How to Submit Schengen Visa Application Online

Last updated on August 23rd, 2023

Recently, one of my readers asked me how to submit a Schengen Visa application online. In all honesty, applying for a Schengen visa can be really challenging.

But, if you are considering traveling to Portugal, Spain, Netherlands, Finland, or any of the other Schengen countries, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa online.

The Schengen visa is highly sought after in Nigeria, and if you want to find out how much a Schengen visa costs, I have covered that in a previous topic.

In this article, I will provide you with the steps to apply for and submit a Schengen visa application online, as well as other crucial tips you need to know before applying for the visa.

How to Submit Schengen Visa Application Online?

First, to apply for a Schengen visa, you must consider the type of visa required and the number of countries you can visit during your trip.

Various Schengen visas are available based on your travel purposes, including tourist, visitor, transit, Business, cultural, and medical treatment visas.

After determining the type of visa appropriate for your trip, you can submit a Schengen visa application online.

Truth be told, you can only currently complete an online application for a Schengen visa if you visit the consulate or embassy of your preferred country.

You can only use the online system to book an appointment and complete the application form. And more importantly, if you are booking an appointment, I advise you to do that at least 4-6 weeks in advance before your planned trip and no earlier than six months.

How do I book a Schengen visa appointment online?

If you decide to book an appointment for a Schengen visa online, here are the steps below;

• Navigate to the official website of the country consulate or embassy you plan to visit.
• Use the online appointment system provided for scheduling an appointment.
• Choose a convenient date and time for your appointment.
• Submit the appointment details.
• Receive appointment confirmation in email.

Please note that not all embassies provide online visa reservations for a Schengen visa. In that case, you should check for their contact information and phone or email them to make your appointment.

But, if you are running short of time or unsure of which consulate to apply to, or unsure how to go about doing this yourself. You can contact me by using the contact us link above on this page. I will make the appointment for you for a small service fee to save you time and effort!

What are the documents required for a Schengen visa appointment?

Yes, this is another important aspect you should know. When booking an appointment for a Schengen visa, there are certain documents you have to provide, which are mandatory. These include:

• Schengen Visa application form
• Valid passport
• Passport photo
• Proof of funds
• Proof of residency
• Travel itinerary
• Hotel booking
• Schengen Travel Insurance

Other documents that may be necessary depending on the type of visa you are seeking include:

• Birth and/or marriage certificate
• Sponsorship evidence
• Invitation letter
• Letter from employer
• Employment contract & pay slips
• Proof of enrollment in school or university

Please Note: It’s advisable to spend some time understanding what is required for your visa application. Your application may be denied if it is incomplete. There are checklists available on the consulate’s website, so confirm these before you begin to prepare your documents.

How to apply for a Schengen visa from Nigeria?

I won’t bore you with too many details; if you need to know the entire application steps for a Schengen visa in Nigeria, I will briefly explain them below!

• Step 1: First, determine what visa type you need. If you want to visit the Schengen area for tourism, you must apply for a tourist visa; if you are going for business purposes, you must apply for a business visa, and so on.
• Step 2: After knowing the type of visa you need to apply for, the next step is to locate the official website or office issuing Schengen visas for the country you want to visit.
• Step 3: Once you locate the appropriate office where to submit your application, you have to make an appointment— usually online, and then you can start your next application steps.
• Step 4: This is where you need to prepare a list of required documents. I have listed the necessary documents above, but you can visit their official website for a checklist of the required documents.
• Step 5: On the day of your appointment, you will submit your application and the required documents. Additionally, you must submit your biometrics, where your fingerprints and other important identity details will be captured.
• Step 6: You may be required to pay the Schengen visa fee and attach your payment receipt to the rest of your application on the day you submit it.
• Step 7: At this final stage, you have to patiently wait while your application is processed.

How do I know if my Schengen visa is approved?

It can be really stressful emotionally while waiting for a decision to be made on your visa application. Generally, a decision is taken by the Consulate or Embassy within 15 days.

Once a positive decision is made on your Schengen visa, you will get instructions from the embassy on what to do next and when you may pick up your passport.

You can also track your Schengen Visa application by contacting them or going online either via their website.

On the other hand, if your application for a visa is rejected, the embassy, consulate, or VAC will notify you and explain their decision.

How long does it take to get a Schengen visa in Nigeria?

The typical processing time for a Schengen visa is fifteen (15) calendar days. When you submit your application, it will take 15 days to process your visa.

However, you should know that if a more thorough examination of your application and/or additional documents are required, this time frame may be increased to 45 days – the more reason you should book a visa appointment well ahead of time.