In 2023, Schengen countries declined 1.6 million visa applications, totaling €130 million in fees.
Some countries, such as Turkey, had more visa rejections due to the large number of applicants, but others suffered greater rejection rates in relation to their application volume.
The Comoros is one of the countries with a higher visa rejection rate than approvals. Many of the nationalities with greater rejection rates are African and Asian.
Nations with Largest Financial Losses
The nations with the largest financial losses resulting from refused visa applications are:
- Turks – €13.5 million
- Algerians – €13.3 million
- Indians – €12.1 million
- Moroccans – €10.9 million
- Chinese – €4.8 million
Top 5 Nationalities with Schengen Visa Denial
However, in 2023, the top five nationalities with the highest visa denial rates were:
- Comoroians account up 57.7%
- Whereas Pakistanis make up 48.2%.
- Bissau-Guineans – 47.9%
- Ghanaians account up 46.7%
- While Malians make up 46.4%.
Financial Implications
Regarding the financial implications of denied visas in 2023:
- Comorians spent €173,920 on 2,174 denied visas.
- Pakistanis incurred the largest expense, amounting to €3.3 million.
- Bissau Guineans spent €210,720.
- Ghanaians had to spend €1.6 million.
- Malians wasted €770,960.
To read our blog on “Pakistan sees record high Schengen visa rejection rate,” click here