Top 10 African countries with the highest temporary US visa rejection rate

Getting a U.S. visa can be an uphill task, especially for people coming from countries with high rejection rates. Each year, millions try their luck at landing a visa to visit the U.S. for reasons like tourism, studying, business, or visiting family. But instead of getting that coveted entry stamp, many walk away with a rejection notice.

The rates at which visas get rejected can vary widely from country to country, influenced by a mix of economic situations and political vibes.

When it comes to temporary U.S. visas, particularly the B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas, the rejection rates depend on a bunch of factors. The U.S. Department of State looks at things like whether you plan to return home, your financial situation, and how connected you are to your country.

Consular officers are trained to look for “strong ties” to your home country—like stable jobs, property ownership, family, or school. In places where many people see a U.S. visa as a ticket to better opportunities rather than just a temporary visit, that can raise red flags.

Also, when a country has a high overstay rate, future applicants from that country are viewed with suspicion, creating a cycle where past behaviour negatively affects new applicants, even if they plan to follow the rules.

On top of these, the diplomatic relationships between the U.S. and other countries can have a big impact on visa rejections. If a country has a rocky relationship with the U.S., its citizens might face more intense scrutiny.

This can lead to higher rejection rates, as applicants are often seen through a cautious lens. Geopolitical tensions can tighten visa requirements and make it harder for people to get approved.

In Africa, Mali holds the highest U.S. visa rejection rate at 60.16%, according to data from Statisense, sourced from the U.S. Department of State. Following closely is Gambia, with a rejection rate of 60.40%, and Guinea comes in third at 61.37%.