African nations collectively lost tens of millions of euros in non-refundable application costs in 2024 as a result of EU visa denials, suggesting that African visitors are facing an increasing financial and mobility burden.
These costs suffered by African nations as a result of denied visa applications are caused by a larger class of EU-issued visas, such as national permits for long-term residency, work, and study.
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African applicants continue to have some of the highest rates of visa rejection in the world; they sometimes pay hefty processing costs just to have their entry denied without a refund or other options.
According to Business Insider Africa and LAGO Collective, here are the top 10 African countries that lost the most money to EU visa rejections in 2024, based on non-refundable Schengen visa fees and high rejection rates:
1. Nigeria
Losses: €4.5 million
Rejection Rate: 45.9%
Nigeria tops the list, with over 50,376 visa applications rejected in 2024 alone. Despite submitting extensive documentation (e.g., bank statements, property proofs), applicants face opaque denials, costing millions in non-refundable fees. The losses highlight systemic bias against Africa’s largest economy.
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2. Senegal
Losses: €2.8 million
Rejection Rate: 46.8%
Senegal’s high rejection rate reflects broader EU skepticism toward West African applicants. Many Senegalese travelers, including business professionals and students, report vague refusal reasons like “insufficient ties to their home country”.
3. Côte d’Ivoire
Losses: €2.2 million
Rejection Rate: N/A
Though exact rejection rates aren’t published, Ivorians lose significant sums to EU visa denials. The country’s growing middle class faces hurdles despite economic progress, with fees draining household savings.
4. Ghana
Losses: €2.1 million
Rejection Rate: 45.5%
Ghana’s applicants endure nearly 50% rejection rates, with €90 fees per application. Critics argue the process unfairly targets poorer nations, as Ghanaians are four times more likely to be denied than Russians.
5. Cameroon
Losses: €1.7 million
Rejection Rate: ~40%
Cameroonians face arbitrary rejections, exemplified by Jean Mboulé’s case—he sued France after being denied despite owning property in South Africa. His victory (€1,200 compensation) is a rare exception.
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6. Kenya
Losses: €1.6 million
Rejection Rate: N/A
Kenya’s tech and business professionals frequently report last-minute visa denials for conferences, undermining economic partnerships with Europe. The losses compound Kenya’s trade frustrations with the EU.
7. DR Congo
Losses: €1.5 million
Rejection Rate: N/A
DRC’s applicants, often seeking medical or educational travel, face steep barriers. The €90 fee is prohibitive in a country where 73% live below the poverty line.
8. Angola
Losses: €1.1 million
Rejection Rate: N/A
Angola’s oil wealth hasn’t shielded its citizens from high rejection rates. The EU’s opaque criteria disproportionately affect Angolan entrepreneurs and students.
9. South Africa
Losses: €927,400
Rejection Rate: <7%
Despite a low rejection rate, South Africa’s losses stem from high application volumes. Recent scandals—like asylum seekers using SA passports to enter Ireland—have tightened EU scrutiny.
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10. Mali
Losses: €390,200
Rejection Rate: ~43%
Mali’s applicants, often denied for “lack of financial means,” face a catch-22: proving solvency is hard when fees consume a month’s wages for many.
