Nigeria has emerged as one of the African countries facing the highest Schengen visa rejection rates in 2024, according to recent data released by the European Commission, which highlights a growing trend of refusals.

The European Commission reports that Nigeria recorded a rejection rate of 45.9% this year, up from 40.8% in 2023. This places Nigeria fourth in Africa and third globally, trailing only Bangladesh and Senegal.

In total, the European Commission revealed that over 11.7 million applications for short-stay Schengen visas were submitted in 2024, marking a 13.6% increase compared to 2023.

The Schengen Zone, consisting of 29 countries including major European nations like France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, allows free travel across its borders. However, for many Africans, obtaining a Schengen visa has become increasingly difficult, with several countries facing particularly high rejection rates.

Here are the top 10 African countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates in 2024:

1. Comoros – 62.8%

Comoros tops the list with a staggering 62.8% rejection rate, making it the African country with the most Schengen visa denials this year.

2. Guinea-Bissau – 47.0%

Applicants from Guinea-Bissau also faced significant challenges, with nearly half of their visa applications rejected.

3. Senegal – 46.8%

Senegal recorded the third-highest refusal rate in Africa, indicating ongoing visa difficulties for its citizens.

4. Nigeria – 45.9%

With nearly one in two Nigerian applications denied, the country’s increasing rejection rate signals either tighter scrutiny or documentation issues.

5. Ghana – 45.5%

Ghanaian applicants were similarly affected, facing a rejection rate close to Nigeria’s.

6. Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) – 43.0%

Visa denials surged in Congo-Brazzaville, reflecting a deteriorating approval environment.

7. Mali – 42.9%

Mali remains close behind, hovering around the 43% mark and continuing to face visa processing difficulties.

8. Guinea – 41.1%

Over 4 in 10 applications from Guinea were denied, keeping the country high on the rejection list.

9. Burundi – 40.0%

Burundi registered a flat 40% rejection rate, placing it among the African countries with the highest refusals.

10. Ethiopia – 36.1%

Though slightly lower than others, Ethiopia’s 36.1% refusal rate still ranks it in the top 10 most affected African nations.