Nigerians spend an estimated N75bn annually on visa applications to foreign countries, with unsuccessful applications accounting for a significant portion of the money lost, according to a report obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the analysis, it estimated that Nigerians lost about €11.5m, equivalent to approximately N19bn, to rejected Schengen visa applications alone in 2025.
The report highlighted the financial pressure faced by Nigerians seeking to travel abroad, particularly because most foreign missions collect visa fees before deciding whether to approve or reject applications. Such payments are generally non-refundable.
It noted that the financial burden goes beyond official visa charges, as applicants may also spend money on visa application centre services, medical insurance, hotel reservations, flight bookings and other supporting documents.
Depending on the destination and the services involved, an unsuccessful application could cost an applicant between N350,000 and N1.2m.
“All major embassies collect fees before approval and it is non-refundable,” the report stated.
The analysis identified Canada, Belgium, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States among destinations where high refusal rates expose Nigerian applicants to considerable financial risks.
Canada’s study permit system was highlighted as particularly challenging for Nigerian applicants. The report put the refusal rate at an estimated 75 per cent between January and April 2026, suggesting that only about one in four applications was successful during the period.
It attributed many of the refusals to concerns about whether applicants would leave Canada after completing their studies, a requirement linked to Section 216(1)(b) of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
Within the Schengen Area, Belgium reportedly recorded the highest refusal rate for Nigerian applicants at 60.3 per cent, followed by Spain at 52.7 per cent and France at 47.4 per cent.
The report estimated the overall Schengen visa refusal rate for Nigerians at 46.9 per cent in 2025, compared with 45.9 per cent in 2024. It further put the number of unsuccessful Nigerian applications at approximately 250,000 during the year.
The United Kingdom also recorded a significant number of refusals, with the analysis putting the overall rate for Nigerian applicants at 33.1 per cent in 2025. The figure reportedly increased to 35.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, while visitor visa refusals were estimated at 38.6 per cent.
It also claimed that Nigerians accounted for 44.4 per cent of African visa refusals by the UK, citing a cumulative figure of 1.34 million over 21 years.
For the United States, the report cited an estimated refusal rate of about 64 per cent for African applicants seeking F-1 student visas, compared with a global rate of 35 per cent.
It identified concerns about applicants’ intentions to return to their home countries as one of the factors behind student visa refusals, although decisions are made based on individual circumstances and the evidence presented.
Japan was also listed among countries that have become more expensive for Nigerian applicants following an increase in visa charges which took effect on July 1, 2026.
Under the revised fees, a single-entry visa costs ¥15,000, approximately $93, while a multiple-entry visa costs ¥30,000, or about $188. The new charges represent a fivefold increase from the previous fees of ¥3,000 and ¥6,000 respectively.
Based on the exchange rates used in the report, the revised charges amount to approximately N126,000 for a single-entry visa and N252,000 for a multiple-entry visa.
Despite the increase, Japan was reported to have a relatively low refusal rate of between 12 and 15 per cent for Nigerian applicants. The analysis identified weak bank statements as one possible reason for unsuccessful applications.
India was ranked among the most expensive destinations in the report’s comparison, with a listed visa charge of $588, equivalent to approximately N819,200. However, its electronic visa system provides cheaper options for eligible applicants, with fees ranging from $25 to $80 depending on the category.
For the United Kingdom, the report listed the 10-year visitor visa at £1,128, approximately N2.09m, while the six-month visitor visa costs £127, or about N203,000.
The United States’ B1/B2 visitor visa was listed at $185, equivalent to approximately N299,700. Canada’s visitor visa and biometrics charges were put at a combined CAD185, or about N205,000.
Schengen visa applicants, meanwhile, were estimated to pay €90 in official visa fees and an additional €35 in application centre charges, bringing the combined cost to approximately N144,000 based on the exchange rates used in the analysis.
The report also drew attention to Indonesia’s sponsorship requirements for Nigerian travellers, stating that Nigerians are not eligible for visa-on-arrival access and generally require a sponsor and approval under the relevant immigration process.
Its estimated application charges range from $50 to $110, although additional expenses may arise from documentation and processing assistance. The analysis also cited a requirement for applicants to demonstrate access to $2,000 and estimated the refusal rate for Indonesian calling visas involving Nigerians at about 40 per cent.
Malaysia was presented as a relatively affordable alternative for eligible Nigerian travellers because of its electronic visa system. The report put the e-visa charge at approximately RM126, equivalent to between N40,000 and N45,000, with processing estimated at two to three days.
Applicants may be required to provide a valid passport, return ticket, hotel reservation and a photograph that meets the prescribed specifications. The report estimated Malaysia’s visa refusal rate for Nigerians at between 20 and 30 per cent, although this figure requires confirmation from official sources.
To reduce the financial risks associated with unsuccessful applications, the analysis advised Nigerians to consider destinations offering visa-free entry, visa on arrival or electronic travel authorisation, where they meet the eligibility conditions.
Several West African countries, including Ghana, Benin Republic, Togo, Senegal, The Gambia, Liberia, Niger, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone, were listed as destinations accessible to Nigerian passport holders under applicable regional arrangements.
Other countries mentioned as possible alternatives include Rwanda, Barbados, Dominica, Fiji, Mauritius and Vanuatu, subject to their respective entry conditions and permitted duration of stay.
The report further noted that some countries offer visa-on-arrival arrangements, allowing eligible travellers to pay applicable charges at their destinations rather than risk losing money on an unsuccessful advance application.
However, electronic travel authorisations and online entry permits may also attract non-refundable charges. The analysis listed Seychelles’ electronic travel authorisation at approximately $12, Kenya’s at $32 and Zambia’s electronic visa at $25. South Africa’s visa fee was put at $37.
It advised prospective travellers to confirm visa-free access, visa-on-arrival eligibility and other entry requirements through official government channels before making flight or accommodation bookings, noting that immigration rules and charges may change.
