At a Glance
- Algeria, Nigeria, and Ghana recorded rejection rates above 43% in 2024, highlighting widening disparities in Schengen visa access across African countries.
- Weak passport rankings, poor documentation, and fears over return likelihood fuel high rejection rates for applicants from economically fragile African nations.
- South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana saw rates below 7%, thanks to stronger economies, better compliance perception, and favorable diplomatic ties with European countries.
African nationals face steep hurdles in obtaining Schengen visas, with rejection rates disproportionately high across several countries. In 2024, Algeria recorded the highest rejection rate at 45.8 percent, followed by Guinea-Bissau at 45.2 percent, Nigeria at 45.1 percent, Ghana at 43.6 percent, Senegal at 41.6 percent, Guinea at 40.6 percent, and Mali at 39.9 percent. In stark contrast, rejection rates remained below 7 percent in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, while citizens of Mauritius and Seychelles benefit from full visa exemptions.
Experts attribute these high rejection rates to economic instability, weak passport rankings, and widespread concerns among European consulates about applicants’ willingness to return home. Other contributing factors include poor documentation, political unrest, prior visa violations, and systemic inefficiencies such as appointment bottlenecks and opaque consular procedures.
European countries are increasingly using visa policy as a lever to manage irregular migration. As a result, nationals from countries with higher irregular migration rates face tougher scrutiny. Rejection rates may also serve as indicators in broader return and readmission negotiations between the EU and African states.
In contrast, nations like Mauritius and Seychelles enjoy visa-free access due to stronger diplomatic ties and minimal migration risks. South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, while not exempt, benefit from lower rejection rates thanks to stronger economic indicators and higher perceived compliance.
Ultimately, Schengen visa approval remains highly conditional, with outcomes shaped by broader geopolitical and economic dynamics. African applicants are advised to stay informed, prepare robust documentation, and adapt to shifting visa policies that often reflect more than just individual merit.
- Algeria: 45.8 percent rejection rate
- Guinea-Bissau: 45.2 percent rejection rate
- Nigeria: 45.1 percent rejection rate
- Ghana: 43.6 percent rejection rate
- Senegal: 41.6 percent rejection rate
- Guinea: 40.6 percent rejection rate
- Mali: 39.9 percent rejection rate
Also, these are top reasons for Schengen visa rejections in these countries:
- Incomplete or inaccurate applications
- Insufficient proof of financial means
- Unclear or inconsistent travel purpose/itinerary
- Lack of strong ties to the home country
- Invalid or inadequate travel insurance
- Previous visa violations or fake documentation
- Political instability and consular discretion bias
