Travel/Tourism
TOP 7 Schengen Countries to Visit in 2024
Schengen attracts tourists with the opportunity to visit many countries with one visa: Norway to Greece, Spain to Estonia. Every year, more and more tourists visiting EU countries are thinking of reclassifying from ordinary travelers to owners of real estate in the territory of European countries. It is difficult for many foreigners to choose one of the many countries. Not to mention citizenship, when you choose thoroughly and hope for the best conditions. We have selected the best seven among 27 republican territories based on statistical data and according to Polly Johnson (agency My Schengen).
We offer you a short list of 7 Schengen lands you should apply without thinking about. The most popular are Italy, France, and Spain, but there is a risk of rejection and quite privileged requirements.
Overview of Schengen Visa
Visas for travel and work (C or D) can be short-term or long-term. In any case, this stamp on the passport gives many advantages. You can rest and enjoy the views and cross the borders of neighboring states, which also signed the treaty of 1985. However, which power’s embassy is the first to apply if a multi-trip is planned? If the trip covers several lands and it is impossible to determine the main one, it is necessary to obtain Schengen Visa of the country that is the first on your way. In practice, it means the following: if you travel to Hungary while transiting through Germany, you must obtain a Hungary Schengen Visa.
The list of documents may vary depending on the country the tourist is traveling to, but the package in most countries is as follows:
- foreign passport;
- travel insurance;
- proof of financial security; some countries may even require a bank statement;
- return ticket (if the tourist is not traveling by his transport);
- proof of accommodation (booked room or official invitation).
Here are the top best destinations regarding the standard of living, attractions, appropriate housing prices, and favorable citizenship conditions in the long run.
Italy
Schengen area traveling in 2024 includes Italy, famous for historical sights and shopping tours. Everyone dreams of seeing Rome, the Colosseum, the Vatican, the residence of the Pope. People go to Venice to ride the gondolas and participate in the carnival. In Milan – for shopping. Over the year, 1.85 million people applied for an Italian visa, and 92.3% received it.
Spain
Spain has 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, stunning beaches, fantastic food, incredible museums, and impressive stores. It hosts numerous festivals that bring people worldwide together on the Atlantic and Mediterranean, making it the favorite country among foreign tourists. The state is also known for its culinary arts and bullfighting. The country hosts the world’s largest tomato battle every year in August. Spain’s soccer team is one of the most famous in the world.
Greece
The territory has a unique coastline, many beaches, and small islands. A bonus to vacationing at sea is a rich cultural program, delicious and healthy cuisine, and low prices for recreation. Greece welcomes tourists warmly. The country issued almost one million visas last year. And the refusal rate is low – 3.88%.
Portugal
Popular places such as Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, and Madeira attract tourists worldwide. Favorable climate, beautiful beaches, and mountainous landscapes make Portugal an attractive vacation destination at any time of the year.
France
France is Europe’s most popular country for traveling, at least among those who need a visa. Both adults and children enjoy going to Disneyland. A Million people visit the Louvre Museum, Picasso Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art every year. There are ski resorts (Chamonix, Courchevel, Mirabel), historical centers (Paris, Versailles, Rambouillet), and of course, the beaches of the Cote d’Azur. The result of France is 3.1 million visas. However, the requirements of this country are strict, and 13.6% of applicants receive a refusal.
Netherlands
The capital attracts tourists – Amsterdam, where there are rich cultural and historical monuments (Van Gogh Museum, State Museum of the Netherlands, Rembrandt House Museum), and such “cult” places as the red-light district and many others.
Germany
You only need to travel to Germany to visit Hohenzollern Castle, which rises to the clouds, and to see the remains of the Berlin Wall, one of the symbols of the Cold War.
Travel Tips and Planning for 2024
So, if you plan to travel without any problems or set a goal to get a visa, you need to arrive at the embassy of any country of the union. It is important to apply to an area where there is no tourist rush. Choose the right country for you from the above list of best Schengen countries and start the application process. The immigration company is always happy to help you obtain a Schengen visa. One of the peculiarities of applying to the center is the urgency of the permit stamp in the passport for the whole family. In this case, there is no need for personal presence, and you pay for the service only after issuance.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced plans to introduce Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) baggage tracking technology across domestic and international airport terminals to tackle the growing problem of delayed, misrouted and missing luggage.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection for NCAA, Mr Michael Achimugu, disclosed this at a stakeholder engagement forum in Lagos on Tuesday.
Mr Achimugu said the RFID-enabled system would replace the traditional barcode-based baggage tracking framework and provide airlines and passengers with real-time visibility of checked luggage from check-in to final collection.
