Travel

Five Schengen Countries Where Obtaining a Visa is Easier

Published

6 hours ago

February 11, 2025

Getting a Schengen visa can be pretty straightforward, but it really depends on things like approval rates, how long it takes to process, and what you need to provide. Based on recent data, here are five Schengen countries that are usually seen as the easiest for visa applications:

1. Lithuania

With an impressive approval rate (over 98% in some years), Lithuania has less strict requirements than many others. Plus, their consulates aren’t as busy, which means quicker processing times.

2. Estonia

Estonia boasts a high approval rate (around 97%) and has a smooth application process. If you’ve traveled to Schengen countries before, it makes things even easier.

3. Finland

Finland consistently shows high approval rates (above 95%) and has less demand compared to bigger European hotspots. The documentation needed is pretty straightforward too.

4. Iceland

Iceland has one of the highest visa approval rates (nearly 99%). There are fewer applicants, which makes the process easier. Just keep in mind that they have limited embassies, so you might need to apply through another country.

5. Latvia

With an approval rate of about 97%, Latvia offers a simplified application process. Their consulates are less competitive than those in countries like France or Germany.

While these countries tend to be more flexible, your success can still hinge on your nationality, finances, and travel history. To boost your chances, make sure you have all the necessary documents and demonstrate strong ties to your home country.

Related Topics:Featured Featured2 Schengen Visa Tourism

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The 10 Most Beautiful Presidential Palaces in Africa

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Travel

The 10 Most Beautiful Presidential Palaces in Africa

Published

6 years ago

July 8, 2019

Camer237

One of the most stunning state-houses in the world can also be found in Africa. It is little wonder that, with their respective titles, the palaces of many African presidents will be garlanded with magnificent structures and beautiful scenery.

We look at the top ten most stunning Presidential Palaces in Africa:

10. Presidential Palace, Dakar, SENEGAL

With the elegant white vantage and extensive gardens beautifying it, Presidential Palace, Dakar, Senegal, is one of the most beautiful sites in Africa. It is the Palace of the President of Senegal.

9. State House, Kampala, UGANDA

State House Kampala State House is the official residence of the President of Uganda. Situated at Entebbe, 40 km south of Kampala, capital of Uganda, it is adjacent to a ceremonial “H” shaped building which hosted the Queen of England on her visit to Uganda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

State House is undergoing some revamp with a project cost at approximately $1.6 million.

8. Presidential Palace, Nouakchott, MAURITANIA

This site houses the President of Mauritania and is the principal administrative office of the government of Mauritania. Built by Chinese contractors, Presidential Palace is the most outstanding landmark in the centre city of Nouakchott, Mauritania with its enormous gardens and grounds.

7. Presidential Palace, Khartoum, SUDAN

Adorned with invaluable relics and antiques, Presidential Palace located on Blue Nile Street adjacent to the Palace Museum in Khartoum, Sudan is markedly historical.

The Palace serves as residence and administrative office of the President of Sudan.

6. Iavoloha Palace, Antananarivo, MADAGASCAR

Situated at the base of a hilltop, with its beauty and grandeur, Iavoloha Palace is one of a kind.

Located 15km to the south from Antananarivo, Madagascar, it is the Presidential palace of the President of Madagascar.

5. Flagstaff House, Accra, GHANA

This breathtaking site is the presidential palace of Ghana, which serves as a residence and office of the President of Ghana. The Flagstaff House was reconstructed and inaugurated by the government of John Agyekum Kufour.

The cost of the construction was around $45-50 million and was overseen by an Indian contractor.

Not quite finished yet. Very impressive.

4. State House, Windhoek, NAMIBIA

Bordered by a two-kilometer long steel fence with dark-glassed towers and large guard rooms, and covers 25 hectares of land, the State House of the Republic of Namibia is a fortress. It is located in the Auasblick suburb of Windhoek.

This majestic site is the administrative capital of Namibia, as well as the official residence of the President of Namibia. The State House was designed by the North Korean company, Mansudae Overseas Projects, and built in 66 months. It is reported that the administrative building cost a staggering N$400 million Namibian dollars.

3. Union Buildings, Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA

The Union Buildings form the official seat of the South African government and also house the offices of the president of South Africa. With its vast gardens, the buildings are located in Pretoria and constitute a South African national heritage site.

These remarkable buildings, built from light sandstone, were designed by the architect Sir Herbert Baker in the English monumental style and are 285m long. The architectural design of the buildings is simply wonderful and a must see.

2. Abdeen Palace, Cairo, EGYPT

Considered one of the most luxurious palaces in the world with its embellishments, paintings, and large number of clocks scattered in the parlors and wings, most of which are decorated with pure gold, Abdeen Palace is exotic.

It is located above Qasr el-Nil Street in eastern Downtown Cairo, Egypt. It is a historic Cairo palace which has 500 suites, and is the official residence and main office of the President of Egypt.

1. Unity Palace, Yaounde, CAMEROON

With the towering pillars that holds its walls, pleasant surroundings and verdant greenery around it, the Unity Palace is a striking work of art. Located in the Etoudi neighborhood, Yaounde, it is the presidential palace of of Cameroon.