THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
From 1 July 2025, Germany will end the remonstration procedure, a free appeal process that allowed visa applicants to challenge a rejection without going to court.
Currently, if your visa is denied, you can file a written appeal (called a remonstrance) without going to court. This informal process usually takes between one and three months and gives applicants the chance to clarify misunderstandings or provide missing documents.
However, starting in July, this option will no longer be available. Applicants who receive a visa refusal will only be able to appeal through the German legal system, an expensive and time-consuming route. A judicial appeal can take up to two years and often requires legal assistance, making it a difficult path for many.
The move marks a major shift in the country’s visa policy, one that could make it harder and more expensive for many people to appeal a visa denial.
What is Changing?
Until now, if your German visa is refused until 30 June, you can send a written objection (remonstrance) to the embassy or consulate that handled your application. This process is:
- Free of charge
- Quick (usually resolved in 1–3 months)
- Simple (no court or legal representation needed)
- Flexible, allowing submission of additional documents
From July onward, this option will no longer be available.
If your visa is rejected after 1 July, you will have to file a judicial appeal in a German administrative court. This process is:
- Costly – involving court fees and lawyer charges
- Lengthy – may take up to two years
- Legally complex – usually requires a German attorney
For many travellers, students or short-term visitors, this may not be a practical or affordable path.
How to Avoid Visa Rejection
With fewer ways to appeal, getting your application right the first time is more important than ever. Here are key tips:
- Submit a complete and accurate application
- Show ties to your home country (job, property, family)
- Include a detailed travel plan and insurance
- Apply early to avoid delays
- Seek expert help if your case is complicated
Double-check everything!
Germany’s decision to abolish the remonstration procedure places more pressure on applicants to be precise and well-prepared. If you’re planning to visit Germany—for study, business or tourism—double-check everything before submitting your application. A small mistake could now carry major consequences.
