Nigeria records 45.9% Schengen visa rejection in 2024, third highest globally among top 10

A growing number of travellers are applying for Schengen visas to visit Europe, but not all are successful.

According to newly released 2024 data from the European Commission, Nigeria recorded the third-highest rejection rate globally, with 45.9% of applicants denied. A significant rise from 40.8% in 2023, indicating that nearly half of Nigerian applicants were refused entry into the Schengen Zone.

Read also: Nigeria leads in Africa with €4.3m loss to EU visa rejections in 2024

The report revealed that EU and Schengen-associated consulates received over 11.7 million short-stay visa applications in 2024, representing a 13.6% increase from 10.3 million in 2023, and a 56% jump from 2022’s 7.5 million. However, this figure remains below the pre-pandemic peak of 17 million applications in 2019.

Of the applications submitted in 2024, more than 9.7 million visas were granted—a 14.1% increase from the 8.5 million issued in 2023. Yet, this total still lags behind the 15 million visas approved in 2019.

The Schengen Area, which enables free movement across internal European borders, currently comprises 29 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

Read also: Japa: 10 common reasons for Schengen visa rejection

The rise in rejection rates highlights increasing scrutiny despite growing demand for access to the region.

According to data from the European Commission, here are the top 10 countries where most people had their Schengen visa applications denied in 2024:

1. Bangladesh – 54.9% Rejection Rate

Bangladesh recorded the highest Schengen visa rejection rate in 2024. More than half of all applications were denied. This marked a steep rise from 2023, when the rejection rate stood at 43.3%. The figures suggest a shift towards stricter application reviews for Bangladeshi nationals.

2. Senegal – 46.8% Rejection Rate

Senegal followed closely with a visa rejection rate of 46.8%, rising from 42.1% in 2023. This points to growing challenges for Senegalese travellers trying to secure a Schengen visa.

Read also: Top 10 countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates

3. Nigeria – 45.9% Rejection Rate

Nigerian applicants faced a sharp increase in refusals. In 2023, the rejection rate was 40.8%. That figure jumped to 45.9% in 2024. The change reflects heightened scrutiny and may be linked to documentation or procedural concerns.

4. Congo (Brazzaville) – 43% Rejection Rate

Congo (Brazzaville) saw its visa rejection rate climb from 35.3% in 2023 to 43% in 2024. This increase signals a more difficult path for Congolese citizens seeking travel clearance to the Schengen Area.

Read also: How Nigerian applicants can avoid Schengen visa rejection

5. Mauritania – 32.5% Rejection Rate

Despite a slight drop in the rejection rate from 36.6% in 2023 to 32.5% in 2024, Mauritania remains among the countries with the highest refusal levels. Visa acquisition remains a hurdle for many Mauritanian applicants.

6. Ecuador – 29.6% Rejection Rate

Ecuador experienced an increase in visa refusals, moving from 24.4% in 2023 to 29.6% in 2024. The higher rate may reflect procedural gaps or growing caution in application assessments.

Read also: Japa: 9 reasons for visa rejection at the US Embassy

7. Syria – 27% Rejection Rate

In contrast to previous years, Syria saw a drop in rejections. The rate declined from 46% in 2023 to 27% in 2024. This change could indicate an easing of restrictions or improved application processes.

8. Iran – 26% Rejection Rate

Iran’s rejection rate declined from 30.3% in 2023 to 26% in 2024. Although still high, the data shows a modest improvement in the likelihood of visa approval for Iranian citizens.

Read also: Bulgaria, Romania open up to Nigerians, others with short-term Schengen visa

9. Türkiye – 14.5% Rejection Rate

Türkiye saw a reduction in its visa refusal rate, down from 16.1% in 2023 to 14.5% in 2024. The figures suggest some relief for Turkish applicants who faced higher barriers in previous years.

10. Cape Verde – 13.4% Rejection Rate

Cape Verde recorded a notable drop in its rejection rate, from 24% in 2023 to 13.4% in 2024. This improvement places the country at the bottom of the top 10 list, with a significantly better outcome for applicants this year.