Why Are Africans Facing More Schengen Visa Rejections?

Applying for a Schengen visa can be a challenging process for many travelers, but recent data shows that Africans face a disproportionate rate of rejection. 

According to a new study published in the Henley Global Mobility Report 2025 Q1, Africans are twice as likely to be denied Schengen visas compared to applicants from other parts of the world.

The report, led by Mehari Taddele Maru of the Migration Policy Centre at the European University Institute, reveals a striking disparity. Globally, one in six Schengen visa applications is rejected. However, for African applicants, the rejection rate is one in two. 

In 2023 alone, African countries made up just 2.8% of the 10 million global visa applications, yet half of those applications were denied—a trend that has worsened over the past decade.

African nations top the rejection list

The research identifies six African countries among the top 10 nations with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates. Comoros leads with a rejection rate of 61.3%, followed by Guinea-Bissau (51%), Ghana (47%), Mali (46%), Sudan (42.3%), and Senegal (41.2%). 

Comparatively, applicants from Asia and Europe face significantly lower rejection rates, despite submitting more applications.

Beyond Economics: Unpacking the disparity

The study points out that this stark contrast cannot be attributed solely to economic factors. Instead, it suggests a broader issue of mobility inequality, where factors such as identity and culture play a role in shaping visa outcomes.

 “This pattern highlights global disparities in mobility rights,” Maru explains. “African citizens often find themselves at the bottom of the mobility ladder, restricted from accessing international opportunities due to systemic barriers.”

The impact on Africans

For many Africans, these rejections are more than just a bureaucratic hurdle—they represent lost opportunities. From pursuing education and employment abroad to participating in global business networks, restricted mobility limits their prospects. Moreover, these rejection rates reinforce a sense of exclusion, perpetuating a cycle of inequality that keeps poorer nations and their citizens at a disadvantage.

What needs to change?

To address this imbalance, policymakers and institutions must recognize the need for fairer visa policies. Transparent application processes and efforts to eliminate bias based on nationality or identity could help create a more equitable system. 

Ensuring that all applicants are treated equally, regardless of their region, is a crucial step toward closing the mobility gap.

Africans’ high Schengen visa rejection rates are not just numbers on a report—they reflect deeper systemic issues that deserve global attention. Addressing these disparities could pave the way for a fairer, more inclusive approach to international travel and opportunity.