Schengen Visa Application For Nigeria

SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION FOR NIGERIA AND REQUIREMENTS

Schengen Visa Application For Nigeria

Europe is the second smallest continent – after Australia – yet it attracts hordes of people from around the world, thanks to its history and culture. Nigerians are also not left out as they visit various European countries for a variety of reasons, ranging from shopping, academic or study leave or to work there. This is why people are always interested in Schengen visa application in Nigeria.

Visiting European countries as a Nigerian has been made possible with the use of Schengen visa. The Schengen visa grants easy access to countries in Europe, except countries such as Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, Croatia, Ireland, Romania, and Cyprus. In 2017 alone, more than 14.6 million people made use of their Schengen visa to travel around the European states in the Schengen area.

If you have been searching for how to go about the process of obtaining your Schengen visa in Nigeria, then you have landed on the right place. Read on to the end to find out more about Schengen Online Visa Application, its requirements, and the processes involved in Nigeria. You will also obtain adequate information on the organization that will streamline the entire process for you without a sweat.

Schengen visa: What is it?

Schengen Visa is a 90-day tourist entry permit that is granted by 26 European countries in the Schengen area. These countries have reached an agreement that there will be no border control within these regions.

What this implies to you as a Nigerian is that you can cross from one European country to another in the Schengen – for 90 days, but should fall within a six-month period – area using your Schengen visa without any harassment. You don’t need additional procedures to gain entry to any of these European countries.

As long as you are a passport holder in possession of a Schengen visa, you will encounter no problems at all – such as immigration controls, other requirements, etc. – in the Schengen area.

Who needs a Schengen visa to enter Europe?

All nationals from third-world countries that have not yet reached what is known as a “visa-liberation agreement” with the Schengen member states must obtain a visa before their arrival in Europe.

List of European Countries in the Schengen Area

Here is a list of the 26 European countries that lie in the Schengen region:

  • Germany
  • Spain
  • Lithuania
  • Slovenia
  • Portugal
  • Sweden
  • Norway
  • Hungary
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Iceland
  • Switzerland
  • Poland
  • Malta
  • Liechtenstein
  • Netherlands
  • Luxembourg
  • Greece
  • France
  • Finland
  • Czech Republic
  • Austria
  • Estonia
  • Denmark
  • Belgium
  • Slovakia

As a Nigerian, a Schengen visa is mandatory if you must enter any of the European countries as well as a Transit visa that will authorize you to move from one European country to another within the Schengen area.

European Countries That Are Not Part of the Schengen Region

These European countries are not members of the Schengen area:

  • Croatia
  • The United Kingdom
  • Ireland
  • Bulgaria
  • Cyprus
  • Romania

Countries – that are not part of the European Union – but you can enter with your Schengen visa

These countries are not part of the European Union, but you can enter with your Schengen visa:

  • Switzerland
  • Ireland
  • Lichtenstein
  • Norway

Types of Schengen Visas

Although there are numerous reasons for you to apply for a Schengen visa as a Nigerian, there is, in reality only one type – Schengen visa. You can visit any of the Schengen countries for business, tourism, to attend an event or your friends and family.

Schengen visas in Nigeria are also issued based on your objective, i.e. long or short stay. The short stay Schengen visa is valid for at least 90 days. This means you will be required to leave the Schengen area and return to Nigeria after precisely 90 days. We know how tempting it is for many Nigerians to continue staying in Europe long after the 90 days validity expires.

But these European countries are banking on your honesty and expect you to leave the Schengen area states as soon as your visa expires. Failure to adhere to this rule could have adverse effects on future opportunities to visit the Schengen countries.

It is also highly crucial to point out here that if you are travelling to any European country to study or work, you cannot apply for a Schengen visa. You may have to visit the consulate or embassy of the European country you intend to visit here in Nigeria and start your visa application process.

Schengen visas come in several types which will be highlighted below:

#1: Uniform Schengen Visa

The Uniform Schengen Visa is a permit that grants access to any of the 26 countries in the Schengen area for not less than 90 days and within six months, from the date of the first entry.

