Getting a Schengen visa from Nigeria with ease is possible if you understand the process, meet the requirements, and avoid common mistakes that cause delays or denials.
The Schengen visa gives you access to 27 European countries with just one visa, making it one of the most powerful travel documents available.
Whether you’re planning a business trip, vacation, medical visit, or family reunion, the right preparation makes your application much smoother and stress-free.
The Schengen Area includes popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Austria, and 21 other European countries.
To get this visa, you must meet the requirements of the embassy of the country you plan to visit first or spend the most time in.
Choose the Right Schengen Country for Application
Before anything else, choose your destination carefully. If you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries, the embassy you apply through must be either:
- The country where you will spend the most time
- Or, if time will be equally spent, the country you will enter first
For example, if you’ll spend 5 days in France and 3 days in Germany, you must apply through the French embassy. If you spend 4 days each in Germany and Spain but land first in Germany, then the German embassy is your correct option.
Picking the wrong embassy is a common mistake that can lead to rejection.
Know the Visa Type That Matches Your Travel Purpose
The type of Schengen visa you apply for depends on your reason for travel. The most common types include:
- Tourist visa – for leisure, sightseeing, or vacation
- Business visa – for meetings, trade fairs, conferences
- Visit visa – if you’re visiting a friend or family member
- Medical visa – for receiving treatment in a Schengen country
- Student visa (short stay) – if you’re attending a course under 90 days
- Transit visa – if you’re connecting flights through the Schengen zone
Each visa type has slightly different document requirements, so ensure your purpose matches your documents.
Book Your Appointment Early
Once you’ve chosen the correct embassy or consulate, visit their official website or the third-party visa application partner they use. Common ones include VFS Global and TLScontact. These platforms allow you to:
- Create a profile
- Fill in the visa application form
- Book your appointment
- Upload required documents
Appointments can take weeks to become available, especially in high seasons (March to August), so booking early is smart.
Prepare the Right Documents
Your application will succeed or fail based on the quality and accuracy of your documents.
Here’s a list of the documents commonly required for all Schengen visa types:
- Visa Application Form
Fill the form online, print it, and sign it. Each embassy provides its own version through their portal. - Passport
Your passport must:
- Be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned return date
- Have at least 2 blank pages
- Be issued within the last 10 years
- Passport Photographs
Two recent, passport-size color photos with a white background. Follow the Schengen photo rules. - Cover Letter
Explain your purpose of travel, itinerary, and how you will fund the trip. Mention your ties to Nigeria and reasons to return. - Flight Reservation
You don’t need to buy a real ticket. Book a verifiable flight itinerary through agents or platforms like VisaReservation. - Hotel Booking or Invitation Letter
- For tourists, a hotel booking that covers your entire stay
- For visits, a signed invitation letter from your host with proof of legal residence
- Proof of Financial Means
You must prove you can fund your trip. Submit:
- Bank statements from the last 6 months
- Payslips or proof of income
- Sponsorship letter (if someone else is paying) with their bank documents
A daily amount of €50–€120 is expected depending on the country. For example, France typically expects about €65/day.
- Travel Insurance
Buy travel insurance that:
- Covers a minimum of €30,000 in medical emergencies
- Is valid in all Schengen countries
- Covers your full stay
Popular providers include AXA, Allianz, and SchengenVisaInfo Insurance.
- Proof of Ties to Nigeria
This could be a letter from your employer, proof of business registration, school enrollment letter, or property documents to show that you have reasons to return. - Visa Fee
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6–12. Kids under 6 are exempt. Payment is usually made in naira, at the current exchange rate, during submission.
Additional Requirements for Certain Applicants
Students may need:
- Admission letter from the educational institution
- Consent letter from parents/guardians (if underage)
Business visitors may need:
- Invitation letter from a business partner
- Details of the business relationship
Visiting family/friends requires:
- Letter of invitation
- Copy of the host’s passport and residence permit
Attend Your Visa Appointment
Arrive at the visa application center on time with your documents arranged. You’ll go through:
- Document verification
- Biometric data collection (fingerprints and photo)
- Interview (if necessary)
During the interview, expect questions like:
- Why are you traveling?
- Who is funding your trip?
- What do you do for a living?
- How long will you stay?
Answer confidently, and ensure your responses match your documents.
Track Your Application
After submission, you’ll receive a tracking ID. Use it to monitor your application status on the VFS or TLS portal. Processing time usually takes 15 working days but can go longer during peak seasons.
Collect Your Passport
Once your application is decided, you’ll get a message or email to collect your passport. Visit the visa center with your receipt and valid ID. Some embassies also offer courier return options.
Understand Visa Validity
A Schengen visa is usually short stay (Type C), allowing you to stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The visa may be:
- Single-entry – Enter once, and once you leave the Schengen zone, the visa expires
- Double-entry – Enter and exit twice
- Multiple-entry – Enter and exit many times within the visa period
You can apply for a multiple-entry visa if you’ve previously visited Schengen countries and respected visa rules.
Avoid Common Reasons for Rejection
Even strong applications get denied if mistakes occur. Top reasons include:
- Incomplete or fake documents
- Weak financial proof
- Invalid travel insurance
- Suspicious travel purpose
- Inconsistent information during interviews
- No strong proof of ties to Nigeria
If your visa is denied, you’ll receive a letter explaining why. You can appeal or reapply after correcting the issues.
Apply Early
You can apply as early as 6 months before your travel date and no later than 15 days before. Early applications give you room to fix issues if they arise.
Tips for a Smooth Approval
- Double-check every document before submission
- Present clear, verifiable travel plans
- Avoid forged or altered papers
- Maintain a good travel history if you’ve traveled before
- Get your bank statements stamped and signed
- Pay attention to embassy-specific requirements
Use Visa Assistance if Needed
If the process seems overwhelming, visa support agents can guide you for a fee.
Some travel agencies also offer support with hotel and flight reservations and appointment bookings.
Remember, no one can guarantee a Schengen visa approval. Avoid agents who promise 100% approval or offer fake documents. These can get you banned for several years.
Top Embassies Nigerians Apply Through
- France – via TLScontact
- Germany – via VFS Global
- Italy – via VFS Global
- Spain – via BLS Spain
- Netherlands – via VFS Global
- Belgium – via VFS Global
Visit each embassy’s official page or their partner’s website for country-specific guidelines and checklists.
Start Strong with a Solid First Application
Your first Schengen visa application sets the tone for future ones. If you apply well, respect the visa rules, and return on time, your next applications may be granted with longer durations or multiple entries.
Here are a few helpful links to get started:
- VFS Global Nigeria – Appointment bookings and embassy-specific guides
- TLScontact Nigeria – Used by France and others
- Schengen Visa Info – General visa rules and updates
- Travel Insurance Providers – Recommended insurers
Prepare everything with accuracy, avoid shortcuts, and follow embassy guidelines closely.
With the right steps, getting a Schengen visa from Nigeria becomes a smooth process, giving you access to explore Europe confidently.
