With increasing numbers of Africans exploring global travel and opportunities, the Schengen visa remains one of the most sought-after permits for visiting Europe.
This visa grants access to 27 European countries, allowing for easy travel across borders for tourism, education, business, and personal visits.
In recent years, a few African nations have consistently recorded high numbers of Schengen visa requests, underscoring the growing aspiration for mobility, economic engagement, and cultural interaction with Europe.
Below are the six African countries that submitted the highest number of Schengen visa applications:
1. Morocco
Morocco tops the list in Africa and ranks fourth globally for Schengen visa requests. Its close proximity to Europe and strong historical connections—especially with France and Spain—make it a major source of applicants. Moroccans often seek visas for travel, education, entrepreneurship, and family reunification, underscoring the deep social and economic bonds between Morocco and European countries.
2. Algeria
Coming in second in Africa and sixth worldwide, Algeria has a long-standing relationship with France, its former colonial power. A significant Algerian community resides across Europe, driving visa demand for family visits, academic programs, and business activities. This ongoing engagement highlights the enduring ties between Algeria and Europe.
3. South Africa
As the continent’s most developed economy, South Africa ranks third in Africa and twelfth globally in visa applications. South Africans frequently travel to Europe for tourism, professional development, and education. The country maintains strong diplomatic and trade relations with European nations, which contributes to the high number of visa requests.
4. Tunisia
Tunisia, positioned along the Mediterranean, is another North African country with substantial interest in European travel. Ranked nineteenth globally, many Tunisians apply for visas to study, visit relatives, or explore business opportunities. Despite facing domestic economic challenges, the desire for connection with Europe remains strong.
5. Nigeria
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, submitted over 100,000 Schengen visa applications, placing it fifth on the continent and twenty-third worldwide. The reasons range from education and medical trips to business ventures and family reunification. The growing Nigerian diaspora in countries such as Germany, Italy, and France continues to drive this demand.
6. Angola
Rounding out the list, Angola recorded more than 70,000 applications, securing the thirtieth spot globally. Interest in European education, trade, and career prospects is on the rise among Angolans. This trend points to increasing efforts by Angolan citizens to engage with Europe through various avenues of development.
