African nations face high visa rejection rates for US and Europe

African nations face the highest visa rejection rates for short-term travel to the United States and the Schengen Area. Data from the U.S. Department of State indicates that 19 African countries have visitor visa rejection rates exceeding 60%. In 2025, Somalia, South Sudan, and Gambia recorded the highest rates at 83.5%, 76.1%, and 75.3%, respectively.

Experts and travelers suggest these barriers stem from a widespread assumption that African travelers intend to overstay their visas. This suspicion, combined with complex bureaucratic requirements, reduced consular presence, and the outsourcing of visa services, creates significant obstacles for professionals, academics, and artists.

These difficulties have been highlighted by high-profile cases, including the vetting of a Somali referee and the struggles of African football fans to attend international tournaments. The current landscape of high costs and frequent denials continues to impact mobility across the continent.