Nigeria Ranks 4th in Africa for Highest Schengen Visa Rejection Rate

In 2024, Nigeria experienced a significant increase in Schengen visa rejections, with the rate climbing to 45.9%, up from 40.8% in 2023. This places Nigeria fourth among African countries with the highest refusal rates, following Comoros (62.8%), Guinea-Bissau (47.0%), and Senegal (46.8%) .

Global Context of Schengen Visa Applications

The European Commission reported that over 11.7 million applications for short-stay Schengen visas were submitted in 2024, marking a 13.6% increase from the previous year. Despite this rise, visa issuance remains below pre-pandemic levels, with 15 million visas granted in 2019 compared to 9.7 million in 2024 .

Factors Contributing to High Rejection Rates

Several factors contribute to the high rejection rates for Nigerian applicants:

Documentation Issues: Incomplete or inconsistent application materials can lead to denials.

Financial Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means, which can be challenging for some.

Return Assurance: Concerns about applicants overstaying their visas or not returning to Nigeria can influence decisions.

Political and Economic Factors: Broader geopolitical considerations may also impact visa approvals.

Impact on Nigerian Travelers

The high rejection rate has significant implications for Nigerians seeking to travel to Europe for tourism, education, business, or family visits. It can lead to financial losses due to non-refundable application fees and disrupt personal and professional plans.