In 2022, Schengen visa applications witnessed varying degrees of success, and some nationalities faced notably high rejection rates. This list highlights the top 10 nationalities that experienced the highest Schengen visa denials, shedding light on the challenges applicants from these countries encountered in their pursuit of European travel.

• Here is the table of the top 10 nationalities with the highest Schengen visa denials in 2022, in the sequence you have requested:

Cape Verde: Highest Schengen Visa Rejections in 2022

Cape Verde topped the list with the highest number of Schengen visa application rejections in 2022, registering a staggering 844 rejections per 100,000 people. Among Cape Verdean nationals, a total of 17,572 visa applications were submitted. 

However, a significant portion of these applications, specifically 5,055, faced denials. This resulted in a rejection rate of 28.7% of all applications filed by Cape Verdeans. In practical terms, nearly every third person in the country experienced a visa application rejection during that year, highlighting the substantial challenges faced by Cape Verdean travellers in obtaining Schengen visas.

Kosovo and Suriname: Second and Third Highest Rejection Rates

In the ranking of countries with the highest per capita visa application denials, Kosovo and Suriname occupied the second and third positions, respectively. Kosovo, with 722 denials per 100,000 inhabitants, and Suriname, with 548 denials per 100,000 people, demonstrated significant challenges for their citizens when seeking Schengen visas. 

United Arab Emirates: Significant Rejection Rates

The United Arab Emirates encountered substantial difficulties with Schengen visa applications in 2022, reflecting a challenging landscape for Emirati travellers. Specifically, the data revealed 442 rejections per 100,000 Emirati residents, and a notable rejection rate of 22.4% of the entire population. This translates to approximately every fourth Emirati applicant facing a visa refusal. Alarmingly, a total of 42,105 visa applications from Emiratis were rejected throughout the year, emphasising the considerable obstacles Emirati citizens confronted in obtaining Schengen visas.

Algerians, Tunisians, and Lebanese: High Rejection Rates Persist

Algeria, Tunisia, and Lebanon remained among the top countries grappling with substantial numbers of rejected visa applications in 2022. Algeria, in particular, faced a significant challenge, with 393 visa applications denied per 100,000 residents. 

Tunisia closely followed with 392 rejections per 100,000 applicants, while Lebanon experienced 340 denials per 100,000 citizens. These statistics underscored the significant hurdles that nationals from these countries encountered when seeking Schengen visas, reflecting a persistently high rejection rate among their populations.

Algeria: High Visa Denial Rate

In 2022, Algeria confronted one of the most formidable challenges in securing Schengen visas, with a staggering 45% of its population encountering visa rejections. This alarming rejection rate paints a vivid picture of the difficulties faced by Algerian citizens in obtaining permission to travel to Europe. 

The sheer volume of denied applications for Algerian nationals was staggering, reaching a significant 179,409. This data underscores the formidable barriers that Algerian travellers encountered in pursuing their European travel aspirations.

Algerians: Highest Expenditures for Rejected Applicants

Among all nationalities grappling with visa denials, Algerians stood out not only for their exceptionally high rejection rates but also for incurring the highest financial expenditures among rejected applicants. The financial toll on Algerians seeking Schengen visas was substantial, amounting to a significant €31.93 million. 

Furthermore, the sheer magnitude of visa denials experienced by Algerians in 2022 was unmatched, solidifying their status as the nationality with the highest number of visa rejections during the year. This combination of high rejection rates and significant financial costs underscores the challenges and frustrations faced by Algerian travellers in their quest for Schengen visas.

Qatar, Morocco, and Armenia: Also Facing High Rejection Rates

Among the top ten nationalities with the highest rejection rates per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022 were Qatar, Morocco, and Armenia, all of which grappled with substantial challenges in securing Schengen visas. These countries displayed rejection rates ranging from 200 to 350 denied applicants per 100,000 residents, reflecting the significant obstacles faced by their nationals in their visa application processes.

Qatar: Every Ninth Applicant Denied

Qatar, in particular, experienced a noteworthy visa rejection rate, with 325 denied applicants per 100,000 Qatari nationals. This statistic elucidates that a substantial 8,837 visa applications from Qatari citizens were denied, comprising 11% of the total population that encountered visa denials. 

In practical terms, this meant that nearly every ninth applicant from Qatar faced a visa application rejection during the preceding year. This data highlights the substantial challenges and uncertainties that Qatari travellers encountered in their endeavours to secure Schengen visas.

Morocco: A Significant Proportion Denied Visas

Morocco faced a substantial challenge in its quest for Schengen visas, as nearly every fourth applicant encountered a negative response to their visa application in 2022. This translated to a significant total of 119,346 denied visa applications throughout the year. 

Remarkably, the visa rejection rate for Moroccan nationals reached a staggering 45.7%, with 315 rejections per 100,000 people. This data underscores the formidable barriers that Moroccan travellers experienced in obtaining Schengen visas, portraying a substantial portion of the population facing visa denials.

