Nigerians lose an estimated N75 billion annually to visa application fees and related expenses, with unsuccessful applications to Schengen countries alone accounting for about N19 billion in 2025, according to a report obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The report attributed the losses to rising visa charges, high rejection rates and the non-refundable nature of fees paid to foreign embassies, leaving thousands of Nigerians financially disadvantaged when their applications are rejected.

Canada, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain and the United States were identified as some of the destinations where Nigerian applicants face significant financial risks due to stringent immigration requirements and high visa refusal rates.

Additional costs increase financial burden

The report noted that the cost of applying for visas goes beyond official application fees to include payments for visa application centres, medical insurance, hotel reservations, flight bookings and other supporting documents.

Depending on the destination, an unsuccessful visa application could cost an applicant between N350,000 and N1.2 million, even when the visa is eventually denied.

The situation has raised concerns about the financial implications of international travel for Nigerians, particularly students, tourists and other prospective travellers who must meet demanding documentation requirements before their applications are considered.

Canada, Schengen countries record high rejection rates

Canada reportedly rejected 75 per cent of Nigerian study permit applications between January and April 2026, meaning only one in four applicants received approval during the period.

The report attributed the high refusal rate largely to concerns among Canadian immigration authorities about whether applicants would leave the country after completing their studies.

Within the Schengen Area, Belgium recorded the highest visa 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 overall Schengen visa rejection rate for Nigerians increased to 46.9 per cent in 2025, compared with 45.9 per cent in 2024.

Approximately 250,000 applications were rejected during the period, resulting in an estimated N19 billion in losses to Nigerian applicants, according to the report.

UK, US also pose challenges

The United Kingdom recorded an overall visa refusal rate of 33.1 per cent for Nigerian applicants in 2025, which reportedly rose to 35.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2026.

Visitor visa applications had an estimated rejection rate of 38.6 per cent, exposing applicants to potential financial losses from non-refundable fees and travel-related arrangements.

For the United States, the report put the refusal rate for African applicants seeking F-1 student visas at approximately 64 per cent.

The figures underscore the financial risks confronting prospective international students and travellers who spend substantial amounts preparing their applications without any guarantee of approval.

Japan increases visa charges

Japan was identified as one of the destinations with relatively lower visa rejection rates for Nigerians, estimated at between 12 and 15 per cent.

However, the country reportedly increased its visa charges fivefold from July 1, 2026. A single-entry visa now costs ¥15,000, while multiple-entry applications attract a fee of ¥30,000.

The report also highlighted the cost of obtaining visas for other popular destinations.

A 10-year UK visitor visa was estimated at approximately N2.09 million, while a six-month visitor visa costs about N203,000.

The United States B1/B2 visitor visa was put at approximately N299,700, while Canadian visitor visa and biometric charges stood at about N205,000.

Visa-free destinations recommended

To reduce potential financial losses, the report advised Nigerians to consider destinations offering visa-free entry, visas on arrival or electronic travel authorisation, subject to meeting the relevant eligibility requirements.

Countries identified as possible alternatives include Ghana, Benin Republic, Togo, Senegal, The Gambia, Rwanda, Mauritius, Barbados and Dominica.

However, prospective travellers were urged to confirm applicable entry requirements before making travel plans, as visa-free arrangements and other immigration policies may change.

The report also advised intending travellers to verify current visa requirements through official government channels before paying application fees or committing funds to flight bookings, hotel reservations and other travel arrangements.