For millions of African travelers, a Schengen visa offers more than entry into one European country. It provides access to 29 countries within the Schengen Area, allowing eligible visitors to move between participating states without routine internal border checks.
But that convenience is facing renewed pressure as European governments tighten migration controls and political leaders push for stronger national borders.
The developments do not mean the Schengen visa is being abolished. However, the increasing use of temporary internal border controls could make travel across Europe less seamless for African and other non-EU travelers.
The Schengen Area comprises 29 European countries: 25 EU member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, which have removed routine checks at their common internal borders.
For African travelers, a short-stay Schengen visa allows eligible visitors to travel to multiple participating countries, normally for up to 90 days within 180 days, subject to the visa’s conditions.
The latest pressure on the system follows a migration crisis in Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta.
Italy temporarily restored checks on non-EU nationals traveling from Spain following a major influx of migrants into Ceuta. The move highlighted a provision within the Schengen framework that allows countries to temporarily reintroduce internal border controls in response to serious threats to public policy or internal security.
The European Commission’s records show that Italy introduced temporary checks on its internal air and sea borders with Spain, while Spain subsequently introduced reciprocal controls. The measures were linked to the situation in Ceuta and concerns over migration and security.
The measures do not amount to a new Schengen visa requirement for Africans. Instead, they demonstrate that having a valid Schengen visa and entering the Schengen Area does not always guarantee completely uninterrupted movement between participating countries.
Travelers can still face identity and immigration checks when temporary controls are in force.
Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD), has called for Germany to withdraw from the Schengen system, arguing that the border-free arrangement has contributed to migration pressures.
“If we form the government, we will withdraw from Schengen,” Weidel said, linking the proposal to the situation in Ceuta.
Her position goes beyond the temporary measures introduced by Italy and Spain. While those countries have restored controls for limited periods, Weidel is advocating Germany’s withdrawal from the border-free system altogether.
The proposal reflects a wider political debate in Europe over migration, national borders and the future of free movement.
For African travelers, however, it is important to distinguish between political proposals and the rules currently in force.
Germany has not withdrawn from Schengen, and the Schengen visa remains valid for eligible travelers under existing rules.
The debate is significant because of the scale of movement between Africa and Europe.
In 2024, Schengen countries issued about 2.5 million visas through consulates across Africa, according to European visa data.
Morocco recorded the largest number, with about 460,000 visas issued, followed by Algeria with around 341,000.
South Africa recorded about 180,000 visas, Egypt around 152,000, and Tunisia approximately 137,000.
Nigeria had about 58,808 visas issued, while Côte d’Ivoire recorded 49,793, the Democratic Republic of Congo 40,176, Kenya 45,339, Senegal 36,933, Cameroon 31,911, Angola 30,693 and Ghana 29,890.
The practical value of a Schengen visa lies partly in the ability to move between participating countries after entering Europe.
A traveler arriving in France, for example, can normally continue to Belgium, Germany, Italy or other Schengen countries without passing through routine immigration controls at each border.
The reintroduction of internal checks changes that experience.
An African traveler moving from Spain to Italy, for instance, could face additional checks when temporary controls are in place. The same applies to other non-EU travelers.
This does not necessarily mean that the traveler needs another visa.
Rather, it means they may have to undergo additional identity or immigration checks and demonstrate that they meet the conditions of their stay.
The European Union already allows member states to temporarily restore internal border controls under specific circumstances, so such checks are not in themselves a suspension of the Schengen system.
