In recent years, visa application data reveals a surge in demand from several African nations, reflecting shifting demographics, growing diasporas, and deepening social and economic connections with Europe.
Below is a look at the six African countries with the highest number of Schengen visa applications, based on the most recent figures.
1. Morocco: A Historic and Geographical Bridge to Europe
Morocco stands as Africa’s leading source of Schengen visa applications—and fourth worldwide—demonstrating the country’s enduring relationship with Europe. This strong showing is driven by several factors: close geographic proximity to southern Europe, especially Spain; historical colonial links with France; and a well-established Moroccan diaspora across the continent.
Moroccans primarily seek Schengen visas for family reunification, education, tourism, and business. The country's consistent demand highlights not only its mobility-driven culture but also the practical benefits of cross-border engagement with Europe.
2. Algeria: Sustained Ties with France and Beyond
Algeria ranks just behind Morocco and holds the sixth spot globally in Schengen visa applications. The nation's colonial past with France and a sizable Algerian community living in Europe continue to shape travel patterns.
Visa requests from Algeria are often linked to academic pursuits, business visits, and personal connections abroad. With many Algerian families split between the two continents, Schengen access plays a key role in maintaining social ties and enabling economic opportunity.
3. South Africa: A Diverse Set of Travel Motivations
As the most industrialized country in Africa, South Africa holds the third position on the continent and twelfth globally for Schengen visa applications. Unlike North African nations that share geographic and historical proximity with Europe, South Africans typically travel for a broad array of reasons—ranging from tourism and business to international conferences and postgraduate education.
South Africa’s robust trade relations and diplomatic partnerships with EU countries support ongoing travel demand, positioning it as a central player in Africa–Europe mobility.
4. Tunisia: Mediterranean Mobility in Focus
Tunisia ranks nineteenth globally in Schengen visa applications and reflects another strong example of North Africa’s connectivity with Europe. With many Tunisians pursuing educational opportunities, tourism, and entrepreneurial ventures, the country maintains dynamic people-to-people ties with countries like Italy, France, and Germany.
Despite facing domestic economic headwinds, the demand for Schengen access remains high—pointing to the population’s aspirations for cross-border collaboration and personal advancement.
5. Nigeria: Rising Demand from Africa’s Giant
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and economic heavyweight, ranks fifth on the continent and twenty-third globally in Schengen visa applications. The variety of visa purposes—spanning education, family reunification, business, and healthcare—reflects the diverse travel interests of Nigerian citizens.
A rapidly growing Nigerian diaspora across Europe, particularly in the UK, Germany, France, and Italy, further fuels demand. The country’s youthful, globally-minded population views Europe as a gateway for both personal development and international engagement.
6. Angola: Emerging Aspirations for Global Engagement
Rounding out the top six is Angola, which filed over 70,000 Schengen visa applications, placing it thirtieth globally. The country's increasing outbound mobility is tied to rising interest in European academic institutions, healthcare services, and trade partnerships.
Angolan travelers are also looking beyond short-term visits—exploring longer-term engagement with European economies, especially in Portuguese-speaking nations such as Portugal. As Angola continues to develop, its citizens are leveraging Schengen access to forge new pathways abroad.
Europe Remains a Magnet for African Travelers
These application figures underscore broader shifts in African mobility trends, as more individuals across the continent seek access to international education, healthcare, commerce, and family networks. The Schengen visa remains a vital mechanism for enabling such travel.
As African economies grow and youth populations become more globally connected, demand for access to Europe is likely to remain high. However, the rising volume of applications also raises questions about processing capacity, visa approval rates, and the evolving nature of Africa–Europe relations in a post-pandemic, increasingly multipolar world.