Schengen visa rejection rates remain highest for African countries in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Comoros has the highest Schengen visa rejection rate at 62.8% among African countries in 2024-2025.
• African applicants face about 10% higher rejection rates than the global average of 14.8%.
• Policy changes in 2025, like the Entry and Exit System, won’t reduce African rejection disparities.

Purpose and Scope of Analysis

This report provides a detailed examination of Schengen visa rejection rates among African countries, focusing on the period from 2024 to 2025. Using official data from the European Commission, the analysis identifies the African nations most affected by high refusal rates, explores recent trends, and discusses the broader implications for travelers, policymakers, and international relations. The report also reviews upcoming policy changes in the Schengen Area and offers practical recommendations for applicants. The goal is to help readers understand the current landscape, the reasons behind these trends, and what steps can be taken to improve the chances of a successful visa application.

Data Sources and Periods Covered

The primary data source for this analysis is the European Commission’s official statistics on Schengen visa applications and outcomes, released in May 2025. Additional context and commentary are drawn from research by the Centre for European Reform (CER), as well as recent news reports and policy announcements from the European Union. The data covers the calendar years 2023, 2024, and early 2025, allowing for a comparison of recent trends and the identification of ongoing challenges.

Key Findings Upfront

• African countries continue to face the highest Schengen visa rejection rates globally, with several nations experiencing rates above 40%.
• Comoros leads with a 62.8% rejection rate, followed by Guinea-Bissau (47.0%), Senegal (46.8%), and Nigeria (45.9%).
• The average rejection rate for African applicants is about 10% higher than the global average.
• Financial losses from rejected applications are significant, with African travelers bearing a disproportionate share of the estimated $160 million lost in 2024.
• Upcoming policy changes in 2025, such as the introduction of the Entry and Exit System (EES) and the expansion of the Schengen Area, may affect future rejection rates but are unlikely to address underlying disparities without further reforms.

Overview of Schengen Visa Rejection Rates in Africa

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa allows travelers to visit any of the 27 countries in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. The application process requires applicants to submit various documents, including proof of accommodation, travel insurance, financial means, and a detailed itinerary. More information on the application process and required forms can be found on the official Schengen visa page.

Top 10 African Countries with Highest Rejection Rates (2024-2025)

According to the European Commission’s latest data, the following African countries have the highest Schengen visa rejection rates:

Visual Description:
Imagine a bar chart where Comoros stands out with a bar nearly twice as tall as Ethiopia’s, highlighting the stark difference in rejection rates. The top five countries all have bars exceeding the 40% mark, visually emphasizing the widespread challenge across the continent.

Trends and Comparative Analysis

Global Context and African Disparities

In 2024, the Schengen Area received over 11.7 million short-stay visa applications, a 13.6% increase from 2023. However, the number of visas issued remains below pre-pandemic levels (15 million in 2019 compared to 9.7 million in 2024). The global average rejection rate for Schengen visas in 2024 was 14.8%, but African countries consistently face rates much higher than this benchmark.

• African rejection rates are typically 10% higher than the global average.
• In 2022, 30% of all African applications were rejected, despite Africa having the lowest number of applications per capita.

Notable Exceptions

While most African countries struggle with high rejection rates, a few stand out for their lower refusal rates:

• South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia have rejection rates below 7%.
• Seychelles and Mauritius are exempt from Schengen visa requirements, along with 61 countries in Latin America and Asia.

Comparison with Other Regions

Applicants from Latin America and Asia generally face lower rejection rates, and many countries in these regions are visa-exempt. This contrast raises questions about the fairness and consistency of the Schengen visa system.

Financial and Emotional Impact

Cost of Rejection

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Schengen visa rejections cost travelers an estimated $160 million in 2024. African applicants, who dominate the list of countries with the highest rejection rates, bear a disproportionate share of these financial losses.

Example Scenario:
A Nigerian family of four applies for Schengen visas to attend a wedding in France. Each application costs around €80, plus additional expenses for travel insurance, document translation, and courier services. If all four applications are rejected, the family could lose over €500 in non-refundable fees and related costs, not to mention the emotional disappointment and disruption to family plans.

Broader Implications

The Centre for European Reform (CER) warns that the EU’s visa regime is perceived as discriminatory against Africa, undermining diplomatic relations and contradicting public statements about strengthening EU-Africa ties. The high rejection rates not only limit mobility but also damage the EU’s reputation as an open and fair destination.

Policy Changes and Future Developments

Upcoming Changes in 2025

The European Union has announced several policy updates that could affect Schengen visa applicants starting in 2025:

1. Entry and Exit System (EES):
   The EES will digitize the process of recording travelers’ entries and exits at the EU’s external borders. This system replaces manual passport stamping with electronic registration, aiming to improve security and efficiency. Travelers will register their biometric data (such as fingerprints and facial images) at automated kiosks upon arrival.

