In 2024, African countries collectively lost tens of millions of euros due to non-refundable visa application fees, as rejection rates for EU visas remained alarmingly high. 

The financial burden is deepening concerns about mobility restrictions and systemic inequality faced by African travellers.

According to a report by Business Insider Africa and LAGO Collective, the top 10 African countries most affected by visa denials in 2024 collectively forfeited millions of euros. 

Below are the countries with the highest financial losses from EU visa rejections:

1. Nigeria

• Losses: €4.3 million
• Rejection Rate: 45.9%

Nigeria leads the continent in visa-related losses, with over 50,000 rejected applications. Despite providing extensive documentation—including bank statements and property records—many Nigerians receive vague rejections. The high rejection rate underscores growing frustration over what many describe as a discriminatory and opaque visa system.

2. Senegal

• Losses: €2.8 million
• Rejection Rate: 46.8%

Senegalese citizens, particularly students and professionals, face steep rejection rates. Common reasons cited include “insufficient ties to home country,” a subjective criterion often difficult to challenge or clarify.

3. Côte d’Ivoire

• Losses: €2.2 million
• Rejection Rate: Not Available

While official rejection rates are not published, Ivorians continue to lose large amounts to failed visa attempts. The country’s burgeoning middle class finds itself frequently hindered by a process critics say lacks transparency.

4. Ghana

• Losses: €2.1 million
• Rejection Rate: 45.5%

With rejection rates nearing 50%, many Ghanaians accuse the EU of economic bias. Ghanaians are reportedly four times more likely to be denied a visa than Russian applicants, despite paying similar application fees of around €90 per person.

5. Cameroon

• Losses: €1.7 million
• Rejection Rate: ~40%

Cameroonian applicants face frequent and arbitrary denials. A notable case involved Jean Mboulé, who successfully sued the French government after being denied a visa despite owning property in South Africa—an exceedingly rare legal victory.

6. Kenya

• Losses: €1.6 million
• Rejection Rate: Not Available

Kenyan business leaders and tech entrepreneurs often report last-minute visa denials, undermining economic collaboration between Kenya and Europe. These obstacles persist despite growing bilateral trade interests.

7. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

• Losses: €1.5 million
• Rejection Rate: Not Available

For many Congolese seeking medical or educational opportunities, the €90 application fee remains a considerable barrier. With more than 70% of the population living below the poverty line, denials come at a high personal and financial cost.

8. Angola

• Losses: €1.1 million
• Rejection Rate: Not Available

Despite Angola’s oil wealth, applicants—especially students and entrepreneurs—face rejection due to ambiguous visa criteria. Many report being denied even with strong financial documentation.

9. South Africa

• Losses: €927,400
• Rejection Rate: <7%

While South Africa’s rejection rate is low, the sheer volume of applications results in notable financial losses. Recent scrutiny—such as allegations of asylum abuse involving South African passports—has prompted stricter reviews by European consulates.

10. Mali

• Losses: €390,200
• Rejection Rate: ~43%

For Malians, proving financial solvency is a paradox. Many applicants are denied for “insufficient means,” even though the visa fee itself can amount to a full month’s salary.

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Religion has long played a crucial role in shaping human societies and their politics, providing both unity and division throughout history.

These cities offer a deep spiritual experience for visitors, filled with history and religious significance.

1. Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, attracts millions of Muslims each year for the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. This journey is obligatory for every capable Muslim at least once in their lifetime. Non-Muslims, however, are not permitted to enter Mecca. The city’s history dates back to a pre-Islamic legend involving Adam and Eve. More accurately, around 2000 BC, Abraham and his son Ishmael built the Kaaba, Islam’s most sacred site. In 570 AD, the Prophet Muhammad was born here, and later in 630 AD, he declared the city a center for Muslim pilgrimage.

2. Lhasa, Tibet

Lhasa, meaning “place of the gods,” was the home of the Dalai Lamas from the 1600s until 1959. Although Tibetans are now a minority, the city remains a hub for Tibetan Buddhism. Notable sites include Jokhang Temple and the Potala Palace, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Many pilgrims come to Lhasa to follow one of the three pathways that lead around Jokhang Temple, seeking spiritual merit.

3. Bethlehem, West Bank

Bethlehem is revered as the birthplace of Jesus, making it a major pilgrimage destination for Christians, especially during Christmas and Easter. It is also historically significant as the birthplace of David, the King of Israel. Despite the city’s tumultuous past, including numerous invasions and occupations, it remains a focal point of Christian pilgrimage. The Church of the Nativity, one of the world’s oldest churches, is believed to mark the location of Christ’s birth.

4. Varanasi, India

One of India’s most sacred cities, Varanasi holds religious importance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. Legend states that the city was founded by Lord Shiva, while historical records suggest it emerged 3,000 years ago as a center for textiles.Many Hindus come to Varanasi to bathe in the Ganges River, which is believed to cleanse sins. The city is also notable asthe place where Buddha delivered his first sermon.

5. Vatican City

Situated in Rome, Vatican City is the epicenter of the Roman Catholic Church. The world’s smallest independent state, itholds some of the most significant religious and cultural sites, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. Once part of the Papal States, it became independent in the 20th century after a treaty signed by Mussolini.

6. Haifa, Israel

Haifa, a city on Mount Carmel overlooking the Mediterranean, is a center for the Bahá’í faith. The Bahá’í World Center, with its golden-domed shrine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bahá’í, a religion founded in 19th-century Iran, emphasizes unity among all religions and the oneness of humanity.

7. Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City was founded in 1847 by Mormon pioneers escaping persecution. Today, it serves as the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). The city’s religious landmarks include the iconic Salt Lake Temple, which took 40 years to complete, and the Family History Library, the largest genealogical library in the world.

8. Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem is a spiritual hub for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It has been a focal point of religious significance for millennia and has faced destruction and invasion multiple times. Sites like the Temple Mount, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Western Wall draw millions of pilgrims annually. The Old City of Jerusalem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains a testament to the city’s profound historical and religious legacy.

9. Pushkar, India

One of India’s oldest cities, Pushkar is a sacred site for Hindus. The city is associated with Lord Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. Pilgrims visit Pushkar Lake and the Brahma Temple, one of the few temples dedicated to Brahma. The city is also home to the Pushkar Fair, one of the world’s largest camel fairs.

Medina, Saudi Arabia

Medina is the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca. It is where the Prophet Muhammad sought refuge after being driven from Mecca. The Prophet’s Mosque, Al Masjid al-Nabawi, stands on the site of Muhammad’s home and is where he is buried. Only Muslims are permitted to enter the city, which serves as a key stop during the Hajj pilgrimage.

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