It also comes in three, different categories which are highlighted below:

Category A:  Airport Transit visa does not allow you to enter any Schengen country

Category B: Transit Visa which grants entry to more than one Schengen country for a maximum of five days

Category C: Short-term visa which grants admission in any of the Schengen countries and covers the period of the validity. There are three sub-categories here as well:

  • Single entry – This is a permit for a one-time entry into any Schengen country
  • Double entry – This permit allows you to enter any Schengen country twice and it must be within the duration of your visa
  • Multiple entries – This permit allows you to enter any Schengen country as many times as you can, depending on the duration of your visa

 

#2: National Visa

This is usually referred to as the type “D” visa and is issued, for the most part, for the purpose of working or studying in any of the European countries. It is also issued – on rare occasions – for permanent residence application.

#3: Limited Territory Visa

This type of visa permits you to visit the country that issued the visa only. You are not allowed to visit any other European country.

Schengen Visa for Short-Term Visits in Europe

You need to apply for a Schengen visa if you intend to visit any European country in the area for the following reasons:

  • Holiday and tourism
  • Sports and cultural events
  • Business purposes
  • Official visits
  • Medical reasons
  • Transit for seafarers and airport transit
  • Research purposes or short-term study
  • Visiting family and friends

#4: Long-term visa

You can apply for a long-term visa for some countries within the Schengen region. But you may have to, first of all, perform adequate research to find out which Schengen country’s long-term visa works best for you.

Some countries in the Schengen region have longer application turnarounds compared to their counterparts. All they require is proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your journey. This shows that you are not traveling to the Schengen region to engage in illegal activities. Although there is no specific amount that you must have in your possession – or bank account – before you’re granted the long-term visa, it will be prudent of you to plan ahead of time to put aside some savings that cover monthly expenses in the United States.

Long-term Visa: get all required documents

Obtaining a long-term visa is not all about providing a hefty bank balance or bank statement. You must possess a valid passport that covers the duration of your stay. Some Schengen countries may even require that you possess an unquestionable character, and this will be made available via a letter of reference from your employer attesting to the fact that you maintain a clean criminal record.

Long-term Schengen visa Fees

The visa application fees for a long-term Schengen visa is €99 (note that the exchange rate for the day will determine its naira equivalent).

Note that visa fees can be waived for participants in educational or cultural events, conferences, seminars, and events organized by non-profit organizations aged 25 or less.

Schengen visa application For Nigeria

When it comes to choosing where you can apply for a Schengen visa, it depends significantly on several factors. First of all, you can apply for a Schengen visa for the European country you want to visit first. For example, if you’re going to visit Belgium, all you need to do is to apply for a Schengen visa at the Belgium embassy.

But in most cases, Nigerians apply for Schengen visas at embassies that are compassionate and do not raise too many issues when they give out visas. All the same, the process of applying for Schengen visas – which includes the requirements – is the same, irrespective of the embassy you are applying from.

In the same way, if you want to visit only one European country in the Schengen area, you must apply for a visa from the embassy’s country. If you intend to visit more than one Schengen country, the visa application must be carried out at the primary destination’s embassy. But this depends significantly on the length of your stay.

How much does a Schengen visa application for Nigeria cost?

The fee for a Schengen visa is €60 per adult. The exchange rate in Nigeria fluctuates every day, so the naira equivalent may vary, depending on the exchange rate for the day. It is non-refundable.

Schengen Visa Application For Nigeria and Requirements

The following Schengen visa application requirements are generic; some embassies may request additional documents, though this may depend on your reasons for visiting the European country.

If you fail to submit any documentation or meet the basic requirements, it may result in an absolute refusal or rejection of your Schengen visa application in Nigeria. By the same token, it is essential to let you know that only Schengen visa applications with a planned travel date that falls within three months from the time you sent in the application form, will be acknowledged and accepted.

Also take note that you must fill all blanks in response to the questions asked on the Application Form. Do not make the mistake of leaving any blank space unfilled or unanswered. If you find that the answer is not applicable to a particular question, please indicate “N/A.”

The Application Form can be filled online or downloaded to your computer or mobile device. If you are applying for a Schengen visa through the French or France embassy, you will be required to download the Mandatory Questionnaire that will help to facilitate the application.

