Traveling between its member states is made easy by the Schengen Area, which is a symbol of European integration.
The Schengen Agreement has promoted increased mobility, economic cooperation, and cross-cultural exchange among its members, with its foundation being the removal of internal border controls.
There is a belief regarding possible additional members of this union as we move toward 2024. Let’s explore which countries may join the Schengen Area in the upcoming year.
Which countries will join Schengen Area in 2024?
Bulgaria and Romania are scheduled to become the newest members of the Schengen Area on March 31, 2024.
It also means that people entering the Schengen Area through these countries’ internal air and sea borders will no longer be subject to inspections.
Yet, the Council is still expected to agree with itself at a later time regarding the removal of security checks on people at internal land borders.
These new members will join the Schengen Area after Croatia did so in 2022. Now, all of the EU’s member states are included in the Schengen Area, except for Cyprus and Ireland.
Travelers within Europe will have more freedom to move around due to these countries’ acceptance in the Schengen Area, which will enable them to freely explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of these countries without having to worry about crossing borders.
Read: Which Country of Europe is Best for Study?
Which country gives fastest Schengen visa?
Applying for a Schengen visa from a country like Iceland, Finland, Latvia, or Lithuania is generally faster than applying from a popular country like France, Germany, Portugal, etc.
Yet, no single country consistently issues visas the quickest. This can be linked to their high approval rate and generally lower application volume.
The following parameters may affect processing times,
- What country are you from?
- Completeness of your application
- Your past travel experiences
- The purpose of your visit
It is advisable to find out the most recent processing times by contacting the particular embassy or consulate you want to apply to.
Their contact details are available on the European Commission’s website. CLICK HERE
Which country is difficult to get Schengen visa?
According to statistics, certain Schengen countries reject visa applications at a higher rate than others.
A few countries typically have stricter visa approval policies,
- Malta
- Sweden
- Belgium
- France
- Norway
It may take longer for countries that receive a large number of visa applications to process and review each one. This could indirectly impact your chances of getting accepted.
Regardless of where you live, you will have a better chance of being accepted if your application is well-prepared and has solid supporting documentation.
Make sure all the requirements are met in your application, even if you are applying to a country where rejection rates are higher.
What is the fastest processing time for Schengen visa?
The fastest processing time to get a Schengen visa is not guaranteed. Normally, it takes 15 days for the embassy or consulate to process your application, but in most cases, it can take up to 30 days. In complicated cases, it may even take up to 60 days.
Still, there is no way to speed up the procedure past the required minimum of 15 days.
Delays can be avoided, though; if you make sure your application is truly detailed and contains all required documentation. This will make easier the embassy/consulate’s processing.
Bottom Line
The possibility of adding new members to the Schengen Area in 2024 is a reason to celebrate the continued dedication to European cooperation and integration.
Countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia are carefully working toward meeting the criteria set up by the European Union to become Schengen members.
To maintain the success and security of Europe’s borderless travel area, yet, entry into the Schengen Zone requires careful assessment and respect for strict requirements.
Read: Unlock Your Dream European Adventure – Shocking Secrets Revealed About Schengen Visa Requirements
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