Moroccans’ Schengen Visa Frustrations
It’s a constant battle for Moroccans applying for a Schengen visa, despite being the biggest group of applicants in the world.
In 2024, more than 606,000 Moroccans applied for a Schengen visa, but authorities denied almost 20% of these. As a result, thousands of tourists, students, families, and business travelers suffer financially and face disruption.
In response, rights groups have criticized the ambiguous process and high fees, emphasizing the lack of transparency in visa rejections.
Long Schengen Visa Waits, High Fees
Overall, many Moroccans endure long waits at appointment centers like BLS and VFS, often paying hefty Schengen visa service fees. Even when they secure appointments are secure, applicants receive no clear explanations for refusals.
Moreover, authorities rejected over 136,000 Moroccan applications in 2024 alone, costing applicants over 118 million dirhams (approximately €11 million). Specifically, over half of these applications were processed at Spanish and French embassies, following a fee hike to 90 euros. In particular, Spain processed 84,499 applications, while France processed 58,310 applications.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita stressed Morocco would not tolerate practices that “undermine the dignity of Moroccan citizens.”
Bourita was referring to the black market for Schengen visa applications, in the form of intermediaries and diplomatic representations. Such entities make use of high-tech software to illegally steal visa appointment slots and resell these at exorbitant prices. These can go up to MAD 10,000 (approximately $1,000).
Therefore, trust in the visa process has eroded, leaving many to call for change.
Steps to Ease Schengen Visa Renewals
In response to rising frustration, Rabat’s BLS center has introduced appointment-free visa renewals for some applicants. In particular, this new policy—effective since February 24, 2025—targets long-term visa holders, including students and business travelers.
While this move aims to streamline the process, it offers limited relief, as quotas still restrict the number of applicants. Evidently, the measure fails in addressing broader concerns.
Reciprocal Visa Requirements Mulled
In a bid to assert dignity and fairness, Morocco’s parliament is debating imposing visa requirements for EU travelers. Specifically, Khaled Al-Satti and Lobna Alaoui, among other lawmakers, support the motion, arguing that reciprocity is key.
Correspondingly, foreign Minister Nasser Bourita emphasized that Morocco’s visa policy should reflect national interests and respect. If they adopt the reciprocal visa rules, EU travelers would face visa hurdles similar to those Moroccans endure with Schengen visa applications.
Mixed Reactions
Rights groups and affected citizens welcome the reciprocity proposal, hoping it will pressure European countries to improve Schengen visa transparency.
However, some experts warn that imposing new visa requirements could harm tourism and economic ties. After all, the EU remains Morocco’s largest trading partner and a vital ally in areas like migration and security. Thus, Morocco must balance defending its citizens and maintaining international cooperation.
What’s Next?
Parliamentary discussions are ongoing, and no final decision has been made yet. Meanwhile, Rabat’s recent reforms offer a glimmer of hope for applicants seeking Schengen visa renewals.
Looking ahead, the European Union’s planned digital visa rollout in 2026 could further reshape the landscape.
Conclusion
Morocco’s response to Schengen visa frustrations highlights growing calls for dignity and fairness in international relations.
Whether the country implements reciprocal measures or not, the debate signifies deep tensions around mobility and national interest. Moreover, the outcome will shape travel and diplomacy between Morocco and Europe for years to come.
Aveaoz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
