How To Apply For Schengen Visa From Nigeria?

With one visa, you can visit all of Europe (well, almost) from Nigeria. Having a Schengen visa is like getting two for the price of one, just like a buy-one-and-get-one-free promo. As a Nigerian, you would understand what this means. Imagine being able to visit two or more countries with just one visa! Yes, you can – with a Schengen visa.

Perhaps this is the time to declare a caveat. Don’t be lured by promises of fast Schengen visa processes. Specifically, don’t give money to questionable characters to procure your Schengen visa. Methods exist, and there are no shortcuts.

More importantly, you can do it yourself. So, if you want to learn how to apply for Schengen visa from Nigeria, take a few minutes to read this article.

Do You Need A Schengen Visa?

You need a Schengen visa if you want to visit the European Union for a short stay. Short stays include medical visits, tourism, brief studies, business visits, or visiting friends or family.

In short, if you’re visiting the Schengen area for at most 90 days out of a period of 180 days, you need a Schengen visa.

What Documents Do You Need For A Schengen Visa Application From Nigeria?

The documents you require for your visa application depend on your reason for visiting. Here is a list of must-have documents for your Schengen visa application.

#1. Application form

Every visa application begins with this form. Here’s a link to download a Schengen visa application form. You must complete the Schengen visa application form with all your information and required data. Please do not give false information or omit an important detail. Many visa applications have been rejected due to incomplete or inaccurate information.

#2. Your valid Nigerian passport

Your passport identifies you as a citizen of Nigeria. Therefore, you must provide your original Nigerian passport and a copy. Remember that your passport must be valid until at least three months after you leave the Schengen area. In addition, your passport must not be older than ten years and must have two blank pages.

#3. Your Recent Photos

The number of photographs you must submit depends on the Schengen country you wish to visit, although most countries require two identical photos. Your pictures must be recent and taken against a plain background with good lighting.

#4. Proof of accommodation

You must secure lodging before you apply for a Schengen visa from Nigeria. Whether it is a hotel booking, or an apartment, proof of accommodation is necessary. If you’re visiting friends or family members, you must submit an authentic address as proof that you will stay with them.

#5. Your flight itinerary

Have you booked a round trip from Nigeria to the Schengen area and back? If yes, then your flight itinerary is ready. Remember to include proof of any other travel you intend to make inside the Schengen zone. Note that you mustn’t show proof of tickets bought, but you can show that you have booked your flight.

#6. Medical insurance

Don’t take any chances with your health. With EUR 30,000 (approximately ₦ 14,032,000), you can purchase medical insurance coverage for your Schengen trip from Nigeria.

#7. Cover letter

Depending on the type of short stay, you may have to submit a cover letter for your Schengen visa application from Nigeria. The cover letter must indicate why you’re traveling to the Schengen area, how long you will stay, and what you will do during your trip.

#8. Previous Schengen visas (if any)

If you have been to the Schengen area before, submit copies of previous visas as proof.

#9. Proof of finance

You must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in the Schengen area. You can submit your bank statement showing transactions within three to six months of your application.

#10. Proof of paid Schengen visa fee

Currently, the Schengen visa fee for adults is EUR 80 (about ₦40,800), and children between the ages of 6 t0 12 pay half that amount. Here’s an in-depth article about the requirements for a Schengen visa from Nigeria. Please note that the visa fee is non-refundable. This means that no matter the outcome of your application, you will not receive a refund.

How to Apply for Schengen Visa From Nigeria?

To apply for a Schengen visa from Nigeria, please take the following steps:

#Step 1. Gather the Necessary Documents

The documents listed above are the general requirements for your Schengen visa. Other documents you may require would depend on the type of Schengen visa you want.

#Step 2. Book a visa interview

There are more than 150 Schengen visa centers and embassies in Nigeria. As a first-time applicant, you may become confused about the embassy to approach. Here are things to consider in choosing the visa center or embassy to visit.

Firstly, you will consider the proximity of the center. Specifically, booking an appointment with an embassy in Abuja when you live in Enugu would be unwise, especially if the country you wish to visit has an embassy in your area.

Secondly, if you intend to visit more than one Schengen country during your trip, the embassy you should book an appointment with should be the embassy of the country you will visit first.

For more information, visit the official website of the European Union. 

#Step 3. Attend the Visa Interview

The visa interview entails answering specific questions like what you’re traveling for and how long you intend to stay. It is also an opportunity for the visa officer to assess you, and you must be there early for the appointment and appropriately dressed.

#Step 4. Submit your Biometric Information

This stage is essential if you are a first-time applicant because the visa officer must have your details in their records. Biometric information means submitting all ten of your fingerprints for record purposes. Some visa centers may require further biometric submissions like facial recognition or eye scan.

#Step 5. Wait

Waiting for a response is not as easy as it sounds, but you should get a response within 7 days. While at it, why not learn all you can about the country(ies) you plan to visit? Before long, you will get a notification about your application status.

Wrapping Up!

This article clarified most of your basic questions about applying for a Schengen Visa from Nigeria. If you have any further questions, please drop a comment below. I will respond to it ASAP.

And, since you are applying for a Schengen visa, you may need further assistance processing your visa. I can assist you in processing these visas at a low cost and in the shortest period possible. Just reach out to me via the Contact Us page!

Good luck.