Planning a Europe trip in summer 2025? Here’s a guide to the fastest Schengen visa processing countries, current appointment wait times, rejection rates, and expert tips to beat the peak season rush.

As summer 2025 approaches, thousands of Indian travellers are applying for Schengen visas—but here’s the catch: getting an appointment is the real hurdle, not just the processing time.

Visa approvals typically take 15 to 45 days, but during peak travel months, securing a slot at VFS or BLS can be a major challenge. So, where should you apply? And which countries offer the fastest approvals?

Here’s a breakdown of the easiest Schengen countries to apply to in 2025, their visa wait times, rejection rates, and pro tips to help you lock in your European summer plans.

🇫🇷 1. France: Reliable, Regional, and Relatively Fast

France is a great starting point for Indian travellers, especially those applying from Chennai, Hyderabad, Cochin, or Puducherry.

  • Visa Processing Time: 2–3 weeks

  • Earliest Appointment: April 25 (Chennai, Hyderabad)

  • Rejection Rate: ~18%

  • Appointment Availability: Good

✅ Pro Tip: Avoid Delhi and Mumbai. Apply from regional centres like Chennai or Hyderabad for faster access.

🇪🇸 2. Spain: Fastest Visa Turnaround in 2025

Spain leads in quick visa approvals, averaging just 7 working days. Appointments for May are still available across multiple Indian cities.

  • Visa Processing Time: 7 working days

  • Appointment Availability: Moderate (May slots open)

  • Rejection Rate: ~12%

✅ Pro Tip: Ideal for last-minute plans or short lead-time trips.

🇸🇪 3. Sweden: Next-Day Appointments at All Centres

Sweden offers next-day appointments and has one of the lowest rejection rates.

  • Visa Processing Time: 10–15 working days

  • Rejection Rate: ~11%

  • Appointment Availability: Excellent

✅ Pro Tip: Great for spontaneous trips or first-time travellers.

🇫🇮 4. Finland: Quick and Smooth Processing

Finland is a hidden gem for visa applicants—early slots and a straightforward process.

  • Visa Processing Time: 10–15 working days

  • Earliest Appointment: April 25 (Chennai, Hyderabad)

  • Rejection Rate: ~20%

✅ Pro Tip: A good pick if you have a decent travel history and complete documentation.

🇭🇺 5. Hungary: Early Appointments & Low Rejections

Looking to explore Central Europe? Hungary is a solid option with lower rejection odds and faster appointments.

  • Visa Processing Time: 10–20 working days

  • Appointment Availability: Early dates available

  • Rejection Rate: ~14%

✅ Pro Tip: Pair with Austria or Czech Republic for a full itinerary using a multi-entry visa.

🇳🇴 6. Norway: Reliable Option with Future Flexibility

Norway offers a steady approval process and is part of the Schengen “Cascade” visa regime, helping with easier renewals.

  • Visa Processing Time: 15–20 working days

  • Appointment Availability: Better than Germany or Italy

  • Rejection Rate: ~15%

✅ Pro Tip: A future-proof option for frequent Schengen travellers.

🇩🇪 7. Germany: Long Wait Times, Stricter Scrutiny

Germany is a popular destination—but it’s not ideal for tight timelines. Appointments are booked until late May in most cities.

  • Visa Processing Time: 20–30 working days

  • Earliest Appointment: May 21 (Chennai, Gurgaon)

  • Rejection Rate: ~20%

  • Appointment Availability: Limited

✅ Pro Tip: Prepare a thorough file. Avoid if you’re a first-timer or on a short notice.

🇮🇹 8. Italy: High Demand, Very Limited Slots

Italy’s a favourite—but appointments are scarce. If you’ve previously held a Schengen visa, you might qualify for fast-track booking.

  • Visa Processing Time: 15–30 working days

  • Earliest Appointment: May 16 (Ahmedabad only)

  • Rejection Rate: ~21%

✅ Pro Tip: Use previous visa history to your advantage for priority appointments.

🇨🇭 9. Switzerland: Reasonable Processing, Tough Booking

Switzerland has decent processing speeds but limited booking slots.

  • Visa Processing Time: 15–25 working days

  • Earliest Appointment: April 29 (Mumbai)

  • Rejection Rate: ~13%

✅ Pro Tip: Consider traveling to another city (like Mumbai) for your appointment if your local VFS is fully booked.

🌍 What Is the Schengen ‘Cascade’ Visa?

The Schengen Cascade Visa allows frequent Indian travellers to apply for multi-entry visas valid for up to 2 years, provided they’ve lawfully used two Schengen visas in the past 3 years.

✅ Benefit: Less documentation and faster future processing.

📝 Final Tips for a Successful Schengen Visa Application

  • 📅 Apply at least 45 days before your travel date

  • 🔎 Check VFS Global or BLS for the earliest slots

  • 🌍 Choose countries with lower rejection rates

  • 📂 Submit a complete, error-free application

  • ✈️ Plan for flexibility if your first-choice country has no appointments

🎯 Conclusion: Smart Planning = Summer in Europe

Europe is calling — and it’s still very possible to answer that call this summer. If you’re strategic about where you apply, and act fast, you can still lock in your Schengen visa and start planning that dream getaway.

Don’t let visa delays stop your plans. Pick the right country. Book early. Travel smart.