Even as more Nigerians aspire to explore global opportunities, from education and tourism to business, many continue to hit a roadblock: visa rejection. Despite providing the correct documents and meeting the stated requirements, countless applicants still receive the dreaded denial stamp. Travel expert Bethia Idoko, who has visited over 90 countries with a Nigerian passport, says the problem runs deeper than just application forms.

In an exclusive interview, Bethia, who has firsthand experience with both visa denials and approvals, explained the core reasons why Nigerians face such high rejection rates—and what applicants can do to improve their chances.

The Core Issue: Documentation Gaps and Suspicion

Bethia pointed out that embassies often evaluate more than just the basic paperwork. “Most embassies look for proof of home ties, financial stability, and clear travel intentions,” she explained. However, due to Nigeria’s global reputation for overstays and illegal migration, even well-prepared applications can undergo intense scrutiny.

“Even when applicants tick all the boxes, consulates may still raise doubts. They’re wary because of past cases involving abuse of visas by some Nigerians,” Bethia said.

A major factor contributing to rejections, she added, is poor documentation. This includes incomplete submissions, inconsistent details, and a failure to present a convincing travel plan. Many applicants, unaware of specific embassy expectations, make errors that lead to automatic disqualification.

Fake Agents and Forged Documents Fuel the Crisis

Another damaging trend is the rising use of fake documents and street agents. According to Bethia, unlicensed travel agents often mislead clients with promises of guaranteed visas—sometimes even submitting forged bank statements or employment letters.

“Never submit fake documents. It can get you banned permanently,” she warned. “The UK and several other countries have blacklisted thousands of Nigerians because of fraudulent documentation. Once you’re flagged, reapplying becomes almost impossible.”

Bethia also cautioned against relying on self-styled travel “consultants” who operate without any legal backing. These agents, she said, often prioritize quick profits over their clients’ long-term success, leading to more failed applications.

How to Improve Your Visa Approval Chances

For Nigerians determined to secure visas and avoid unnecessary rejections, Bethia recommends a series of practical steps based on her own travel experiences and professional knowledge:

• Build Travel History Strategically: Start with countries that are more open to Nigerian travelers. A history of responsible travel, including timely returns, boosts your credibility for more difficult destinations.

• Consult Reliable Sources: Always refer to embassy websites for the most accurate visa requirements. Avoid relying solely on blog posts or hearsay from social media groups.

• Prepare Documents Meticulously: Treat your visa application with the same seriousness as a job interview. Ensure all documents are well-organized, consistent, and clearly support your travel intention.

• Apply Early and Write a Strong Cover Letter: A compelling letter that explains your reason for travel and confirms your plans to return can make a difference in how consular officers view your case.

• Seek Professional Help: Paying for guidance from a reputable immigration consultant may seem expensive upfront but can save applicants from the higher cost of rejections and repeated applications.

“Your passport tells a story,” Bethia said. “Make sure yours says you’re a responsible traveler who always returns home. That can go a long way in convincing visa officers.”

Even Perfect Applications Get Denied

Bethia made it clear that even the most complete and carefully crafted applications are not immune to rejection. Visa officers often have the final say, and their decisions can be subjective.

She recounted her own painful experience when her U.S. visa was denied despite submitting everything correctly. “The officer said they weren’t convinced I’d return. It was heartbreaking,” she said.

However, rather than give up, she took it as a learning moment. She sought professional feedback, adjusted her application, and eventually got approved on reapplication. “That rejection changed everything. It taught me how to guide others better,” she said.

The Problem Doesn’t End After Visa Approval

Even after securing a visa, Nigerian travelers still face hurdles at foreign airports. Bethia shared how she once faced a 40-minute interrogation in Norway, where immigration officers asked her to open her banking apps on the spot to confirm she had enough funds.

“I had all the right documents, but I still got treated like a suspect. That kind of scrutiny can be exhausting. And it’s often not about the papers—it’s the passport you hold,” she said.

These experiences reflect the deep-rooted biases Nigerian travelers face, which often go unspoken but can have lasting emotional impacts.

Policy-Level Challenges: Nigeria Must Step Up

Bethia believes that the Nigerian government can do more to ease visa difficulties for its citizens. One key area, she said, is the lack of reciprocal visa agreements and weak diplomatic ties with other countries.

“Our government should push for better visa deals, establish immigration information centers, and actively work on building Nigeria’s global image,” she said. “If other nations trust our systems more, they’ll trust our people more.”

She added that official centers providing verified immigration advice could reduce reliance on fake agents and help streamline the application process for thousands of citizens.

The Numbers Tell a Grim Story

According to data from the European Commission, Nigeria had a Schengen visa rejection rate of 45.9% in 2024, up from 40.8% in 2023. That puts Nigeria in the top three globally for Schengen visa denials.

In total, 50,376 Nigerian applicants were denied short-stay visas to the Schengen Area last year. With the visa application fee rising from €80 to €90 as of June 11, 2024, Nigerians lost over €4.5 million (around $5 million) in non-refundable fees, despite not securing travel access.

This figure doesn’t include additional costs like transportation to embassies, document preparation, and consultation fees—making the emotional and financial toll even heavier.

Conclusion: A Call for Action on All Fronts

Visa rejections remain a significant barrier for many Nigerians seeking to explore, work, or study abroad. While individual responsibility—through proper documentation and informed applications—is crucial, systemic issues like fake agents, global bias, and weak diplomatic leverage must also be addressed.

Bethia’s insights offer a roadmap for hopeful travelers, but they also highlight a broader national challenge. It’s time for both citizens and the government to take collective steps to restore confidence in the Nigerian passport and improve global mobility for its holders.

“Visas are not rights; they’re privileges,” she said. “But if we do things right—on both the individual and national level—we can earn that privilege more often.”