Without wasting more of your time, here are the general requirements that you must provide when applying for a Schengen visa:

  • One color identity card photograph, with size 3.5×4.5. It must be a photograph that is taken recently and against a white, but plain background.
  • A passport that is valid for at least three to six months from the date of departure plus two, empty pages.
  • A copy of the passport page with the photograph along with those that mention an extension of validity.
  • An Application Form that is completely filled out without any blank space left unanswered.
  • A copy of previous visa (any Schengen country, Canada, the United States America, Australia, and the United Kingdom)
  • A letter of introduction to the embassy of your choice. The purpose of this document is to introduce the Schengen visa applicant as well as to state the reason for applying for the visa. The letter should also include contact phone numbers of the applicant.
  • A letter of invitation that is addressed to the embassy. This letter is essential in case you plan to stay with a relative or in a friend’s residence when you get to the European country of choice. A permit of stay – or a document of identity – should come with the letter of invitation.
  • The applicant’s proof of employment. This is a letter from your employer – complete with a telephone number and an address – which will state the position held along with the starting date and monthly salaries.

This document has to substantiate or validate the dates of approved leave from the applicant’s place of work, the date the applicant is expected to return to work as well as whether or not the salary is paid during the period.

  • Conclusive evidence of the applicant’s personal income. This includes all the copies of the various bank accounts used by the applicant. These copies must be brought up to date no less than fifteen days before the application.

The page that comprises the meaning of codes of operations should accompany the copies of the applicant’s bank accounts.

Some embassies may request that you submit copies of the last three months’ salary slips. In case the applicant has no personal income, a close family member – such as the husband, wife or parents for students or minors – has to stand in for the applicant by proving his/her personal incomes.

This will entail copies of the last three months’ salary slips or a copy of recently updated bank accounts. A letter from this individual – which confirms that he or she will sponsor or pay for all the applicant’s expenses throughout the duration of stay in the European country of choice – should be submitted as well.

  • A confirmed or established reservation of return flight tickets. In some cases, the applicant may be required to present a comprehensive itinerary that clearly shows the name of all the visited European countries as well as the dates of stay.
  • A copy of medical insurance that is acceptable or valid for the duration of stay and all the European countries in the Schengen area. The medical insurance will cover hospital care and medical repatriation. A minimum amount of 30,000 Euros – which corresponds to medical coverage – is mandatory.

The policy has to be delivered by a local company that is listed by an insurance company with headquarters in Europe or by the Schengen missions.

  • Proof of accommodation for the complete length of stay in any of the Schengen countries. This should include the booking of a hotel room, complete with dates of checking in and out, an invitation letter from a friend or family member in France – including Attestation D’Accruiel, for people who plan to visit The Netherlands – as well as a copy of passport identity card/bio-data page.

Possible scenarios to Consider when applying for a Schengen visa For Nigeria

– Are you traveling to only one country within the Schengen area? Then you must apply for the appropriate visa in that country’s embassy here in Nigeria.

– If you have plans of visiting more than one country in the Schengen area, then you must apply for a visa for the major destination you intend to visit

– What if you don’t have any specific country you want to visit in the Schengen area, but want to be able to flit around the European countries without hassles? That is possible as well; however, you may have to apply for a Schengen visa in the embassy or country that will serve as your first stop in your travel itinerary.

– What’s more, some countries in the Schengen area do not have embassies in Nigeria. In case the country you intend to visit belong to this category, you may have to track down the consulate/embassy representatives since most of these representatives have been authorized to issue the visas on their behalf.

It is also imperative to mention that the volume of visa applicants across the embassies of these Schengen countries is on the increase on a daily basis. No applicant, therefore, is guaranteed that he or she will obtain a Schengen visa in Nigeria. This is because the issuance of any visa to any country is the privilege or entitlement of the embassy.

Therefore, when making travel plans, you should take precautions such as refundable travel prearrangements. This will allow you to obtain a full refund of your hotel accommodation, flight tickets, etc. in case your application for a Schengen visa is denied.

This is why we are here for you; we will cut down the chances of you getting denied when you work with us to help you with Schengen online visa application. You can get in touch with us by using the “Contact Us” form, and you’ll get a response from our highly-trained customer service representatives.

