Every year, millions of Africans apply for Schengen visas to travel to Europe for business, education, or leisure. However, a staggering number face rejection, resulting in significant financial losses and missed opportunities. In 2024, African applicants lost nearly €60 million ($67.5 million) in non-refundable Schengen visa fees due to denied applications, according to data from LAGO Collective, a London-based research group tracking global mobility. This article explores the high rejection rates, their financial toll on Africans, and proposes solutions to strengthen African economies and make intra-African travel a more attractive alternative.

The High Cost of Schengen Visa Rejections

In 2024, African applicants faced a Schengen visa rejection rate of approximately 30%, with some countries experiencing rates as high as 61.3%. Each application costs €90 (about $100), and with over 1 million applications submitted annually from Africa, the financial burden is immense. Described by LAGO Collective as a “reverse remittance” system, this process sees money flow from Africa to Europe, offering no benefit to applicants when their visas are denied.

The emotional toll is equally significant. Applicants invest time, money, and hope, only to face rejection—often without clear explanations—leading to frustration and disillusionment, particularly among youth seeking opportunities abroad.

Rejection Rates and Financial Losses

In 2024, African applicants lost €60 million in non-refundable Schengen visa fees due to approximately 600,000 rejected applications out of over 1 million submitted. This figure, reported by LAGO Collective, excludes additional costs such as:

• Travel to embassies: Many applicants must journey long distances to submit applications.
• Document preparation: Legal fees and paperwork add to the financial burden.
• Opportunity costs: Time spent on the process could be used for productive activities.

When these factors are included, the total economic impact could reach €100 million or more annually.

Rejection Rates by Country (2024)

Here’s a snapshot of rejection rates for select African nations:

• Comoros: 61.3%
• Guinea-Bissau: 51%
• Nigeria: 50%
• Ghana: 47.5%
• Senegal: 45% (Source: Henley & Partners, 2024)

These high rejection rates are often attributed to perceived “migration risk,” where African applicants are seen as more likely to overstay visas. This assumption overlooks legitimate travel purposes and perpetuates systemic exclusion.

The Broader Impact

The €60 million lost in 2024 could have a transformative impact if retained within Africa. For example:

• Education: It could fund 600–1,200 primary schools, expanding access to education.
• Healthcare: It could equip 1,200–3,000 rural clinics, improving public health.
• Entrepreneurship: It could provide microloans to 60,000 small businesses, stimulating local economies.
• Tourism: It could subsidize regional flights or promote African destinations, boosting intra-African travel.

Instead, these resources are drained, weakening African economies and reinforcing dependence on external opportunities.

Turning Inward: The Case for Intra-African Travel

Rather than losing €60 million annually to Schengen visa rejections, Africans can redirect their focus to the continent’s vast potential. Africa boasts stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and untapped economic opportunities. Promoting intra-African travel could keep funds circulating locally, driving growth and fostering unity.

Benefits of Intra-African Travel

• Economic Growth: Tourism within Africa could add $168 billion to the economy and create 18 million jobs over the next decade (World Travel & Tourism Council, 2024).
• Cultural Exchange: Exploring neighboring countries strengthens ties and supports the African Union’s Agenda 2063 for a connected continent.
• Self-Reliance: Reducing reliance on external travel minimizes financial losses and highlights Africa’s own attractions, from Ghana’s beaches to Ethiopia’s historical sites.

Current Barriers

Despite its potential, intra-African travel faces significant challenges:

• Visa Restrictions: Only 14% of Africans can travel visa-free within the continent (Africa Visa Openness Index, 2024).
• High Costs: Flights like Lagos to Accra can cost $500, comparable to international fares to Europe.
• Poor Infrastructure: Limited flight routes and underdeveloped tourism facilities hinder accessibility.

Solutions to Boost Intra-African Travel and Economies

To make Africa an attractive travel destination for its own citizens and strengthen local economies, the following measures can be implemented:

1. Visa Reforms
   Simplify visa processes and work toward a single African visa, modeled after the Schengen system. Countries like Rwanda and Seychelles, which offer visa-free entry to all Africans, set a precedent. Full ratification of the African Union’s Protocol on Free Movement, currently supported by only 35 of 54 countries, could eliminate travel barriers.
2. Affordable Travel
   Subsidize regional flights and accelerate the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to lower costs. Investing in low-cost airlines and regional hubs would make intra-African travel competitive with international options.
3. Infrastructure Development
   Enhance road networks, airports, and public transportation to improve connectivity. Investments in hospitality—hotels, restaurants, and tour services—would elevate the travel experience. The African Development Bank could channel funds into these projects, leveraging the €60 million lost annually as a benchmark for investment.
4. Tourism Promotion
   Launch campaigns showcasing Africa’s attractions, such as Kenya’s safaris, Nigeria’s cultural festivals, or Morocco’s historic medinas. Social media, travel blogs, and influencer partnerships can inspire Africans to explore their continent, countering the allure of external destinations.
5. Economic Incentives
   Provide tax breaks or subsidies to businesses—airlines, hotels, tour operators—that promote intra-African travel. This would encourage investment and reduce costs for travelers, aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals of economic integration.
6. Education and Awareness
   Educate citizens about the economic and cultural benefits of traveling within Africa through schools, media, and community programs. Fostering a Pan-African identity can shift preferences toward local destinations, reducing reliance on Schengen visas.

Conclusion: A New Path Forward

The €60 million lost to Schengen visa rejections in 2024, as reported by LAGO Collective, is a stark reminder of the need for change. By addressing barriers to intra-African travel and investing in the continent’s economic and tourism potential, Africa can transform this financial drain into a driver of prosperity. The greener pastures Africans seek are not just abroad—they lie within the continent’s borders, waiting to be explored.

Call to Action

• Governments: Ratify free movement protocols and prioritize affordable transport.
• Businesses: Develop travel packages tailored to intra-African explorers.
• Citizens: Discover Africa’s wonders and share your stories to inspire others.

Together, we can make Africa the destination of choice for Africans, turning visa losses into lasting economic and cultural gains.

Key Citations

• LAGO Collective, 2024 (as cited in Business Insider Africa, Africans lost $67.5 million to denied Schengen visa applications in 2024).
• Henley & Partners, 2024 Visa Bias | Africa Wealth Report 2024.
• World Travel & Tourism Council, 2024 (as cited in Explore Africa with Francis Doku).
• Africa Visa Openness Index, 2024 (as cited in Easing travel restrictions to boost intra-African trade).