2. Expansion of the Schengen Area:
   From January 1, 2025, Romania and Bulgaria will become full Schengen Member States for air and sea travel. This change will eliminate internal border checks for flights and sea routes between these countries and the rest of the Schengen Area, making travel smoother for residents and visitors.

3. New Investment Pathways:
   Greece plans to expand its Golden Visa program by introducing a new pathway focused on start-up investments. This could provide alternative options for high-net-worth individuals or entrepreneurs seeking access to the Schengen Area.

Potential Impact of Policy Changes

While these changes aim to modernize border management and expand mobility within the Schengen Area, they do not directly address the high rejection rates faced by African applicants. The introduction of digital systems may streamline the process but is unlikely to reduce refusals unless accompanied by broader reforms in visa policy and decision-making criteria.

Limitations of the Data and Analysis

• Incomplete Application Data:
  For some countries, detailed breakdowns of application numbers and reasons for rejection are not publicly available, limiting the ability to analyze specific causes.
• Lack of Transparency:
  The European Commission does not always publish detailed explanations for individual visa denials, making it difficult to assess whether refusals are due to documentation issues, security concerns, or other factors.
• Changing Policies:
  Ongoing policy changes may alter the landscape in the coming years, so current trends may not fully predict future outcomes.

Recommendations for Applicants

Given the high rejection rates, especially for travelers from the top-affected African countries, applicants should take extra care with their Schengen visa submissions. Here are practical steps to improve the chances of approval:

• Submit Complete and Accurate Documentation:
  Double-check that all required documents are included, up-to-date, and translated if necessary.
• Apply to the Main Destination Country:
  Submit your application to the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to spend the most time in, as applying to the wrong country can lead to automatic rejection.
• Demonstrate Strong Ties to Home Country:
  Provide evidence of employment, property ownership, family responsibilities, or other commitments that show you intend to return home after your visit.
• Provide a Detailed Itinerary:
  Include hotel bookings, flight reservations, and a day-by-day plan to show the purpose and structure of your trip.
• Show Sufficient Financial Means:
  Bank statements, pay slips, and sponsorship letters can help prove you have enough funds for your stay.

For official guidance and the latest requirements, applicants should consult the European Commission’s Schengen visa information page.

Broader Policy Considerations

Calls for Reform

The CER and other advocacy groups argue that there is little evidence that high rejection rates reduce overstaying or irregular migration. Instead, they recommend that the EU:

• Increase transparency in visa decision-making.
• Apply more favorable rules for African countries, especially those with strong diplomatic or economic ties to the EU.
• Invest in outreach and support for applicants to reduce errors and misunderstandings in the application process.

Diplomatic and Economic Impact

Persistent high rejection rates can strain diplomatic relations and limit opportunities for business, tourism, and cultural exchange. They also risk reinforcing perceptions of inequality and discrimination, which can have long-term consequences for EU-Africa cooperation.

Conclusion and Actionable Takeaways

The data from 2024-2025 confirms that African countries continue to face the highest Schengen visa rejection rates in the world. This trend has significant financial, emotional, and diplomatic consequences for individuals and communities across the continent. While upcoming policy changes may improve the efficiency of border management, they do not directly address the root causes of high refusal rates for African applicants.

Actionable Steps for Readers:

• Carefully prepare your application using the latest official guidelines.
• Seek professional advice if you have a history of refusals or complex circumstances.
• Monitor policy updates from the European Commission and your local embassy.
• Advocate for fairer policies by supporting organizations working for visa reform.

For more detailed analysis and updates on Schengen visa policies, VisaVerge.com reports that ongoing reforms and advocacy efforts may shape future trends for African travelers.

Official Government Resource:
For authoritative information on Schengen visa requirements and application forms, visit the European Commission’s official Schengen visa page.

By staying informed and proactive, applicants can improve their chances of success and contribute to a broader conversation about fairness and mobility in the Schengen Area.

Learn Today

Schengen Visa → A short-stay visa permitting travel within 27 European countries for up to 90 days per 180-day period.
Rejection Rate → The percentage of visa applications denied out of total submissions during a given period.
Entry and Exit System (EES) → An EU digital system registering travelers’ biometric data to monitor entries and exits at borders.
Centre for European Reform (CER) → An independent think tank analyzing European policies including migration and visa systems.
Golden Visa → A residency or visa program granting access based on investment, such as Greece’s startup-focused pathway.

This Article in a Nutshell

Schengen visa rejection rates for African countries remain alarmingly high, with Comoros leading at 62.8%. These refusals impose severe financial and emotional consequences. Despite EU border system upgrades and Schengen expansion in 2025, underlying causes persist, urging applicants to prepare thoroughly using official guidelines to boost approval chances.
— By VisaVerge.com

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