Obtaining a Schengen visa is becoming a sudden and difficult battle for many Africans who dream of visiting Europe for tourism, meetings, education and family reunions. The latest data from the European Commission reveals a troubling reality. African applicants face the highest Schengen visa rejection rate in the world.
In 2024, thousands of African travelers found their hopes had been shattered as rejection rates spiked across the continent. Official statistics show that countries such as Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Nigeria and Ghana face denial rates of 45% to 63%, making it the most difficult in the world.
This year alone, Schengenzone, which consists of 29 European countries, including France, Germany and Spain, has received over 11.7 million short-term visa applications. Global demand skyrocketed 13.6%, but for many Africans the doors remained tightly closed.
Pay the continent to be rejected
Each price for your Schengen visa application is 90 euros (approximately $100) regardless of the outcome. This is a non-refundable fee that you will have to pay even if your application is refused. There is often a minimal explanation.
According to an analysis by the Lago Collective, Africans lost an estimated 60 million euros ($67.5 million) in 2024 alone through rejected applications. It's not travel, it's money spent on bureaucracy and silence.
“The poorest countries in the world pay the wealthiest countries to not let them in,” says Marta Foresty, founder of the UK-based group. “The poorer the country of origin, the higher the rejection rate.”
Top 10 Most African Countries
European Commission figures reveal how the burden of rejection falls unevenly.
Comoros tops the list with an incredible 62.8% rejection rate.
Guinea and Bissau continue closely at 47.0%, while Senegal is 46.8%.
Nigeria faces a rate of 45.9%, while Ghana is behind 45.5%.
Congo-Brazzaville (43.0%), Mali (about 43%) and Guinea (41.1%) conclude the list.
Burundi was 40.0%, and Ethiopia took the top 10 at 36.1% despite a slightly lower number.
In the context, the average global rejection rate is around 18%, and the number in Africa is very high.
It's more than just a document
European embassies argue that each application will be assessed with its own merit and consider things like the purpose of the visit, financial means and the applicant's willingness to return home. However, critics say the process remains very accountable and opaque.
“These high rejection rates are not administrative and are symptoms of deeper problems, such as inequality, doubt, and systematic bias,” adds Forest.
Many applicants say they often submit all the correct documents to avoid receiving vague denials and clear feedback, from employment letters to bank statements and travel insurance. In some cases, people are repeatedly rejected for even legitimate travel reasons, such as meetings or family events.
Close the door and widen the gap
As African governments build partnerships with Europe across sectors, trade, education and technology, barriers to movement are in stark contrast to the rhetoric of cooperation. Meanwhile, European citizens face almost resistance when traveling through Africa, raising harsh questions about equity, reciprocity and respect.
In a globalized world where mobility is often the equivalent of opportunity, Africans find themselves trapped themselves not because of lack of intentions or preparation, but because systems appear to be piled up more and more.
As pressures for visa reform and transparency grow, African voices and wallets hope to not continue to maintain the highest costs for lowest outcomes.