According to him, the technology would improve baggage traceability, reduce mishandling and strengthen accountability across the baggage-handling chain.
Unlike conventional barcode systems, RFID technology allows baggage to be automatically scanned at multiple points without requiring direct line of sight, enabling real-time tracking of luggage throughout its journey.
Mr Achimugu said issues involving short-landed, missing, lost or damaged baggage had remained among the major complaints from air travellers, alongside flight delays.
He said the introduction of RFID technology was therefore aimed at improving baggage-handling standards and restoring passenger confidence in the aviation sector.
The NCAA said the initiative also aligns with IATA Resolution 753, which requires airlines to track baggage at key points during the passenger journey.
The authority expects the technology to provide more accurate information on the location of luggage, facilitate quicker resolution of baggage-related complaints and improve the overall passenger experience.
The aviation agency said the initiative would also strengthen accountability among airlines and other stakeholders involved in baggage handling at Nigerian airports.
From free date changes to industry-first comprehensive travel insurance, Emirates continues to give customers greater flexibility and more choice, as well as the ability to tailor their travel plans for more peace of mind, from booking to the moment they arrive at their destination.
Here are the latest measures at a glance:
1. Unlimited free date changes to Dubai
From 10 August 2026, customers travelling to Dubai can change their travel dates as many times as they need, free of charge, across every type of fare. Unlimited, free of charge changes run across Saver all the way through to Flex fares in Economy, and for Special, Saver and Flex fares in Business Class.*
Economy Flex Plus, Premium Economy, Business Flex Plus and First Class fares continue to remain fully flexible.
2. Refunds, at a fraction of the cost
Emirates has also substantially reduced refund fees on flights to Dubai to US$50 on Saver fares and US$25 on Flex fares in Economy. In Business Class, refund fees will be US$50 on Special and Saver fares and US$25 on Flex fares.** Together with unlimited free date changes to Dubai, this latest measure means customers can adjust or step away from a booking with minimal penalties, whatever their circumstances.
3. A free date change anywhere across the network
Customers travelling anywhere on the Emirates network receive one free date change on tickets booked from 2 April 2026, including journeys connecting through Dubai. Customers can also hold a fare for 24 hours at no charge while they finalise their plans.*
4. Comprehensive Travel Cover
Emirates’ Comprehensive Travel Cover is an industry-first insurance product covering a range of scenarios, including added conflict cover with reimbursement of medical expenses up to US$25,000 and a free trip extension of up to 30 days. The cover is not restricted by government travel advice. Customers are also covered for trip cancellation, baggage delay and loss, in addition to unlimited worldwide medical expenses and emergency evacuation.
Available at an accessible premium and across 27 countries, the cover can be purchased at the time of booking on emirates.com or added to an existing booking through Manage Booking.
Where flights are disrupted, Emirates will support impacted customers with accommodation directly. Where onward connections on other airlines are affected, or Emirates services are unavailable, customers are rebooked to their destination at no additional cost, including where cancellations are caused by airspace disruptions.
5. More flexibility and savings for Emirates Skywards members
Emirates Skywards members can get more from their journeys, with greater flexibility, more opportunities to progress their tier and additional savings when using their Miles.
Until 31 August 2026, members can benefit from:
- 20% fewer Tier Miles required to reach Silver, Gold and Platinum status.
- 20% bonus Tier Miles on Emirates and flydubai flights.
- More savings with Cash+Miles, with a special rate of 2,000 Miles = USD 30, instead of the usual USD 15, when using Miles towards Emirates or flydubai flights, excess baggage, lounge access and seat selection.
* An applicable fare difference may apply.
** No show fees remain unchanged.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has appealed to aviation unions to suspend their ongoing industrial action and exercise restraint as efforts continue to resolve the dispute.
In a statement, the NCAA said it was aware of the impact of the industrial action on passengers and other stakeholders in the aviation sector.
The authority urged the unions to “sheathe their swords” pending the return of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, who it said had been actively working towards resolving the issues.
According to the NCAA, the matter was expected to be addressed at a meeting convened by the minister last week, but the meeting could not take place after airline operators failed to honour the invitation.
The NCAA assured passengers that flight safety remains uncompromised, stressing that it continues to carry out its statutory safety oversight responsibilities.
The authority called on all parties to embrace dialogue and cooperation, expressing confidence that the dispute would be resolved shortly and normal flight operations restored as soon as practicable.
“We appeal to all parties to embrace dialogue and cooperation. We are confident that the matter will be resolved shortly and normal flight operations will resume as soon as practicable,” the statement signed by the NCAA Director-General, Captain Chris Ona Najomo, said.
The NCAA also apologised to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the industrial action and thanked them for their patience and understanding.
