Out of over 60,000 Kenyans who applied for Schengen Visas in 2024, 18,899 faced rejection and lost an estimated KSh 234.7 million in total fees, according to new data from London-based research firm — LAGO Collective.
This was higher than in 2023 when out of 55,251 applications, 12,961 were rejected and the estimated loss stood at KSh 151 million, a 23.46% rejection rate. In Kenya, applying for Schengen Visa, which is required to travel to 29 European countries for short temporary stays or transit, costs about KSh 13,000 and cannot be reimbursed even if the application fails.In total, African applicants lost more than KSh 8 billion in Schengen Visa fees after rejections soared and non-refundable charges surged.
Countries with the highest visa rejection rates included Bangladesh (54.90%), Senegal (46.82%), and Guinea Bissau (46.42%). African countries with the highest rejected Schengen Visa applications were Nigeria and Egypt, each with over 50,000 total rejections and losing about KSh 586 million.
The high Schengen visa rejection is driven largely by incomplete applications and insufficient supporting documentation. European consulates often flag applicants from various countries as high-risk for overstaying their Visas.
The visa-application process itself favors wealthier applicants with stronger financial ties to their home country. Critics argue the system embeds structural bias against citizens from lower-income nations, particularly African and Asian countries.
The non-refundability of application fees, despite high denial rates, has been labeled exploitative. Calls for transparency and reform have grown, especially as Europe seeks closer economic and diplomatic ties with African nations.
The Schengen visa is required to travel to about 29 European countries including Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. It is meant for short, temporary stays or transit through the Schengen area, for a duration of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period.