Over 89,000 Nigerians had their Schengen visas rejected in 2022, 2023

Approximately 89,000 Nigerians have had their Schengen visa requests rejected between 2022 to 2023, emphasising the growing challenges faced by travellers from Nigeria in obtaining visas to European nations, according to Schenghenvisainfo.com.

Applicants from Nigeria paid a non-refundable visa fee of €80 per request, totalling €3.4 million in 2023 for rejected requests alone.

This issue originates from more stringent EU immigration policies, unfinished requests, and economic limitations, resulting in significant consequences.

Read also: No way through: Schengen visa rejection hits 4-yr high 

In 2022, Nigerian travellers sent in 86,815 Schengen visa requests, with 39,189 rejections—a 45.1% rejection rate. By 2023, requests rose to 105,926, yet 42,940 were denied, indicating a 40.8% rejection rate. These figures highlight a persistent issue, with rejection rates remaining alarmingly high.

Common reasons for rejections

Several factors contribute to the high rejection rates:

More stringent immigration policies: The EU has tightened its scrutiny of visa requests due to concerns over migration and overstays.

Insufficient documentation: Many candidates fail to meet specific requirements, such as economic stability, valid travel insurance, or proof of accommodation.

Fraudulent submissions: Cases involving falsified documents or misrepresentation have led consulates to adopt more stringent checks.

Read also: How Nigerian applicants can avoid Schengen visa rejection

Required documents for Schengen visa requests

To improve the likelihood of success, candidates must ensure they provide the following key documents:

Valid passport: Must be valid for three months beyond the trip, with at least two blank pages.

Proof of economic means: Submit recent bank statements, salary slips, or sponsorship letters to demonstrate the ability to fund the trip.

Travel insurance: As reported by schengeninsuranceinfo.com, mandatory coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, valid across all Schengen nations.

Proof of accommodation: Provide hotel bookings, rental agreements, or a host invitation letter.

Round-trip itinerary: Include confirmed travel plans with departure and return flights.

Purpose or invitation letter: Clearly explain the reason for travel and planned activities.

Proof of employment or study: Submit letters from employers or academic institutions to demonstrate ties to Nigeria.

Passport photos: Ensure photos meet Schengen specifications, including size and background requirements.

Providing accurate and complete documentation aligned with consulate requirements can significantly improve approval chances.

Read also: Africans twice as likely to be rejected for Schengen visas – Report

Broader consequences

These high rejection rates are more than just numbers—they represent missed opportunities for Nigerian students, businesses, and families. More stringent policies are seen by some as a barrier to fostering cultural exchange and economic collaboration between Nigeria and the EU.

To address these challenges, Nigerian travellers are advised to meticulously prepare their requests and seek guidance from reputable travel consultants. Additionally, there is a growing call for EU member states to provide clearer guidelines and more transparent processes to ensure fairness in the visa request process.

As global mobility becomes increasingly critical for education, business, and tourism, creating balanced policies that prioritise security without penalising legitimate travellers is essential for fostering international cooperation.