Nigerians lose N75bn annually to Visa refusals

Nigerians lose no less than N75 billion annually to non-refundable visa application expenses across various foreign missions.

According to a visa-cost analysis report sourced from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the total cost of a single unsuccessful application now ranges between N350,000 and N1.2 million. The losses cover embassy fees, medical insurance, flight bookings, and visa application centre charges.

“All major embassies collect fees before approval and it is non-refundable,” the report read in part.

According to the PUNCH newspaper, Canada remains one of the most difficult destinations for Nigerian students, recording an estimated 75 per cent study permit refusal rate between January and April 2026.

The rejections are tied to concerns over whether the applicants will leave the country upon completing their studies.

In the Schengen Area, Belgium holds the highest refusal rate at 60.3 per cent, followed by Spain at 52.7 per cent and France at 47.4 per cent. Overall, the Schengen visa refusal rate for Nigerians climbed to 46.9 per cent in 2025, with approximately 250,000 applications denied.

The United Kingdom recorded a 33.1 per cent refusal rate for Nigerian applicants in 2025, which rose to 35.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2026. Data shows that Nigerians account for 44.4 per cent of all African visa refusals by the UK, totaling 1.34 million rejections over the past 21 years.

Similarly, the United States denied approximately 64 per cent of African applicants seeking F-1 student visas, surpassing the 35 per cent global average.

Japan recently increased its visa fees fivefold, taking effect on July 1, 2026. A single-entry visa now costs ¥15,000 (N126,000), while a multiple-entry visa is ¥30,000 (N252,000). Despite the hike, Japan maintains a relatively low refusal rate of 12 to 15 per cent, which is mostly linked to weak bank statements.

India ranks as the most expensive destination for a standard visa at $588 (N819,200), though its electronic visa system offers cheaper categories ranging from $25 to $80.

Breaking down specific costs, a 10-year UK visitor visa is priced at N2.09 million, while a standard six-month visa costs about N203,000. A US B1/B2 visitor visa requires N299,700, and a Canadian visitor visa combined with biometrics costs N205,000.

For Asian destinations, Indonesia maintains stringent sponsorship procedures and an estimated 40 per cent refusal rate for Nigerian calling visas. Conversely, Malaysia offers a more accessible e-visa system costing between N40,000 and N45,000, with an estimated refusal rate of 20 to 30 per cent.

To mitigate these recurring financial risks, the report urged prospective travellers to consider destinations that permit visa-free entry, visa on arrival, or cheaper electronic travel authorisations.

Regional neighbours across West Africa, alongside nations like Rwanda, Kenya, Seychelles, and South Africa, present lower-cost alternatives for Nigerians seeking to limit their financial exposure.