Why More Nigerians Will be Denied Schengen Visa in 2024

The number of Nigerians facing rejection for Schengen visa applications surged to its highest level in four years, with stricter visa policies and checks by the European Union contributing to this trend.

According to SchengenVisaInfo.eu, a Europe-based website that provides independent news and information about Schengen visas, the number of visas issued saw a noticeable increase of 9.97% in 2023, jumping from 39,189 in 2022 to 42,940.

Here are several key factors are expected to further increase the likelihood of visa denials for Nigerian applicants.

Stricter visa policies and checks

Schengen countries have implemented more rigorous visa policies and checks to manage migration and security concerns. According to SchengenVisaInfo, the rejection rate for Nigerian applicants increased by 9.97% in 2023 compared to the previous year. 

This heightened scrutiny has resulted in more visa denials, particularly for applicants with incomplete documentation or discrepancies in their applications.

Rising visa rejection costs

The cost of rejected visas from Nigeria rose to €3.44 million in 2023, reflecting the financial impact of increased visa denials. This surge in costs underscores the significance of the issue and the potential economic repercussions for Nigerian travelers. 

Authors at Schengen.News attribute the higher rejection numbers to the strict adherence of Schengen countries to their visa policies, leading to more rejections due to incomplete documentation or concerns about overstays.

Visa inequality and financial implications

African nationals, including Nigerians, bear a substantial financial burden in visa application fees, totaling €56.3 million in 2023. The rejection rates are disproportionately high for African and Asian countries, indicating visa inequality and its tangible consequences. 

Marta Foresti, Founder of LAGO Collective, highlights the concept of “reverse remittances,” where money flows from poorer to richer countries through rejected visa fees. This underscores the need to address visa inequality and its impact on global mobility.

Expected worsening of rejection rates in 2024

The EU’s use of visa restrictions as a political tool, coupled with the recent increase in visa application fees, suggests that rejection rates for Nigerian applicants may worsen in 2024. 

The EU’s decision to impose visa sanctions on countries with low rates of migrant returns, as seen with Ethiopia, indicates a tougher stance on visa issuance. With the new fee structure raising the total expenditure on visa applications, Nigerian travelers may face additional financial barriers when applying for Schengen visas.