
Italy: 3,768 total, 3,057 approvals, 711 refused (19% refusal).
Spain: 2,817 total, 1,786 approvals, 1,013 refusals (36% refusal).
Sweden: 4,580 total, 3,113 approved, 1,431 refused (31% refusal).
Switzerland: 1,536 total, 1,241 issued, 295 refused (19% refusal).

Schengen Visa Statistics in 2014

France: 4,069 total, 2,997 issued, 1,072 refused (26% refusal).
Germany: 3,706 total, 3,172 approvals, 534 refusals (14% refusal).
Italy: 3,787 total, 2,960 approved, 827 refused (22% refusal).
Spain: 2,463 total, 1,553 issued, 891 refused (36% refusal).
Sweden: 4,297 total, 3,122 approved, 1,067 refused (25% refusal).
Switzerland: 1,384 total, 1,134 approvals, 250 refusals (18% refusal).

(Note: Data for 2022 is not yet available; we’ll update once it’s published.)

Overall Reflections: Rising Approval Trends

Looking at all these numbers might feel like watching a stock market chart—it goes up, down, and sometimes sideways. However, the good news is that overall approval rates are improving for Bangladeshi travelers. It’s like watching a sapling grow into a tree. Each year, more applicants manage to secure a Schengen Visa. Some years, certain embassies tighten their belts, leading to spikes in refusal rates. Other times, they appear more lenient or see better-prepared applications, improving the approval percentages.

We can’t say there’s a magic trick to guarantee your visa approval, but a well-organized application significantly boosts your odds. Thorough documentation, clear travel intent, and a stable financial background go a long way. Consulates want to ensure travelers will return to Bangladesh after their trip, so it’s crucial to demonstrate strong ties to home—family, job, property, or other obligations.

Conclusion

And there you have a bird’s-eye view of the Schengen Visa Statistics from Bangladesh. It’s fascinating to see the journeys of countless applicants boiled down into numbers and percentages.

While these statistics showcase the bigger picture, every application has its own story. If you plan to apply for a Schengen Visa, note how the numbers vary from embassy to embassy, prepare meticulously, and present yourself as a credible traveler.

Think of your visa application as an invitation to a party. If you dress well, follow the rules, and arrive on time, your chances of being welcomed are much higher!

FAQs

What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that lets you travel within the Schengen Area, covering 27 European countries. It’s like getting a universal pass to explore multiple nations in one go.
Why do refusal rates differ among embassies?
Each embassy has its internal processes and criteria for evaluating applications. Sometimes, they handle visa requests on behalf of other Schengen countries with varying rules and guidelines. This diversity leads to differences in refusal rates.
How can I increase my chances of getting approved?
Present a well-prepared application with complete documentation, a clear travel plan, proof of financial stability, and strong ties to Bangladesh (such as family or work). Honesty, clarity, and consistency are key.
Is there a best time to apply for a Schengen Visa?
Apply at least three months before your intended travel date. The earlier you start, the more time you have to correct any mistakes in your paperwork and respond to embassy queries.
Are refusal rates going down in recent years?
Generally, yes—over time, Bangladeshi travelers have seen a rise in approval rates. However, this is not universal, as rates fluctuate yearly from embassy to embassy.
Which embassy has the highest approval rate?
It varies by year, but you’ll often see Germany or Denmark sporting relatively lower refusal rates in specific periods. Always check the most recent data before choosing where to apply.
Do I need a separate visa for each Schengen country?
No. One valid Schengen Visa allows entry to all member states, meaning you can hop borders without additional paperwork.
What if I want to visit multiple countries, but the leading destination is unclear?
Apply through the embassy of the country where you’ll spend the most nights. If your trip is evenly split, apply to the embassy of the first country you’ll visit.
Why does the application number fluctuate yearly?
Political, economic, and global events (like pandemics) can influence how many people apply for Schengen Visas. Likewise, changing immigration policies and travel trends can impact application volumes.
Is the 2022 data available yet?
Not at the moment. We’ll update our site and this blog post as soon as official sources publish the 2022 numbers.