Toll of Schengen Visa Rejections
As African travelers spend millions on Schengen visa applications, they end up facing record-high rejection rates.
In particular, each application costs approximately €90 and is non-refundable, even upon denial. As a result, Africans lost more than €60 million in denied application fees. Overall, this is a financial blow to the continent, keeping in mind its income levels.
Notably, the expenditure does not end with the visa fees alone. On top of it is the cost of preparing document requirements, booking flights, and obtaining travel insurance. As such, the additional expenses make the Schengen visa application even harder to bear, especially for African families. The visa rejections spell a serious economic impact to them.
Millions in Schengen Visa Fees
In Africa, Nigeria stands out with the highest financial loss and Schengen visa rejection rate in 2024.
Specifically, according to TechCabal, Nigerians lost over ₦8 billion—about $5.1 million—on unsuccessful applications. Additionally, authorities rejected nearly half (45.9%) of all Nigerian applicants. This figure marks the country’s highest rejection rate ever recorded.
Importantly, many of these applicants were professionals or students with valid reasons to travel. Yet, they still faced systemic denials.
Schengen Visa Rejection Disparity
Other African countries also suffer significantly because of these rejections. For instance, applicants from Comoros and Guinea-Bissau faced rejection rates of 63% and 61% respectively. In contrast, countries like Iceland and Japan had rejection rates below 5%.
Clearly, there is a sharp disparity based on nationality and economic status. As such, this raises questions about fairness in the Schengen visa process. While European consulates claim to follow standard procedures, rejection patterns suggest otherwise.
Broader Implications of Visa Denials
High Schengen visa rejection rates don’t just cost money—they cost opportunities. While students miss scholarships, entrepreneurs lose deals. Meanwhile, families must stay apart. In short, these denials break more than just travel plans.
Additionally, the psychological toll is severe. Applicants often suffer from embarrassment and humiliation after experiencing visa rejection, even for conferences or study. Even worse, authorities rarely give clear reasons for the rejection.
Calls for Reform and Equity
Experts and civil society groups are now calling for urgent reforms.
Correspondingly, they demand transparency in the Schengen visa decision process and better accountability. Some suggest that authorities should refund visa fees when they reject applications without clear justification.
Furthermore, the situation urges African governments to engage diplomatically. In addition, they should advocate for fairer treatment of their citizens in global mobility policies.
In response, a few European lawmakers have already started asking tough questions. Still, meaningful reform remains distant for now.
Conclusion: A Cost Too High
Schengen visa rejections are draining Africa’s pockets while shutting its people out of global opportunities. Despite the clear financial and emotional cost, little has changed in visa policy. Until fairness is ensured, African travelers will continue to pay an unjust price.
Therefore, reforms are not just necessary—they are overdue.
Photo by Jaime Lopes on Unsplash
