Traveling to the Schengen area from non-EU countries comes with the requirement of obtaining a visa, and for many Nigerians, navigating the visa application process can feel like walking a tightrope.
While the Schengen Area comprises 27 member countries, each with its own approach to visa approvals, not all embassies are created equal. Some are far more stringent than others.
According to data from Schengen Visa Info, countries that receive fewer applications often have higher rejection rates, leaving many travelers in limbo, unsure of their chances of success.
This unpredictability has caused frustration for Nigerians seeking access to Europe, whether for business, education, or tourism.
In 2023, a few countries gained notoriety for their particularly high rejection rates, making them the ones to watch if you’re planning your next European adventure. Securing a visa to these destinations may just be more difficult than anticipated.
Malta
Malta had the highest rejection rate among all Schengen nations in 2023. Out of 33,306 visa applications, 12,261 (37.6%) were denied. Algerian applicants faced the most rejections, with an overwhelming 90.35% rejection rate. Ghanaian and Moroccan applicants were also heavily affected, with rejection rates of 62.69% and 60.37%, respectively.
Estonia
Estonia rejected 61.4% of the Schengen visa applications it received in 2023, amounting to 4,347 denials. Egyptian applicants were hit hardest, with a 59.5% rejection rate. UAE and Indian nationals also faced significant hurdles, with rejection rates of 57.9% and 49.7%, respectively. In contrast, Chinese applicants saw a much lower rejection rate of just 7.3%.
Belgium
With a rejection rate of 26.6%, Belgium ranked third in Schengen visa denials. Out of 225,951 applications, 60,148 were rejected. Senegalese applicants faced the highest rejection rates at 67.8%, followed by Angolan (66.44%) and Nigerian (62.45%) nationals.
Sweden
Sweden rejected 23.1% of its visa applications in 2023, denying around 60,148 requests. Iranian nationals were the most affected, with a rejection rate of 76.65%. Pakistanis and Lebanese applicants followed, with rejection rates of 69.49% and 66.21%, respectively.
Denmark
Denmark received 107,872 visa applications in 2023 and rejected 21.2% of them (21,509 applications). Moroccans faced a 100% rejection rate, though only two applications were submitted. Iranians and Pakistanis were again among the most affected, with rejection rates of 76.65% and 69.49%, respectively.
These statistics highlight the varying degrees of difficulty travelers face when applying for Schengen visas, with Malta, Estonia, Belgium, Sweden, and Denmark proving to be the toughest countries for visa approvals in 2023.