How to Apply for Schengen visa Application for Nigeria

To apply for a Schengen visa in Nigeria, you need to do the following:

  • Make sure that you meet the requirements for a Schengen visa because there are several Schengen visa types out there.
  • Discover where you need to send in your application for a Schengen visa
  • Find out the best time to lodge your Schengen Online Visa Application
  • Get hold of the necessary documents for the Schengen visa type that you’re angling for.
  • Fix an appointment at the embassy of your destination country. This appointment can be fixed online or in-person either at the consulate/embassy or visa center. It is also advisable that you book your appointment at least one month in advance to allow you to prepare adequately for your impending journey.
  • Attend the visa interview – You’re expected to attend the meeting in person; therefore, go along with your fully completed or filled-out application form as well as other essential documents. During the interview, you will be asked a variety of questions, the most common ones about your purpose for traveling to the European country and the trip itself. Make sure you have all the right answers at the tip of your tongue at all times.
  • Pay the visa fees – The Schengen visa application form will be checked by the officials before you will be required to pay the visa fees – which is €60. You can make the payment via your card or in cash, and the amount you pay will depend on the exchange rate at the time you apply for a Schengen visa. Remember, it is non-refundable and differs from one Schengen country to another.
  • Look forward to a positive response on your visa application

Visa fees for Schengen Area states

To apply for a Schengen visa from Nigeria for entry into the Schengen countries, you will be required to pay a small fee which is known as a visa and service fee. However, this depends significantly on the type of visa you’re applying for. This fee is not only obligatory but non-refundable as well – in case your application for a visa is denied.

Documents That Verify Your Purpose for Traveling to any Schengen Country

For vacation or leisure, you need to provide the following documents:

  • Tickets, reservations, and purchase evidence for activities
  • Travel itinerary
  • Visas for countries outside the Schengen region that you intend to visit as well as valid tickets for onward means of conveyance or transportation. This is applicable for people with transit visas

If you are traveling to any Schengen country for business purposes, you should present the following:

  • Payment of invoices, contracts or other relevant documents that indicate work-related communications
  • Invitation from a company based in the Schengen country to attend events, conferences, or work-related meetings
  • Documents or annual reports that reveal the business activities of the organization
  • Tickets for all the work-related conferences or seminar you plan to attend
  • Valid proof of social security contributions, contracts or other relevant documents that substantiate your existing employment status in the organization

For students:

  • Proof of enrollment in classes
  • Certificate of registration at an educational institution

Schengen visa: How long will it take to process the visa?

It is sensible to apply for a Schengen visa in Nigeria at least twelve weeks before your planned trip. The embassy or consulate will reply or give a response to your visa application in ten working days – which is the standard procedure – though it may be less, depending on the time it takes to process all the documents as well as the traveler’s request.

All things being equal, the minimum processing time for a Schengen visa is between 10 to 15 working days. This is why it is highly imperative that you submit all the required documents to cut down any form of delay.

The entire process may take up to two months, especially if there are a few irregularities with the individual in question or an unusual political situation that is in play.

What to do to acquire a Schengen visa Extension

If you successfully scale through the Schengen visa application process and you are issued a visa, you cannot stay in any of the European countries within the Schengen area beyond 90 days before you return to Nigeria or country of origin.

In spite of this clause, you can apply for a Schengen visa extension, though this depends significantly on your reason for staying behind which may include study, work, medical, marriage, etc.

If any of the reasons mentioned previously holds water, you are expected to visit the Immigration authority in the Schengen country where you reside presently with all the necessary documents.

If your application for extension of stay in that European country is granted, you will be given the necessary extension of stay, but for a specified period.

Addresses of Consulates and embassies of Schengen countries in Nigeria

In the next few minutes, you will be going through the addresses and consulates of Schengen area states in Nigeria. Take note that some of these embassies also represent other Schengen countries in Nigeria, so don’t be confused if you don’t find the address of the particular Schengen country you want to apply for.

** Additional note: You know how long the processing of visas takes in this country. You’re also aware that you may not be granted a visa, due to one reason or another. However, we can help you cut through the red tape and take on all your Schengen visa application for Nigeria. All you have to do is to get in touch with us and we will get started immediately.

Need to start your Schengen visa application for Nigeria? Click here to get started now.

