In 2023, Schengen states rejected a staggering 1.6 million visa applications, generating €130 million in funds. While some countries faced more rejections due to a high volume of applications, such as Türkiye, others experienced higher rejection rates relative to their number of applications, according to Schengen.News.
Countries with the Most Rejected Schengen Visas
Certain countries had a higher proportion of visa rejections compared to approvals. Notably, Comoros had a significant number of negative responses. Many of the nationalities with high rejection rates are from African and Asian countries.
Top 5 Nationalities with the Most Rejected Visas in 2023
The application fee for a Schengen visa was €80 up until June 2023. Some applicants managed to secure a visa and travel, while others paid the application and associated fees without getting a visa, effectively wasting their money.
The nationalities that lost the most money due to rejected visa applications in 2023 are:
- Turkish nationals: €13.5 million spent
- Algerian nationals: €13.3 million
- Indian nationals: €12.1 million
- Moroccan nationals: €10.9 million
- Chinese nationals: €4.8 million
Turkish nationals faced 169,514 visa rejections, the highest number among all countries. Algerians also had 169,514 rejections, followed by Indians with 151,752 rejections. Out of 591,000 visa applications from Moroccans, 136,367 were denied. Despite China having one of the highest approval rates overall, it still saw 60,554 visa rejections.
Top 5 Nationalities with the Highest Rejection Rates in 2023
Rejection rates measure the proportion of visas rejected compared to the total number of applications.
The top five nationalities with the highest rejection rates in 2023 are:
- Comorian nationals: 57.7% rejection rate
- Pakistani nationals: 48.2% rejection rate
- Bissau-Guinean nationals: 47.9% rejection rate
- Ghanaian nationals: 46.7% rejection rate
- Malian nationals: 46.4% rejection rate
In terms of money spent on denied visas, Comorian nationals wasted €173,920 due to 2,174 rejected applications. Pakistani nationals lost the most money, spending €3.3 million on rejected visas. Bissau-Guinean nationals spent €210,720 on applications that were denied. Ghanaian nationals wasted €1.6 million, while Malian nationals lost €770,960 on unsuccessful visa applications.