Armenia: High Rejection Rate Amongst the Top Ten

Armenia secured a place in the top ten nationalities with the highest visa application denials per 100,000 people in 2022. Specifically, 283 out of every 100,000Armenians faced visa denials, highlighting the substantial hurdles faced by Armenian nationals in securing Schengen visas. 

The rejection rate for Armenians was noteworthy, with 12.7% of the country's population being denied visas during the year. This marked Armenia as one of the nationalities with the highest rejection rates in this ranking, emphasising the challenges encountered by its citizens in their pursuit of European travel.

Concluding Insights

The analysis of the top 10 nationalities with the highest Schengen visa denials in 2022 reveals several critical takeaways:

• Common Challenges 

Across these nationalities, a common challenge emerged: the formidable hurdles faced by their citizens when seeking Schengen visas. High rejection rates, often reaching alarming levels, underscored the difficulties encountered in navigating the visa application process.

• Impact on Travel Aspirations

The impact on travel aspirations was substantial. For many individuals within these nationalities, the dream of exploring Europe remained elusive due to the significant number of visa denials. Families, students, and business travellers alike faced limitations on their mobility and opportunities.

• Potential Policy Implications

These findings highlight the need for a nuanced examination of Schengen visa policies and procedures. Policymakers must consider the unique circumstances of each nationality and strive for greater transparency and fairness in the application process. Measures to improve visa application success rates, such as clearer guidelines and enhanced consular support, could mitigate the challenges faced by these nationals.

Future Trends in Visa Application Dynamics

As we look ahead, several potential trends and changes in visa application dynamics for the nationalities that faced high Schengen visa denials in 2022 are worth considering:

• Increased Diplomatic Engagement

One potential trend is an increase in diplomatic efforts by these countries to improve visa application processes. Diplomatic negotiations and agreements may aim to address specific issues leading to high rejection rates and create a more favourable environment for their citizens.

• Technology and Digital Solutions

The digitization of visa application processes may play a significant role in the future. More user-friendly online application systems, electronic document submission, and biometric verification could simplify and expedite the process, potentially reducing rejection rates.

• Enhanced Consular Support

Nationalities with high visa denial rates may seek to establish stronger consular support networks in Schengen countries. This could include expanding embassy and consulate services, providing better guidance to applicants, and ensuring that their citizens are well-prepared for the application process.

• Bilateral Agreements

Some countries may pursue bilateral agreements with individual Schengen member states to facilitate travel for specific purposes such as tourism, business, or education. These agreements could provide exemptions or streamlined processes for certain categories of travellers.

• Advocacy and Lobbying

Civil society organisations, both within these nationalities and internationally, may engage in advocacy and lobbying efforts to highlight the challenges their citizens face in obtaining Schengen visas. Such campaigns could put pressure on Schengen countries to review and amend their visa policies.

Policy Considerations to Address Visa Challenges

To address the challenges faced by the nationalities experiencing high Schengen visa denials in 2022, several policy measures and recommendations can be considered:

• Review and Transparency

Schengen member states should regularly review their visa application processes and decision-making criteria. Greater transparency in these processes can help applicants understand why their applications were denied and allow them to rectify mistakes.

• Consular Support

Schengen countries should ensure robust consular support services in the countries with high rejection rates. This includes well-staffed and accessible embassies and consulates to guide applicants through the process and address their concerns.

• Improved Communication

Schengen embassies and consulates should provide clear and detailed information to applicants about the required documentation, eligibility criteria, and the application timeline. This can reduce the likelihood of errors and misunderstandings.

• Streamlined Procedures

Simplifying and streamlining visa application procedures, including the digitization of processes, can make it easier for applicants to apply and reduce processing times.

• Differentiated Visa Categories

Consider creating different visa categories based on the purpose of travel. This could include separate categories for tourists, students, business travellers, and family visits, each with tailored requirements.

FAQS 

Which nationality had the highest Schengen visa rejection rate in 2022?

In 2022, Cape Verde had the highest Schengen visa rejection rate, with 844 rejections per 100,000 people.

What percentage of Schengen visa applications from Cape Verdeans were denied in 2022?

Schengen visa applications from Cape Verdeans faced a denial rate of 28.7% in 2022, indicating that nearly every third applicant received a rejection.

Which countries ranked second and third for the highest per capita visa application denials?

Kosovo ranked second, with 722 denials per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Suriname in third place with 548 denials per 100,000 people.

What percentage of the population in Algeria was denied visas in 2022?

In 2022, 45% of the population in Algeria encountered visa denials, reflecting significant challenges for Algerian travellers.

Which nationality faced the highest expenditures for rejected Schengen visa applicants?

Algerians incurred the highest expenditures for rejected Schengen visa applicants in 2022, totaling €31.93 million.

How many visa applications from Moroccan nationals were denied in 2022?

A total of 119,346 visa applications from Moroccan nationals were denied in 2022, resulting in a rejection rate of 45.7%.

Which nationality had a rejection rate of 12.7% and faced visa denials in 2022?

Armenia had a rejection rate of 12.7% in 2022, with approximately every eighth person in Armenia experiencing a visa application rejection.