Top 10 African countries that lost the most money to EU visa rejections

These losses incurred by African countries from rejected visa applications stem from a broader category of EU-issued visas, including national visas for study, employment, and long-term residence.

Applicants from Africa continue to face some of the highest visa rejection rates globally, often paying high processing fees only to be denied entry, without refund or recourse.

In a previous report, Business Insider Africa estimated that African nations lost roughly €60 million (about $67.5 million) due to Schengen visa rejections alone.

Alarmingly, six of the ten countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates globally are in Africa.

Comoros leads with a staggering 61.3% rejection rate, followed by Guinea-Bissau (51%), Ghana (47.5%), Mali (46.1%), Sudan (42.3%), and Senegal (41.2%).

New data from the LAGO Collective, reveals the African countries that incurred the highest estimated financial losses from rejected EU visas in 2024.

Nigeria tops the list, with €4.3 million lost, followed by Senegal (€2.8 million) and Côte d’Ivoire (€2.2 million).

Beyond restricting movement, these high rejection rates and financial loses have real economic consequences, draining resources from individuals and families who often save extensively to afford these applications.

The growing trend has intensified calls for more transparent, equitable, and accountable visa processes for African nationals.

The table below ranks the top 10 African countries with the highest estimated financial losses from EU visa rejections in 2024.