The Nigerian passport continues to be ranked among the least powerful globally. In 2024, Nigeria’s rejection rate for Schengen visa applications soared to 45.9%, making it the third-highest globally—a sharp increase from 40.8% in 2023. Looking over the past 15 years, rejection rates averaged 42.1%, with 491,844 out of approximately 1.1 million applications denied. In financial terms, applicants have cumulatively lost millions in non-refundable fees and processing costs.
Schengen Denials and Lost Time. In 2022 alone, 39,189 out of 86,815 Schengen visa applications by Nigerians were rejected (a 45.1% denial rate). Visaguide.world noted that of these, Spain exhibited one of the harshest rates, [rejecting 65.6%, while Italy was relatively easier at a 32% denial rate.
Asia’s Reluctance. One Redditor recounted being rejected by multiple Asian countries for unclear reasons, despite his Dutch partner being approved quickly:
“Every agency… either stopped replying as soon as I mentioned that I’ve got a Nigerian passport…” He had been denied entry to countries like Taiwan and Vietnam due to bureaucratic hurdles and lack of clarity.
US Visa Struggles—and a Twist. Another personal story highlights the emotional toll:
“Being Nigerian is a massive impediment to getting visas… I moved to Canada and got my US visa without any stress or hassle.” The user suggests that applying from Canada, after a denial in Nigeria, made the process much easier.
Applications Lost in Limbo. In one case, a U.S. immigrant visa applicant in Nigeria waited months for her passport to be returned, only receiving it eight months later, after extensive follow-ups—and having had to renew bridged documents midway.
Adventurers Struggling Within Africa. The Guardian covered the journeys of Nigerian solo travelers like Joy Ebaide, who highlighted that despite visa-free access under ECOWAS, crossing borders—like from Benin to Togo—felt “like a system designed to bleed travellers dry.” She notes that travel costs and delays within Africa often outweigh those to Europe.
Similarly, content creator Alma Asinobi attempted to break a Guinness World Record by visiting all seven continents within 60 hours to expose the challenges of traveling on a “low-mobility” passport. The attempt ended in 71 hours, largely due to visa delays for her Nigerian passport.
These stories, combined with stark data, paint a compelling picture: Nigerians face a consistent pattern of visa barriers—from Europe to Asia, North America—and even when traveling within Africa. The financial, emotional, and opportunity costs are both significant and systemic.
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