The big question is, can Nigerians get a Schengen visa to visit Europe? If possible, Nigerians must understand the process and start planning toward it.A
Schengen Visa is a short-term visa allowing you to enter any 26 countries in the Schengen Area. With this visa, you can travel around the Schengen Zone for a maximum of 90 days.
Can Nigerians get a Schengen Visa?
Nigerians can get a Schengen Visa by applying to any Schengen embassy/consulate. However, the process could be more convenient if you pay close attention to tiny details.
You must complete a detailed application process for a Schengen Visa from Nigeria. As a Nigerian citizen, you’ll also need to provide the following to begin your application:
- Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least three months after your trip. You also need two blank pages to get your visa stamped.
- Proof of financial means: Authorities issuing the Schengen Visa need to see that you have enough money to fund your stay.
- Travel medical insurance: You need travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for medical emergencies.
- Other information: You need to book an airline ticket and show proof of accommodation.
What type of Schengen Visa can I get from Nigeria?
The Schengen Visa available to Nigerians is a short-stay permit. However, based on the purpose of your visit, you can apply for any of these Schengen visas:
- Tourist visa: Apply for this visa if visiting the Schengen region to explore the scenery.
- Visitor visa: You need a visitor visa if you’re visiting family or friends who live in the Schengen Area or are EU citizens. To get a Schengen visitor visa, you must submit a letter of invitation from your friend/relative.
- Business visa: Apply for a business visa if you must travel to conduct business in the Schengen area. You must provide a copy of the invitation letter if a European business invites you.
- Student visa: Only apply for the Schengen student visa if your studies are over 90 days. Otherwise, you’ll need a long-term student visa for the country you plan to study in.
- Visa for Official Visits: Entering the Schengen visa for official purposes? You’ll need this type of visa to attend formal events, conferences, and consultations in the Schengen Zone.
- Transit visa: A transit visa is a short-stay visa issued to those who want to transit through the Schengen countries to their final destination. Depending on your nationality, you may not need a transit visa.
How long is a Schengen Visa from Nigeria valid?
Your Schengen Visa allows you to stay in one country for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. Regardless, the validity timeframe depends on how long the embassy issues your visa.
Embassies can issue you a visa for single or multiple entries depending on your reason for visiting. Sometimes, your Schengen visa may be valid only if you need to be in the Area.
Why was my Schengen Visa denied?
If this was your experience, here are some common reasons your Schengen Visa was rejected:
- Criminal record that exceeds the Schengen security risks
- Missing (important) documents
- False or incorrect information on your application form
- Insufficient financial means to support your trip to the Schengen Area
To increase your chances of getting your Schengen visa approved, you must submit complete, accurate, and clear documentation. Also, follow all the instructions of the embassy/consulate carefully.
If your Schengen visa was denied, you can oppose the decision at the consular level or appeal the decision with a higher legal body of the corresponding Schengen country (like a Foreign Ministry).
After you receive your rejection notice, you have 30 days to make your complaint to the embassy. Afterward, you can only submit another Schengen visa application if the application is rejected.
