Zambian President Calls For Refunds On Rejected EU And UK Visa Fees.
In a bold move to address the financial burdens faced by Zambian citizens, President Hakainde Hichilema has demanded that the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) refund fees paid for rejected visa applications. The announcement, made on Friday, 23 May 2025, highlights growing concerns over the high costs and frequent rejections of visa applications, which have impacted many Zambians seeking to travel for tourism, business, or education.
The Zambian government’s stance comes amidst ongoing discussions about global travel equity and the economic challenges faced by citizens of developing nations. President Hichilema argued that visa application fees, which can be substantial, place an unfair burden on applicants when their requests are denied, often without clear justification. “It is unacceptable that our citizens lose significant sums of money on unsuccessful applications,” the President stated, calling for a fairer system that includes refunds for rejected visas.
While specific details on the implementation of this demand remain unclear, the move has sparked significant interest both domestically and internationally. The EU and UK have stringent visa policies for Zambian citizens, requiring applications to be submitted through embassies or online systems, often with no guarantee of approval. According to visa policy information, Zambian citizens face administrative entry restrictions in many countries, with the EU and UK requiring visas prior to travel, unlike some nations eligible for visa-free entry or visas on arrival.
The Zambian Immigration Services note that visa rejections often stem from incomplete documentation or discrepancies in applications, with no formal appeal process for e-visas. President Hichilema’s demand could push for reforms in these processes, potentially easing the financial strain on applicants. The UK, for instance, has a refund policy for certain visa applications, but only if fingerprints and photos have not been submitted, while the EU’s policies vary by member state.
This call for refunds aligns with Zambia’s broader efforts to improve accessibility for its citizens. In 2022, Zambia scrapped visa requirements for citizens of the EU, UK, US, and several other countries to boost tourism, a sector contributing US$1.8 billion to the economy annually. The President’s latest move is seen as part of a reciprocal push for fairer treatment of Zambian travellers.
Public reaction in Zambia has been overwhelmingly positive, with many citizens expressing frustration over the high costs of visa applications. “I paid hundreds of dollars for a UK visa that was rejected without explanation. This demand is long overdue,” said Lusaka-based entrepreneur Grace Mwansa. However, analysts suggest that securing refunds from the EU and UK may face diplomatic and bureaucratic hurdles, given the complexity of international visa agreements.
The Zambian government has yet to outline how it will engage with EU and UK authorities to pursue this demand. Sources indicate that discussions may involve Zambia’s diplomatic missions, including its embassy in the UK, which already assists citizens with travel-related issues. The outcome of this initiative could set a precedent for other African nations advocating for equitable travel policies.
As the story develops, President Hichilema’s administration has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests of Zambian citizens abroad. The international community will be watching closely to see how the EU and UK respond to this unprecedented call for visa fee refunds.