- High visa rejection rate: 40.8% of Nigerian visa applications to Schengen countries were rejected in 2024.
- Number of rejected applications: 42,940 out of 105,926 Nigerian visa applications were denied.
- Nigeria’s ranking: Nigeria is among the top 20 countries with the most denied visas.
- Reasons for rejection: Passport power and identity-based visa policies are major factors contributing to the high rejection rate.
- Regional trend: Africa faces a higher rejection rate compared to other continents, with six African countries among the top 10 countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates.
Nigerians are indeed facing a tough time getting Schengen visas, with a massive 40.8% rejection rate in 2024. This translates to 42,940 out of 105,926 visa applications being denied . The main reasons for this high rejection rate are stricter visa policies and checks by the European Union, as well as the country’s economic situation .
It’s worth noting that Nigeria ranks 11th among countries with the most denied visas, and Africans are twice as likely to be rejected for Schengen visas compared to other regions ³. In fact, six African countries are among the top 10 countries facing the highest Schengen visa rejection rates, with Comoros having the highest rejection rate of 61.3% .
This trend is concerning, as it highlights the growing disparity in global mobility inequality. African citizens, particularly Nigerians, face significant barriers when trying to travel or move to more prosperous countries.
