Navigating the Schengen visa process remains a challenge for many travellers, including Nigerian travellers with Schengen visa rejection rates varying significantly across member states.
Recently published data by the European Union Commission has revealed that 1.7 million out of 11.7 million Schengen visa applications were rejected in 2024.
This figure represents a 14.8% Schengen visa rejection rate.
Based on the data, certain countries stand out for their stringent vetting processes, rejecting a higher percentage of applications due to incomplete documentation, unclear travel purposes, or strict immigration policies.
This article highlights the seven countries with the highest visa rejection rates;
1. Malta – 38.5% Rejection Rate
Malta continues to top the list for the highest Schengen visa rejection rates, with a staggering 38.5% of applications denied in 2024, a trend expected to persist into 2025.
In 2024, Malta denied 16,905 of 45,578 visa applications. This means nearly 4 in 10 visa applications were rejected.
The island nation’s strict scrutiny of travel intentions and financial proof makes it a tough destination for visa applicants.
2. Estonia – 27.2% Rejection Rate
Estonia ranks second on the list of European countries with the most Schengen visa rejections.
The country rejected over 3,291 applications out of 12,125.
3. Belgium – 24.6% Rejection Rate
Belgium ranks third on the list of countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates.
In 2024, the country processed 255,564 applications and rejected more than 61,000.
4. Slovenia – 24.5% Rejection Rate
In 2024, data from the European Commission revealed that Slovenia received a total of 18,171 visa applications.
However, Slovenia rejected 4,417 visa applications.
5. Sweden – 24% Rejection Rate
According to the official data, Sweden rejected 44,576 out of 188,623 applications.
Despite being popular for tourism, the country shows a high level of scrutiny for visa applicants.
6. Denmark – 23.7% Rejection Rate
Denmark rejected over 31,000 applications out of 132,158.
7. Croatia – 19.3% Rejection Rate
Croatia comes seventh among the European countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates.
The country denied 8,003 out of 42,165 applications.
While Schengen visa rejection rates are on the high, understanding the terms and conditions is very key.
Travellers have to prepare thoroughly to boost their chances of securing a Schengen visa and enjoying a hassle-free European journey.
