With many Nigerians preparing for summer vacations abroad, Europe has become a top continent for vacationers. To visit any European country as a Nigerian, you will most likely need a Schengen visa.
A Schengen visa is an entry permit for non-EU nationals who wish to make a short and temporary visit to any of the 26 European countries that make up the Schengen area for up to 90 days. Getting a visa to any of these countries is pretty easy, provided you meet all of their requirements. All you need to do is follow instructions and submit your documents on time.
Therefore, here is everything you need to know about the Schengen visa and how to apply for one successfully.
How to apply for Schengen visa from Nigeria
Time your application
This means you should know when you want to leave Nigeria before you begin applying for a Schengen visa. While you do not need to figure out the exact travel date, you should be able to have a general idea of when you want to travel.
Also, it is best to start your application at least three weeks before your flight. At the same time, ensure you do not apply too early. In fact, it typically takes three weeks to process a Schengen visa. So you should work towards processing yours within this period.
Know the type of Schengen visa you are applying for
There are many Schengen visas and types for Nigeria passport holders. They include Business, Tourism, Visiting Family and Friends, and Cultural. So, if you are traveling for medical purposes, then you should directly apply for a medical Schengen visa.
Types of Schengen visa include Uniform Schengen Visa (USV), Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) and National visa. USV refers to a type of visa that is valid for entry to the entire 26 member states of the Schengen area. LTV allows access to one or more Schengen States, but not all, while a national visa allows you access to a single, particular country. To know more about Schengen visa types, click here.
Know the entry category Schengen visa you need
Schengen visa comes in three categories – single, double, and multiple entry which are available to residents in Nigeria. Choose the one that best suits your travel. For instance, if you are traveling with the intention of coming back before your visa expires, then you need the single entry visa.
However, if you are thinking of visiting the country again at least once more, then you should apply for the double entry. If you want the flexibility of traveling between Nigeria and a Schengen country anyhow you want throughout your trip, then the multiple entry visa is perfect for you.
Steps to getting a Schengen visa
Now that you understand what a Schengen visa means and how to apply for one, here are more detailed steps of applying for a visa to visit any Schengen state.
Know where to apply for a visa in Nigeria
As a Nigerian citizen or resident, you will need to find an embassy, consulate, or visa application centre linked to the Schengen country you are applying to. Most of their locations can be found in Abuja and Lagos.
Make sure your documents are complete
Here are the basic required documents you should have before you make your application:
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Nigerian passport (or other valid passport)
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Passport photos (2)
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Proof of accommodation (proof of where you are staying)
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Proof of finances (proof you can pay for your trip)
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Proof of travel medical insurance
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Visa application form
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Fingerprints and photos (biometric information)
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Schengen visa fee (80 Euros for most applicants). Schengen visa for minors are cheaper or may not be required at all.
Other required documents will depend on your specific Schengen visa type. For instance, if you are going for a business, you may be required to provide additional documents related to the business.
In addition, documents required if the traveler is a minor (under 18) include the following:
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Letter of consent from both parents/legal guardian.
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Passport copies of both parents/legal guardian.
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Copy of birth certificate:
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Proof of adoption is required if minor is adopted.
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Proof of divorce is needed if parents are divorced.
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If one or both parents are deceased, proof of death is also needed.
Get the application form
Getting a Schengen visa application form is not difficult. You can go to the specific country’s official website to fill the form.
Schedule an appointment
As a Nigerian citizen or resident, you will most likely have to attend a Schengen visa appointment which must be scheduled in advance. You can schedule a Schengen visa appointment online, if you applied online. Or contact the embassy/consulate of the country you applied to, in order to make an appointment.
Attend the visa appointment
Prepare to attend your Schengen visa appointment in person. You will be asked to submit a paper copy of your Schengen visa application, pay your visa fee (if you have not done so already), submit your biometric information, and do a short interview.
Note that if you often travel from Nigeria to the Schengen area on a Schengen visa, your biometric information will remain in the system within five years of application. Also, you may be able to avoid attending any interviews if you have travelled to the same area recently or frequently. However, skipping interviews is not guaranteed for frequent travelers.
Wait for a decision
As previously stated, Schengen visa application process can take up to three weeks, so do not be alarmed if you do not get an immediate response after application. However, if your visa has been approved, you can take your passport and pick it up.
But if your application is rejected, you can choose the option of appeal or simply re-apply and start the process all over again.
So, this is how you apply for a Schengen visa as a Nigerian citizen or resident. See, application is not as difficult as many may think. However, you must have all the required documents if you do not want hitches during the process. Get your Schengen visa and have a great trip!
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