Schengen Visa Information for Nigerians – Visa Requirements and How to Apply

What Is The Schengen Area?

Schengen is the passport free zone by the European union for European countries. The visa enables its holder to freely enter, travel within and leave the Schengen area from a Schengen member country. However, to live, study or work there for a period exceeding 90 days, you must apply for the country’s national visa.

Schengen Member Countries:

The 26 Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Not all Schengen countries are members of the EU.

Types Of Schengen Visas

Single entry visa: this visa permits you to enter the Schengen area once within the given period of time. Once you exit the Schengen area, you can no longer go back even if you haven’t spent your approved stay period. This tag is not to say you can’t visit other Schengen countries.

Double entry visa: similar to the single entry visa, this permits you to visit the same Schengen territory twice after which you can’t enter that zone again. However, if you have obtained the double entry visa more than once and you’re a frequent Schengen traveler, you might be issued a multiple entry visa.

Multiple entry visa: this permits you to go in and out of the Schengen area more than once so far you don’t exceed the 90 days in a 180 day period rule. Based on how often you travel to the Schengen zone, you may apply for the 1, 3 or 5 year multiple entry visa.

Airport visa: to change flights at a Schengen airport, you will need an airport transit visa. It enables you to stop and wait in the International transit area of the Schengen airport for your flight to your destination country. However, this visa does not permit you to leave the international transit area of an airport, even if you have to wait overnight. This visa is only valid for 24hrs. To leave the Schengen area or stay an extra day, you will need to apply for a regular visa.

Visa Processing Time

The Visa process takes about 15 working days or more to process from the date of application so best to apply three weeks before.

Visa Fees

Schenghen Visa Requirements

Two recently taken passport photographs which must be within the last three months.

A valid passport

Round trip reservation

Travel insurance policy

Proof of accommodation: hotel reservation, an invitation letter (where applicable)

Evidence of financial means

Proof of paid visa fee

Note: Ensure the border officer stamps your passport. An unstamped passport can cause you to be detained or fined.

Where to Apply

VFS Global has been appointed by the Schengen embassies to handle and oversee all Schengen visa applications from Nigeria. However, you will still need to appear at the embassy of your destination for interview & biometrics. You can also apply at the embassies of the Schengen member states.

Visa Collection

If your visa is approved, an email and sms notification will be sent to you and you have to pick up in person.