5 Visas That Are So Hard for Nigerians to Get

For many Nigerians, getting visas feels like an impossible task. While some countries have streamlined the process with online systems and minimal fuss. But others? They’ve made it feel like applying for a top-secret government job. 

Between endless paperwork, skeptical interviewers, and months of waiting, here are five countries that make it especially hard for Nigerians to get a visa.

United States – Where Dreams (and Applications) Go to Die

Let’s be honest: applying for a US visa feels like preparing for an interrogation. You dress your best, print every document you’ve ever owned, rehearse your life story, and still… boom, denied. The US consulate is infamous for its no-nonsense approach, especially when it comes to Nigerians.

Even with everything in order, the officer might still say, “Sorry, we’re not convinced you’ll return.”

It doesn’t help that the visa fee is high, over ₦270,000, and that’s non-refundable. Add the emotional stress, long queues, and the possibility of getting rejected more than once, and it’s clear why many Nigerians find this process both frustrating and draining.

United Kingdom – Plenty of Paper, Plenty of Pressure

The UK visa process is a paperwork marathon. Bank statements, employment letters, hotel bookings, travel history, everything must be printed, stamped, and squeaky clean. And even after submitting all that, the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

Applicants also go through biometric data collection and often feel grilled during interviews. There’s this underlying suspicion in the process, like you’re being watched for signs that you might “overstay your welcome.” 

Still, Nigerians apply in large numbers, whether it’s to see family, study, or chase opportunities. Unfortunately, many end up getting that dreaded refusal letter, despite all the effort.

Canada – Friendly Country, Tough Gate

Everyone hears how Canada is “immigration-friendly,” and while that might be true for some, the road to getting a Canadian visa as a Nigerian can be brutally long and confusing. The requirements are detailed and unforgiving proof of funds, medical exams, police clearance, and documents that explain why you want to go and why you’ll come back.

But the real kicker? The wait. It can stretch for months, with no updates, leaving applicants stuck in limbo. And after all that waiting, you might still get a polite rejection. For many Nigerians, especially students, getting a Canadian visa feels like rolling the dice with your future.

Schengen Visa – Europe’s United Front of Rejections

Want to visit Europe? You’ll need a Schengen visa, which grants access to multiple countries like France, Germany, and Spain. Sounds cool, until you try to apply.

This visa process is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle: insurance, hotel bookings, bank statements, detailed itineraries, and sometimes even flight tickets for a trip you haven’t been approved to take. The embassies are extremely strict. One small error or missing comma and it’s game over.

Nigerians often complain about how inconsistent the rules feel. You could apply with the same documents two different times and still get two different outcomes. And with rejection rates still high, it’s no surprise that many people feel Europe is playing hard to get.

South Africa – Our Continental Neighbour, Still Not Easy

You’d think getting into another African country would be simple, right? Not with South Africa. Nigerian applicants still have to deal with embassy bureaucracy that includes invitation letters, flight reservations, hotel bookings, and more. 

And it doesn’t help that there have been political tensions and xenophobia concerns over the years, which some say has made the process even harder.

While some travellers get lucky, many still find themselves facing long delays or unclear visa decisions. For a fellow African country, South Africa doesn’t always make Nigerians feel welcome at the visa counter.