10 African Nations Suffer Heaviest Financial Losses From Eu Visa Rejections

In 2024, African countries collectively lost tens of millions of euros due to high rejection rates for European Union visas—fees that are non-refundable, regardless of outcome.

This growing financial strain has amplified criticism of Europe’s visa processes, with many African applicants accusing the system of being opaque, discriminatory, and financially exploitative.

The losses were incurred across various visa categories, including short-term Schengen visas and long-term permits for education, employment, or residency. Applicants typically invest heavily in gathering documents and covering processing costs, only to be turned down—often without clear justification or any refund.

According to research by Business Insider Africa and LAGO Collective, the following ten African nations suffered the most significant financial setbacks due to rejected EU visa applications in 2024:

1. Nigeria

Losses: €4.3 million

Rejection Rate: 45.9%
Nigeria tops the list, with over 50,000 applications denied. Despite applicants submitting extensive documentation such as bank statements and property titles, rejections remain frequent and vaguely explained. The high rejection rate has fueled anger over what many describe as an unfair and inconsistent visa process.

2. Senegal

Losses: €2.8 million

Rejection Rate: 46.8%
Senegalese applicants—particularly students and professionals—face disproportionately high rejection rates. The often-cited reason of “insufficient ties to home country” is seen as subjective and nearly impossible to contest.

3. Côte d’Ivoire

Losses: €2.2 million

Rejection Rate: Not Available
While official rejection rates are not published, Ivorians continue to lose substantial amounts to failed visa applications. The growing middle class in the country is increasingly frustrated by what they view as an unfair and unclear process.

4. Ghana

Losses: €2.1 million

Rejection Rate: 45.5%
Many Ghanaians claim the system is economically biased, noting that they are up to four times more likely to be rejected than Russian applicants—despite paying similar fees of around €90 per application.

5. Cameroon

Losses: €1.7 million

Rejection Rate: Approximately 40%
Frequent and seemingly arbitrary denials plague Cameroonian applicants. In a rare legal victory, Jean Mboulé won a lawsuit against the French government after being denied a visa, despite holding property in South Africa.

6. Kenya

Losses: €1.6 million

Rejection Rate: Not Available
Kenyan entrepreneurs and business leaders often report last-minute denials, which hinder trade and technology partnerships between Kenya and European countries.

7. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Losses: €1.5 million

Rejection Rate: Not Available
For Congolese applicants—many of whom seek healthcare or educational opportunities—the €90 visa fee represents a heavy burden, especially in a country where the majority live below the poverty line.

8. Angola

Losses: €1.1 million

Rejection Rate: Not Available
Despite Angola’s considerable oil wealth, many applicants—particularly students and businesspeople—face rejection due to vague or inconsistent criteria, even with solid financial documentation.

9. South Africa

Losses: €927,400

Rejection Rate: Less than 7%
Although the rejection rate is relatively low, the sheer number of applications results in significant overall losses. Recent scrutiny over alleged abuse of asylum pathways has prompted tougher scrutiny by EU consulates.

10. Mali

Losses: €390,200

Rejection Rate: Around 43%
For Malians, visa fees can equate to a full month’s wage. Despite this financial commitment, many are still denied on grounds of “insufficient means,” making the process both costly and demoralizing.