In recent years, obtaining a Schengen visa has proven to be particularly challenging for several African nationalities, with a significant number of applications being denied. On average, 28.2 percent of visa applications filed by African nationals to Schengen states were rejected. However, some nationalities face even higher rejection rates.
1. Comorians:
Comorians top the list with a staggering 61.3 percent of their visa applications being denied. In 2023, Comorians submitted a total of 3,768 visa applications, out of which only 1,370 were approved, while a significant 2,174 were rejected. The issuance of Multiple Entry Visas (MEVs) to Comorians was particularly low, with only 27.1 percent of the approved visas being MEVs.
2. Bissau-Guineans:
Bissau-Guineans also faced considerable challenges in obtaining Schengen visas, with a rejection rate of 51 percent. In 2023, they submitted 5,493 visa applications, but only 2,528 were approved. Of the visas issued, 28.3 percent were MEVs, highlighting the difficulties Bissau-Guineans face in securing visas that allow multiple entries into Schengen states.
3. Ghanaians:
Ghanaians had 47.5 percent of their visa applications denied, making them the third most affected group. Despite submitting 45,421 visa applications, only 23,400 were approved. However, Ghanaians had a slightly higher success rate in securing MEVs compared to Comorians and Bissau-Guineans, with 40.8 percent of their approved visas being MEVs.
4. Sudanese:
Sudanese nationals faced a similar rejection rate as Ghanaians, with 47.5 percent of their visa applications being denied. Out of the total number of applications, Sudanese received only 1,315 Schengen visas, indicating that less than half of the applications they filed were approved.
5. Malians:
Malians also experienced significant difficulties in obtaining Schengen visas, with a rejection rate of 42.3 percent. They filed a total of 11,225 visa applications, but less than half were successful. The relatively high rejection rates for these five nationalities underscore the challenges faced by many African nationals in gaining access to Schengen states.
These statistics reflect broader issues of access and mobility for African nationals when seeking entry to Schengen countries. High rejection rates can have profound impacts, including limiting opportunities for travel, business, education, and family reunification. The reasons for these high rejection rates can vary, often involving stringent application processes, documentation requirements, and broader geopolitical considerations.