How Nigerians lose N75 billion yearly to visa charges, rejected functions – Report

Nigerians lose an estimated N75bn yearly to visa utility charges and associated bills, with unsuccessful functions to Schengen nations alone accounting for about N19bn in 2025, in response to a report obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The report attributed the losses to rising visa expenses, excessive rejection charges and the non-refundable nature of charges paid to overseas embassies, leaving 1000’s of candidates financially deprived when their functions are unsuccessful.

Countries comparable to Canada, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain and the United States had been recognized as locations the place Nigerians face vital monetary dangers due to strict immigration necessities and excessive visa refusal charges.

Costs past visa charges

The report famous that the monetary burden of making use of for a visa extends past official utility expenses to incorporate funds for visa utility centres, medical insurance coverage, lodge reservations, flight bookings and different supporting paperwork.

Depending on the vacation spot, an unsuccessful utility may price an applicant between N350,000 and N1.2m, even when the visa is finally denied.

The bills have raised considerations in regards to the monetary implications of worldwide journey for Nigerians, significantly college students, vacationers and different candidates who should meet demanding documentation necessities earlier than their functions will be thought-about.

Canada, Schengen nations report excessive rejection charges

Canada reportedly rejected 75 per cent of Nigerian examine allow functions between January and April 2026, that means just one in 4 candidates secured approval through the interval.

The report attributed the excessive refusal fee largely to considerations amongst Canadian immigration authorities about whether or not candidates would depart the nation after finishing their research.

Within the Schengen Area, Belgium recorded the very best refusal fee for Nigerian candidates at 60.3 per cent, adopted by Spain at 52.7 per cent and France at 47.4 per cent.

The general Schengen visa rejection fee for Nigerians stood at 46.9 per cent in 2025, in contrast with 45.9 per cent in 2024. Approximately 250,000 functions had been unsuccessful through the interval, in response to the report.

UK, US additionally pose challenges

The United Kingdom recorded an general visa refusal fee of 33.1 per cent for Nigerian candidates in 2025, which reportedly elevated to 35.4 per cent within the first quarter of 2026.

Visitor visa functions had an estimated rejection fee of 38.6 per cent, additional exposing candidates to potential losses from non-refundable expenses and travel-related preparations.

For the United States, the report put the refusal fee for African candidates searching for F-1 scholar visas at roughly 64 per cent.

The figures spotlight the monetary dangers confronted by potential worldwide college students and travellers who spend appreciable sums getting ready their functions with none assure of approval.

Japan raises visa expenses

Japan was recognized as one of many locations with comparatively decrease visa rejection charges for Nigerians, estimated at between 12 and 15 per cent.

However, the nation reportedly elevated its visa expenses fivefold from July 1, 2026. A single-entry visa now prices ¥15,000, whereas multiple-entry functions entice a payment of ¥30,000.

The report additionally highlighted the price of acquiring visas for different well-liked locations.

A ten-year UK customer visa was estimated at roughly N2.09m, whereas a six-month customer visa prices about N203,000.

The United States B1/B2 customer visa was put at roughly N299,700, whereas Canadian customer visa and biometric expenses stood at about N205,000.

Visa-free locations advisable

To minimise potential monetary losses, the report suggested Nigerians to think about locations providing visa-free entry, visas on arrival or digital journey authorisation, the place they meet the related eligibility necessities.

Countries recognized as attainable alternate options embody Ghana, Benin Republic, Togo, Senegal, The Gambia, Rwanda, Mauritius, Barbados and Dominica.

However, travellers had been urged to verify the relevant entry necessities earlier than planning, as visa-free entry and different immigration preparations could also be topic to alter.

The report suggested intending travellers to confirm present visa guidelines by way of official authorities channels earlier than paying utility charges or committing funds to flight bookings, lodge reservations and different journey preparations.