How Are New Visa Challenges Impacting Travel Between Africa and Europe’s Schengen Countries in 2025?

Travel industry analysts have observed that despite a notable global increase in demand for Schengen visas, many African travelers have faced significant barriers, effectively restricting their access to European travel. The high rejection rates and rising costs have created systemic challenges that impact not only individual travelers but also the broader travel and tourism industries connected to Africa and Europe.

These visa difficulties have led to a decline in outbound travel from African countries to Europe, impacting airlines, tour operators, and hospitality sectors dependent on this market. The travel industry must navigate the consequences of these barriers, including shifts in traveler behavior, potential rerouting of tourism flows, and the need for advocacy around fairer visa policies.

This situation could influence the global travel landscape by creating disparities in accessibility and reinforcing regional inequalities. It also underscores the importance of visa facilitation reforms for sustainable tourism growth and international mobility.

Schengen Visa Overview and Application Process

A Schengen visa grants non-European Union nationals the right to enter and remain within the Schengen Zone—comprising 29 European countries without internal border controls—for short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The visa covers tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, study, and other temporary activities.

Applications for Schengen visas are generally made to the consulate of the country where the applicant intends to stay longest. They can be single-entry or multiple-entry visas, depending on the travel needs. Applicants must submit their paperwork between six months and 15 days before their intended travel date.

As of 2024, the standard non-refundable visa fee stands at €90 (US$101.63), with reduced fees for children. In 2024, over 11.7 million applications were processed globally, with 9.7 million visas granted—a 14.1% increase from 2023, though still below pre-pandemic levels. More than half of the visas granted allowed multiple entries.

Visa Challenges Faced by African Applicants

Despite these global trends, African travelers have confronted disproportionately high rejection rates and increased financial burdens. Statistics from the European Commission reveal that African nations suffer some of the highest Schengen visa refusal rates worldwide.

For example, Nigeria saw over 50,000 short-stay visa applications rejected in 2024 alone. Countries such as Ghana, Senegal, and Nigeria experienced rejection rates ranging between 40% and 50%. Comoros recorded the highest rejection rate at 61.3%, followed by Guinea-Bissau at 51%, Ghana at 47.5%, Mali at 46.1%, Sudan at 42.3%, and Senegal at 41.2%.

The rise in visa application fees from €80 (US$90.21) to €90 (US$101.63) in July 2024 has further increased the financial strain on applicants. Importantly, these fees are non-refundable regardless of the visa decision, leading to substantial losses for African applicants—estimated at nearly €60 million (US$67.5 million) in non-refundable fees in 2023.

Allegations of Systemic Bias and Discrimination

The persistent high rejection rates and financial hurdles have raised concerns about systemic discrimination in Schengen visa procedures. Analysts argue that the current system disproportionately affects African travelers, limiting their mobility and reinforcing unequal access to European destinations.

The European Commission’s data indicates a rising number of visa applications worldwide, with over 10.3 million processed in 2023—a 37% increase from 2022’s 7.5 million applications. Despite this growth, the numbers remain below pre-pandemic figures of 17 million in 2019, suggesting ongoing recovery challenges compounded by regional disparities.

Travel Industry and Policy Implications

These visa challenges have broad implications for the travel industry. Airlines servicing routes between African countries and Europe may face fluctuating passenger volumes. Tour operators and hospitality businesses reliant on African tourism could see decreased demand, affecting revenues and employment.

The travel industry is compelled to advocate for more equitable visa policies and to assist travelers in navigating complex visa application processes. Education on visa requirements, financial assistance programs, and policy dialogue with European authorities are becoming crucial components of travel services aimed at African markets.

Summary Bullet Points

• African travelers face some of the highest Schengen visa rejection rates globally, with countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Comoros heavily affected.
• Visa fee increases and non-refundable charges add financial strain, while systemic bias concerns call for visa policy reforms.

(News Source: eturbonews)