New data released by the European Commission has revealed that Nigeria is one of the African countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates this year. The report highlights a rising trend in visa denials, affecting several nations across the continent.
According to the European Commission, Nigeria recorded a rejection rate of 45.9% in 2024 — a noticeable jump from 40.8% the previous year. This places Nigeria fourth in Africa and third worldwide, with only Bangladesh and Senegal recording higher figures globally.
The latest statistics also showed that more than 11.7 million applications for short-term Schengen visas were submitted in 2024, reflecting a 13.6% increase compared to 2023.
The Schengen Zone, which currently includes 29 countries such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, allows for unrestricted travel across its borders for those with valid permits. However, for many African applicants, securing a Schengen visa has become even more challenging, as rejection rates continue to rise.
These are the top 10 African countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates in 2024:
- Comoros – 62.8%
Comoros leads the list with a staggering 62.8% of its applications turned down, making it the African nation with the highest rate of denials this year. - Guinea-Bissau – 47.0%
Applicants from Guinea-Bissau also struggled, with nearly half of all requests rejected. - Senegal – 46.8%
Senegal registered the third-highest rate on the continent, a clear sign of persisting challenges for its citizens in obtaining Schengen visas. - Nigeria – 45.9%
Almost one in every two Nigerian applications was denied. This steep rejection rate suggests stricter scrutiny by consulates or recurring issues with documentation and compliance. - Ghana – 45.5%
Not far behind Nigeria, Ghana experienced a 45.5% visa refusal rate, reflecting a tough approval climate. - Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) – 43.0%
Visa rejections in Congo-Brazzaville climbed sharply, hinting at a tightening of application approvals. - Mali – 42.9%
With a figure just under 43%, Mali continues to face significant hurdles in visa processing outcomes. - Guinea – 41.1%
Four out of every ten applications submitted by Guinean nationals were turned down, keeping it among the top nations facing high rejection rates. - Burundi – 40.0%
Burundi’s steady 40% refusal rate further highlights how difficult Schengen visa acquisition has become for many African nations. - Ethiopia – 36.1%
While Ethiopia’s figure is lower than others on this list, its 36.1% rejection rate still places it within the continent’s top ten most-affected countries.
As the demand for Schengen visas increases, many applicants are advised to be diligent with their documentation and ensure compliance with application requirements to improve their chances of approval.
