Chinese, Moroccans & Russians Led Spanish Visa Applications in 2024

Spain ranked second among all Schengen countries in 2024, receiving over 1.6 million visa applications — with Chinese, Moroccan, and Russian nationals topping the list.

Spain remains one of the most sought-after destinations in the Schengen Area, and 2024 was no exception. According to data from SchengenVisaInfo, Spain received over 1.6 million Schengen visa applications last year — making it the second most popular destination after France (which received over 3 million) and surpassing Germany (1.5 million applications), Schengen.News reports.

Despite visa restrictions, especially post-pandemic and amid rising geopolitical tensions, Spain has reaffirmed its appeal to travelers and migrants alike — particularly from Asia, North Africa, and Latin America.

The Big Three: China, Morocco & Russia

Out of all the 1.6 million applications received by Spain in 2024, over 844,000 — more than half — came from just five countries. Leading the list:

China — 254,571 applications (15.6% of Spain’s total and 14.3% of all Chinese Schengen visa applications).

Morocco — 216,985 applications (13.5% of Spain’s total and 35.8% of Moroccan applicants’ total).

Darovska Батуми, [31.05.2025 19:01]
Russia — 125,551 applications (7.7% of Spain’s total and 20.7% of all Russian applications).

Algeria — 123,991 applications (7.6%).

UK-based foreign nationals — 123,058 applications (7.5%).

The high number of UK-resident applicants reflects the complexities of post-Brexit travel, where many non-EU nationals residing in Britain are now required to obtain visas for travel to the EU.

Spain Was the Top Schengen Destination for These Nationalities

Spain wasn’t just popular among top source countries; it was the number one destination for Schengen visa applicants from several Latin American and African countries.

Here’s a breakdown:

Ecuador — 76,692 of 103,785 applications were for Spain (73.9%).

Dominican Republic — 29,578 of 51,229 (57.7%).

Cuba — 28,261 of 48,625 (58.1%).

Bolivia — 18,124 of 20,270 (89.4%).

Mauritania — 17,740 of 23,596 (75.2%).

Some countries filed 100% of their Schengen applications with Spanish consulates:

Niger — all applications submitted for Spain.

Andorra — 264 applications, 100% to Spain.

Why Spain?

Spain’s consistent popularity is driven by:

Deep historical and cultural ties with Latin America;

Relatively smooth visa processing through its consular network;

A strong tourism sector, affordable cost of living, and family reunification dynamics;

Favorable climate and opportunities for seasonal or long-term migration.

Spain continues to serve as an accessible and preferred "gateway to Europe" for millions.

What’s Next?

As Europe rethinks its border policies and Schengen states continue balancing openness with security, Spain’s strategic visa diplomacy, coupled with its global connections, will keep it at the forefront of the Schengen landscape.