Africans lost a combined $67.5 million in non-refundable Schengen visa fees in 2024, according to mobility data published on May 23rd. Applicants from several African nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal, faced rejection rates ranging from 40 to 50 percent. The cost burden is amplified by the €90 visa fee, which remains non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
The Schengen Area, consisting of 29 European countries, requires applicants to demonstrate financial means and intent to return home. Nigeria alone accounted for over 50,000 rejected applications in 2024, resulting in more than $5 million in fees lost. UN migration data shows that Africa is experiencing growing outbound mobility, yet visa hurdles continue to restrict legitimate movement.
Research also highlights a deeper issue: policy design. According to an analysis from the Centre for European Reform, Schengen visa denials are often linked to broader EU strategies. The “visa leverage mechanism” connects visa accessibility to the willingness of African nations to cooperate on migrant readmission, raising concerns of systemic bias.
Although applicants face strict requirements, there’s little evidence that higher visa denials reduce overstaying. In fact, overstaying is rarely cited in official European migration reports. Meanwhile, new systems like the EU Entry/Exit System aim to automate visa tracking, but current approval processes remain opaque and rigid.
Critics argue that Europe’s visa regime is damaging its public image. High-profile African professionals, from researchers to artists, have reported sudden denials despite verified sponsorship and travel histories. According to available data, Africa accounted for 42% of rejected visa fee revenue despite making up only 24% of applications.
Reform advocates urge the EU to decouple migration enforcement from short-term visa policy. Suggestions include fee reductions, more transparent decision-making, and equitable access procedures. External comparisons show that OECD visa policies apply lower financial burdens on applicants from low-income countries, reinforcing the need for policy balance within Europe’s framework.