Here are the addresses of the embassies and consulates in Nigeria in no particular order:

 

Denmark Embassy

Maersk House

121 Louis Solomon Close

P.O. Box 72554, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

 

France Embassy

37 Udi Street Off Aso Drive, Quartier Maitama

Abuja, Nigeria

Website: www.ambafrance-ng.org

 

Hungary Embassy

No. 61, Jose Marti Crescent

Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria

Website: www.mfa.gov.hu/emb/abuja

 

Belgium & Italy

VFS Global, Manor House, Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way,

(Opposite Treasure Garden Estate, 3rd Roundabout, Lekki-Epe Expressway)

Lekki Phase I, Lagos.

 

 

Belgium Visa Application Center, Abuja

38, Lobito Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.

Belgium Website: http://www.vfsglobal-be-ng.com/

Italy Website: http://www.italy-ng.com/

 

Germany Embassy

9 Lake Maracaibo Close, Maitama

Abuja, Nigeria

Website: http://www.abuja.diplo.de

 

Netherlands Embassy

EU Common Embassy Complex

21st Crescent off Constitution Avenue

Abuja, Nigeria

Website: www.nigeria.nlembassy.org

 

Norway

Royal Norwegian Embassy in Abuja

54, T.Y. Danjuma Street,

Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria

Website: http://www.emb-norway.com.ng/

 

Finland

Embassy of Finland, Nigeria

9 Iro Dan Musa Street

Asokoro, Abuja

Website: http://www.finlandnigeria.org/

 

Embassy of Spain

Bobo Close, 8, Plot 611, Off Ghana Street,

Maitama District, Abuja, Nigeria

 

Slovak Republic Embassy

No. 14, Lord Lugard Street

Abuja, Nigeria

Website: www.mzv.sk/abuja

 

Sweden Embassy

41 T. Y. Danjuma Street

Asokoro District, Abuja, Nigeria

Website: www.swedenabroad.com

 

Portugal Embassy

Plot 3655, Orinoco Crescent

(Off River Kubani Street, off Nile Street)

Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria

Website: http://www.secomunidades.pt/web/abuja

Liechtenstein Mission accredited to Nigeria

157, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent

Wuse II, Abuja, Nigeria

Website: www.eda.admin.ch

 

Greece Embassy

No 6, Seguela Street

Wuse II, P.O. Box 11525, Abuja, Nigeria

 

Poland Embassy

10 River Niger, Maitama

Abuja, Nigeria

Website: www.abudza.msz.gov.pl

Possible Reasons Why Your Schengen Visa Application For Nigeria Could Be Denied

You can be denied a Schengen visa for a variety of reasons which include – but are not limited to:

  • Criminal records or questionable character
  • Invalid or damaged passports
  • Forged documents
  • Illegal Travel Insurance
  • Invalid letter of reference
  • Failure to give valid explanations for the purpose of travel
  • Lack of a means of sustenance
  • No Travel Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions about Schengen visa

Q: Do I need to apply for a Schengen visa if I have a valid USA or UK visa?

A: Yes, you still need to apply for a Schengen visa even if you are holding a valid USA or UK visa

Q: Can I apply for Schengen visa Application for Nigeria in the United Kingdom if I’m on a Tourist visa?

A:  No, you cannot. However, there are very rare exemptions for emergency and crucial situations and permanent resident category.

Q: What if there is no embassy of the Schengen visa country I need the visa to be issued from here in Nigeria?

A: It is true that in some third-world countries – Nigeria inclusive – some European countries are not represented via their embassies. In this case, you may have to search for and visit the consulates – known as “Honorary consulates” – that can and will represent the European country you intend to visit in the Schengen region.

Q: Is it mandatory that I possess a confirmed airplane ticket before I apply for a Schengen visa in Nigeria?

A: The only requirement in this regard is your itinerary or route during your travel. You can present a reservation/booking, but a ticketed booking is not necessary.

It is believed that this article contains all the relevant information that you need when it comes to obtaining a Schengen visa in Nigeria.

If you need help with Schengen visa application in Nigeria or have some questions you need answers to, you can get in touch with us by sending a message via our “Contact Us” form and we will get back to you within minutes!

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