Nigerians spend at least ₦75 billion every year on visa applications and related expenses to foreign missions, with unsuccessful Schengen visa applications alone estimated to have cost applicants about €11.5 million, or approximately ₦19 billion, in 2025.
The figures are contained in a visa-cost analysis report obtained by Sunday Punch from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The analysis highlights the financial burden on Nigerians seeking to travel abroad for education, business, tourism and other purposes, particularly because visa application fees are generally non-refundable even when applications are rejected.
The report estimates that Nigerians submitted approximately 250,000 unsuccessful Schengen visa applications in 2025, representing a refusal rate of 46.9 per cent. European Commission data separately puts the refusal rate for applications lodged in Nigeria at 47.8 per cent in 2025, although this measure is based on the location where applications were submitted rather than nationality alone.
Beyond embassy charges, applicants often spend money on visa application centre services, medical insurance, hotel reservations, flight bookings and document preparation before receiving a decision. The Ministry-linked analysis estimates that the total financial exposure from an unsuccessful application can range from ₦350,000 to ₦1.2 million, depending on the destination and services involved. Its €11.5 million estimate for rejected Schengen applications includes visa fees and other application-related expenses, not just embassy charges.
The report also identified high refusal rates for Nigerian applicants to some destinations. Belgium reportedly recorded a Schengen refusal rate of 60.3 per cent, followed by Spain at 52.7 per cent and France at 47.4 per cent. For Canada, the analysis estimated that 75 per cent of Nigerian study permit applications were refused between January and April 2026.
The financial implications extend beyond individual applicants. Money spent on unsuccessful applications represents payments made to overseas governments and service providers without the intended travel taking place. The issue has also renewed concerns about the affordability and accessibility of international mobility for Nigerians, particularly students, families and small business owners.
Although visa authorities assess applications based on individual eligibility and supporting documents, the figures underline the importance of clear application requirements and transparent decision-making. For applicants, checking official requirements and ensuring that documentation is complete before applying may help reduce avoidable losses, although no preparation can guarantee approval.