If you obtain a Schengen Visa from Nigeria, you’ll be able to travel across 27 European countries within the Schengen Area for 90 days within a 180-day period. As well as for business, education, family visits, and medical treatment, it is used when traveling to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and Greece.

This guide will help you obtain a Schengen Visa from Nigeria in 2025, including visa types, eligibility criteria, documents required, and step-by-step procedures that will increase your chances of approval.

1. Gaining a better understanding of Schengen visas

Schengen Visas grant you free travel within Schengen member countries for up to 90 days. You must apply for a visa at the embassy or visa application center of the country that is either:

• Where you will spend most of your time on your trip (the main destination)
• It is the country of the first entry that counts in the case of multiple Schengen countries visited during the same period.

As of 2025, the following countries are part of the Schengen Area:

It is home to many countries, including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, 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.

2. Schengen Visa Types Nigerians Can Apply For

Visas are required based on the purpose for which you are traveling.

1. Tourist visas

When you go sightseeing, on vacation, or when you visit family and friends.

2. Business visas

Signing contracts or attending conferences, meetings, and trade shows.

3. Visa for short-term study

Typically lasting less than 90 days, a short academic program, seminar, or training is considered short.

4. Medical Visa

Having received medical treatment in a Schengen country.

5. Passports for transit

The case of travelers passing through a Schengen airport on their way to an international destination.

6. Visa for family visits

Visiting relatives and family members who live legally in the Schengen Area is ideal.

3. Requirements for eligibility

The following conditions must be met for Nigerian citizens to be eligible to apply for a Schengen Visa:

• It is necessary to have a valid Nigerian passport.
• It is important to travel for a specific purpose (tourism, business, study, etc.).
• It is essential that you have the financial means to cover your trip and stay while you are away.
• You should make sure you have Schengen-wide travel insurance.
• Your return to Nigeria will be assured if you have strong ties to the country (job, family, or property).

4. Step-by-step instructions for submitting an application

This step-by-step guide will help you obtain a Schengen Visa from Nigeria.

Step 1: Choose the Embassy or Consulate

Follow these steps to apply at the Schengen country’s embassy or visa center:

• Visit only the embassy or visa center of the country that you intend to visit in order to apply for a visa.
• Consider applying in the country where you will spend the most time when visiting multiple countries.
• When stays are equal in duration, the first country of entry should be used.

For example:
For a stay in France and Spain of five days and three days respectively, a visa application should be submitted at the French Embassy or France VFS center in Nigeria.

Step 2: Set up a consultation

Visa applications and appointment scheduling are usually handled by VFS Global or TLS Contact at Schengen embassies and consulates in Nigeria.

1. The official website for the VFS or TLS in your target country should be visited.
2. By creating an account, you can book an appointment.
3. Set a deadline and a date for the submission.
4. You should print out your appointment confirmation.

Booking appointments 4–6 weeks prior to your travel date is the best time, as slots tend to fill up quic

Step 3: Complete the Visa Application Form

• Visas for Schengen can be applied for online or on paper.
• Ensure the itinerary and documents match.
• Make sure the form is printed and signed before submitting it.

Forms can be downloaded from the Embassy’s official website or filled out directly on VFS/TLS platforms

Step 4: Gather the required documents

An application’s success depends on the preparation of all required supporting documents. It is possible to be rejected for a visa if the documents are incomplete or missing.

General Documents Required

1. Completing and signing the Visa Application Form.
2. Valid Nigerian Passport – Must remain valid for at least 3 months after return date.
3. Passport-sized photographs – Two recent photographs (35mm x 45mm, white background).
4. Describe the purpose of your visit, the length of your stay, and the itinerary in your cover letter.
5. Flight itinerary – roundtrip flight reservation (do not buy a ticket until it has been approved).
6. Hotel reservations, Airbnb confirmations, or invitation letters from hosts can be used to prove accommodation.
7. In addition to covering the entire Schengen area, the travel insurance must provide medical coverage of at least €30,000.
8. Recent bank statements (last 3–6 months), proof of salary, or sponsorship letter.
9. Status of employment:
   • Employees: Employment letter, leave approval, and pay stubs.
   • Self-employed: Business registration documents and tax records.
   • The student must provide a letter of admission or an ID from the school.
10. Economic and social ties to Nigeria – Family documents, property ownership, or a letter from the employer or school confirming return.
11. Visa Fee Payment Receipt – A proof of payment for the visa fee.

