Nigeria’s Schengen visa rejection rate rose to 45.9% in 2024, ranking 4th among African countries with the highest refusal rates. This marks an increase from 40.8% in 2023, reflecting ongoing challenges for Nigerian applicants.
- Nigeria trails Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal as the African countries with the highest Schengen visa denial rates.
- In 2024, over 11.7 million Schengen visa applications were submitted, but issuance remains below pre-pandemic levels.
- High rejection rates signal increased scrutiny or possible documentation gaps among African applicants, including Nigerians.
For many Nigerians, these visa hurdles add stress to travel plans for education, work, or family visits. The rising refusal rate highlights barriers faced by ordinary people seeking opportunities abroad.
How can Nigeria and other affected countries work to improve visa application success and ease travel restrictions for their citizens? What steps might European authorities take to balance security with accessibility?
