Schengen Visas 2025: Morocco Ranks 5th, 480,354 Issued, 19% Refused
European Commission data released on 28 May 2026 confirms it: with 480,354 visas issued out of 619,827 applications, Morocco is the 5th-largest Schengen visa applicant worldwide. Yet nearly one file in five is refused. Figures, ranking and tips to succeed.
TL;DR
- •In 2025, Moroccan nationals obtained 480,354 short-stay Schengen visas, according to European Commission data released on 28 May 2026.
- •With 619,827 applications filed, Morocco ranks 5th-largest applicant worldwide, behind China, Turkey, India and Russia.
- •Nearly one file in five is refused: Morocco's refusal rate is 19.2%, versus a 14.8% world average.
- •Good news for frequent travelers: 55% of issued visas are multiple-entry.
- •The fee stays fixed at 90 euros per adult.
How many Schengen visas for Moroccans in 2025?
Two figures are often confused in the press. The number of applications (619,827) is what the world ranking is based on, which is why Morocco is 5th. The number of visas actually issued (480,354) reflects approved files, after removing refusals and unprocessed applications.
| 2025 indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Applications filed | 619,827 |
| Visas issued | 480,354 |
| Applications refused | 114,320 |
| Refusal rate | 19.2% |
| Multiple-entry visas | 265,244 (55%) |
| World rank (applications) | 5th |
Globally, more than 10 million Schengen visas were issued in 2025 (+3% year on year), still far below the 17 million of pre-pandemic times. The four countries ahead of Morocco are China (1.8 million applications), Turkey (1.25 million), India (1.15 million) and Russia (679,000).
Why nearly one file in five is refused
Morocco's refusal rate (19.2%) stays well above the world average (14.8%). For context: Russia posts only 6.4% refusals, while Algeria reaches 31%. Morocco sits in between.
This rate has a concrete, costly consequence. Visa fees (90 euros) are never refunded if you are refused. Moroccan press estimates that around 1 billion dirhams is lost every year by applicants on refused files alone. Lowering your refusal risk also protects your wallet.
Which consulates handle the most Moroccan applications
France remains by far the main gateway: it handles close to half of Moroccan applications, with a high approval rate (around 81%). Spain comes second by volume, but is statistically the strictest toward Moroccan applicants.
Based on the latest known breakdown (2023-2024), the best approval rates for Moroccans are with Switzerland (about 84%), Poland (83%), France (81%) and Portugal (80%). For an equivalent destination, the choice of consulate can shift your odds.
What it costs and what changes in 2026
Fees are unchanged: 90 euros per adult, 45 euros for a child aged 6 to 11, free under 6, roughly 970 to 980 dirhams, plus the service center fees (TLScontact, BLS, VFS).
At the border, two changes to know:
- •The EES (Entry/Exit System) has been fully operational since 10 April 2026. The manual passport stamp is replaced by a biometric record (fingerprints and photo) at each crossing. Full details in our dedicated article: Digital Schengen visa 2026: biometrics and online platform.
- •ETIAS (a 20-euro travel authorization) is expected in late 2026. Beware a common confusion: ETIAS applies to visa-exempt travelers. As long as Moroccans remain subject to the Schengen visa, ETIAS does not concern them.
8 tips to succeed with your application
- •Clean bank statements. Provide 3 to 6 months of traceable statements. Avoid sudden deposits just before applying, a classic red flag for consulates.
- •Prove your ties to Morocco. Employer letter with approved leave, property deed, children's birth certificates, school enrollment. This weighs most for young and self-employed applicants.
- •Compliant insurance from the start. A policy of at least 30,000 euros, covering the whole Schengen area for the full stay. A refusal on this ground is entirely avoidable.
- •A clear purpose of travel. Itinerary, bookings and supporting documents that match each other.
- •The right consulate. File with the country of your main destination. At equal odds, Switzerland, Poland, France and Portugal are statistically more generous.
- •A complete, readable file, with any requested translations.
- •For a family visit, attach an accommodation certificate and document the family link. Our guide explains how: Accommodation certificate and invitation letter.
- •Plan for the EES. Your first crossing takes a bit longer (biometric enrollment), and the system automatically counts your 90 days out of 180. Watch your counter so you do not slip into overstay.
Multiple-entry visas: the frequent traveler's edge
More than half of the visas granted to Moroccans in 2025 are already multiple-entry. The European Visa Code provides a "cascade" regime for reliable travelers: after 3 visas used without incident over 2 years, you can obtain a one-year visa, then two years, then up to five years.
For an MRE who regularly visits family, the benefit is clear: a clean track record turns into longer and longer visas, meaning fewer procedures and fewer repeated fees.
Frequently asked questions
How many Schengen visas did Morocco obtain in 2025?
480,354 short-stay visas were issued to Moroccan nationals, out of 619,827 applications filed.
Is Morocco really 5th worldwide?
Yes, by number of applications filed, behind China, Turkey, India and Russia.
What is the refusal rate for Moroccans?
19.2% in 2025, nearly one file in five, versus a 14.8% world average.
How much does a Schengen visa cost in 2026?
90 euros per adult, 45 euros for a child aged 6 to 11, free under 6, plus the service center fees.
Does ETIAS apply to Moroccans?
No, not as long as Moroccans remain subject to the Schengen visa. ETIAS targets travelers who are already visa-exempt.
Which consulate refuses Moroccans the most?
On the latest known figures, Spain rejects the most Moroccan applications, while France handles the largest volume with a high approval rate.
How do I get a multiple-entry visa?
By building a clean record: after 3 visas used correctly over 2 years, the cascade regime opens the door to one-year, two-year, then up to five-year visas.
Sources
- •European Commission, Migration and Home Affairs, Schengen visa statistics (28 May 2026 release)
- •Le Matin and Barlamane (detailed Morocco 2025 data)
- •SchengenVisaInfo (historical issuance series)
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