Additional Documents (depending on the type of visa)

Step 5: Make the Visa fee payment

In general, Schengen rules standardize visa fees, though they can vary slightly from embassy to embassy

Visa Type	Additional Requirements
Business	Invitation from company, business registration documents, conference registration.
Medical	Appointment confirmation, medical report, proof of funds for treatment.
Family Visit	Invitation letter, copy of host’s passport/residence permit.
Study	Proof of enrollment, tuition payment receipt, sponsor’s financial evidence.
Transit	Valid visa for destination country, onward flight booking.

Applicant Category	Fee (in Euros)	Approximate Naira Equivalent (2025 Rate)
Adults (12 years and above)	€90	₦120,000 – ₦130,000
Children (6–11 years)	€45	₦60,000 – ₦65,000
Children under 6 years	Free	Free
VFS/TLS Service Charge	€25–€35	₦35,000 – ₦45,000

Please note that fees need to be paid in Naira, usually by bank transfer, point of sale, or in person at the visa center.

Step 6: Ensure you attend your visa appointment

The date of your appointment is:

1. Don’t forget to arrive 30 minutes early at the visa center.
2. The application form, documents, and payment receipt should be brought with you.
3. You must submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) if you are applying for the first time.
4. If necessary, please answer a few questions about your trip.

As soon as your visa application has been submitted, you’ll receive a tracking number that can be used to track its progress online.

Step 7: Await visa processing

Processing usually takes 15 working days, but it may take 30–45 days during busy seasons.

For a faster approval, follow these tips:

• Early application (4–6 weeks before travel) is recommended.
• Verifiable and complete documents are required.
• The use of multiple or inconsistent applications should be avoided.

Step 8: Obtain your passport

Once your visa has been processed, you will receive a notification via SMS or email.

You can:

• If necessary, the VFS/TLS center can arrange for pickup.
• Request delivery by courier if available.

If your Schengen Visa application is approved, you will receive the following information on your sticker:

• Visa type (C for short-term stays)
• Dates of expiration
• Multiple entries, double entries, or single entries

If your application is denied, you will receive an official refusal letter explaining the reasons for rejection. Appeals can be filed within the timeframe allowed if you are denied. If your appeal is denied, you can refile with stronger evidence.

5. What is the average time it takes to obtain a Schengen visa in Nigeria?

In general, it takes 15 calendar days for a request to be processed after it has been submitted. It is possible, however, for processing to take longer for a few reasons:

• There are a large number of applications
• Security checks
• Incomplete documentation
• Embassy-specific delays

Ideally, you should apply at least six to eight weeks before you intend to travel.

6. Common reasons for visa rejections in Schengen countries

Applicants from Nigeria often face rejection due to avoidable errors. The reasons for this are as follows:

1. The trip expenses cannot be covered due to insufficient proof of funds.
2. Uncertainty surrounds the trip’s purpose and itinerary.
3. Travel insurance policies that are invalid or suspicious.
4. Due to a lack of strong ties to Nigeria, overstaying is possible.
5. Fake or unverifiable documents.
6. Visa overstays or violations in Schengen countries.
7. Information on forms and documents is inconsistent.

What You Can Do to Avoid Rejection

• Make sure the information you provide is accurate, clear, and consistent.
• Bank statements and letters from employers should be used as proof (bank statements, letters from employers).
• Provide a convincing explanation of your travel purpose in your cover letter.
• Provide evidence that you intend to return to your job, family, and property.

7. How to Apply for a Schengen Visa Successfully

1. Apply early: Two months before your trip, start your application.
2. Select the right embassy: Apply to the country in which you will spend the most time.
3. Professional Presentation: All documents should be organized neatly.
4. Fake documents are grounds for permanent visa bans.
5. Accurate Travel Insurance: Make sure it covers all Schengen countries and €30,000.
6. Maintain Consistency During Interviews: Credibility comes from consistency.
7. Keep copies of all documents: They may be needed for future applications.

8. Applying for multiple Schengen visas

You can request a multiple-entry visa, valid for up to five years, if you travel frequently for business or family visits.

Multiple entry requirements

• History of previous Schengen visas.
• Frequent travel (for business or family).
• A strong financial record.
• Multiple visits must be justified clearly.

9. Upon receiving your visa

Make sure your visa sticker is accurate

Check:

• The name and passport number on your passport are correct.
• Your travel dates are within the validity period.
• There are the right number of entries (single, double, multiple).

During Your Trip

• Within the validity period of the visa, enter and exit.
• You are not allowed to stay longer than 90 days.
• Make copies of your documents (passport, insurance, accommodation).

