Luxembourg Sees 173% Spike
Luxembourg has created a significant standing as one of Europe’s top destinations in 2024. In particular, the country received a record 30,677 Schengen visa applications, marking a 173% increase.
“An increase in applications for tourist reasons was noted, a phenomenon that had not been so pronounced in previous years,” remarked the Ministry of Affairs of Luxembourg.
According to data from SchengenVisaInfo, this represents an upward surge from 26,029 applications in 2023. Overall, this reflects an almost 18% increase in demand.
Sectors Driving Demand
Tourists aren’t the only ones drawn to Luxembourg. Specifically, family reunification (9,009), tourism (8,038), and business (5,600) account for the bulk of applications.
On the tourism front, Luxembourg is home to magnificent castles, vibrant cultural festivals, as well as breathtaking natural attractions.
Also, Luxembourg boasts of world-class educational institutions in the fields of business, finance, and law. For instance, the University of Luxembourg draws enrollees from all over the world.
Additionally, long-stay visa requests reached 4,624, indicating growing interest in relocation, work, and study opportunities.
Meanwhile, embassies in New Delhi (4,058), Ankara (3,299), and Beijing (1,951) handled the most applications, showing strong interest from Asia.
High Visa Approval Rates
Notably, Luxembourg’s visa approval rate remains among the highest in the Schengen Zone. With an estimated 85–86% approval rate, it outperforms many regional peers.
As a result, travelers view it as a low-risk, welcoming entry point to Europe.
According to Travel and Tour World, Luxembourg ranks alongside Austria and Norway as one of the most accessible Schengen destinations.
Moreover, the country benefits from efficient visa processing and diplomatic responsiveness. As such, this convenience gives it a competitive edge.
Top Applicants for Luxembourg
Applicants came from across the globe. The top five nationalities were:
- India – 5,495
- Turkey – 3,373
- China – 3,216
- Morocco – 2,005
- Russia – 1,928
This reflects Luxembourg’s growing visibility outside traditional European tourist markets. For Chinese nationals, the increase stems from direct flights between the two countries and partnerships with an external service provider.
Furthermore, better flight connectivity and diplomatic presence have boosted visitor inflow from these countries.
Economic Gains, Diplomatic Challenges
Unsurprisingly, tourism growth brings economic benefits. For instance, Luxembourg shares in the estimated €937 million collected in Schengen visa fees across Europe.
However, demand has also created pressure. Diplomatic missions face a need for more staffing and digitized procedures to manage rising volumes.
Nevertheless, authorities must scale infrastructure and services to maintain visitor satisfaction and growth.
What’s Ahead for Luxembourg
Looking forward, EU-wide digital visa systems set to launch by 2026 may further simplify Luxembourg’s entry process.
In the meantime, the government is working to enhance its tourism marketing, cultural attractions, and regional travel links.
As Luxembourg continues to position itself as a central European hub, it’s likely this growth trend will persist.
Conclusion
In summary, Luxembourg’s strong visa performance, safe environment, and strategic location have fueled its emergence as a 2024 travel hotspot.
If current trends hold, the country may soon be among Europe’s most visited—and visa-friendly—destinations.
Photo by Cedric Letsch on Unsplash