When You Return

Make sure you return to Nigeria before your visa expires. The application process will be easier if you comply with all visa rules in the future.

10. The most frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is it possible to apply for a Schengen Visa without an invitation letter?
If you have hotel reservations and a travel itinerary, you can apply for a tourist visa. Visas for business or family visits require invitation letters.

Q2. Which Nigerian embassy offers the easiest Schengen Visa application process?
French, Spanish, and Italian approval rates are generally higher, but individual documentation quality influences decisions.

Q3. Do I have the option of applying for multiple Schengen countries at once?
There is only one application to submit – to the embassy of your main destination or first entry point.

Q4. Does travel insurance have to be purchased?
Yes. Your visa will be refused if you do not have valid travel insurance covering €30,000.

Q5. Is it possible to extend a Schengen visa?
It is rare for extensions to be granted, and they are only granted for serious reasons, like illness or an emergenc

11. Checklist for Summary

You need the following items before applying for a Schengen Visa in Nigeria:
Valid passport (3+ months after trip)
A filled out visa application
photocopy of your passport
Cover letter
Hotel and flight reservations
Medical insurance (€30,000)
Recent bank statements
Documentation proving your employment or business
Proof of ties to Nigeria
Payment receipt for visa fee

12. Conclusions

Schengen Visa applications from Nigeria in 2025 are straightforward if you follow the steps correctly. It’s important to prepare and be honest – the more credible your documents and explanations, the greater your chances of getting approved.

Provide all required documents, start early, choose the correct embassy, and demonstrate financial stability and intent to return. With approval, you’ll have access to 27 European countries for tourism, business, and short-term studies, opening endless possibilities for exploration and growth.

7. Applying for a Schengen Visa Successfully

1. Early application is key: Start your application two months before your trip.
2. Application to the right embassy: Choose the country where you will spend the most time.
3. Professional Presentation: All documents should be organized neatly.
4. Permanent visa bans can be imposed for falsified documents.
5. Make sure you have sufficient travel insurance coverage to cover all Schengen countries and up to €30,000.
6. Maintain Consistency During Interviews: Consistency leads to credibility.
7. Make copies of all documents: You may need them in the future.

8. Obtaining multiple Schengen visas

Travel frequently for business or family visits? You can request a multiple-entry visa, which is valid for up to five years.

There are multiple entry requirements

• Previous Schengen visa history.
• Travel frequently (for business or family).
• Having a strong financial record.
• There must be a clear justification for multiple visits.

9. Once your visa has been received

Verify the accuracy of your visa sticker

Make sure:

• Your passport contains the correct name and passport number.
• You are within the validity period for your travel dates.
• The number of entries (single, double, multiple) is correct.

During Your Trip

• Enter and exit within the validity period of the visa.
• It is not allowed for you to stay longer than 90 days.
• Copies of your documents (passport, insurance, accommodation) should be made.

Upon your return

Don’t forget to return to Nigeria before your visa expires. If you follow all visa rules in the future, the application process will be easier.

10. Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I apply for a Schengen Visa without an invitation letter?
yes, You can apply for a tourist visa if you have hotel reservations and a travel itinerary. Letters of invitation are required for visas for business and family visits.

Q2. Which Nigerian embassy offers the simplest application process for Schengen Visas?
Approval rates are generally higher in French, Spanish, and Italian, but documentation quality varies from person to person.

Q3. Do I have the option of applying for multiple Schengen countries simultaneously?
Applicants must submit only one application – to the embassy of their main destination or first point of entry.

Q4. Is it necessary to purchase travel insurance?
Yes. In the absence of a valid travel insurance policy covering €30,000, your visa will be denied.

Q5. Can a Schengen visa be extended?
There is a rare chance that an extension will be granted, and they are usually granted only for serious reasons, such as illness or an emergency.

11. Summary check list

A Schengen Visa application in Nigeria requires the following items:

A valid passport (3+ months after the trip)
Application for a visa filled out
Passport photocopy
Letter of Coverage
Hotel and flight reservations
Medical insurance (€30,000)
Recent bank statements
Documentation proving your employment or business
Proof of ties to Nigeria
Receipt for visa fee payment

12. In Conclusion

When you follow the steps correctly, applying for a Schengen visa from Nigeria in 2025 will be straightforward. Your chances of getting approved increase the more credible your documents and explanations are.

Make sure you have all the required documents, start early, select the correct embassy, and demonstrate financial stability and intent to return. As soon as you are approved, you will be able to travel to 27 countries in Europe for tourism, business, and short-term studies, which allows you to explore and grow in an endless number of ways.