Nigerian citizens require a Schengen visa to enter any of the 27 Schengen states in Europe. Holders of a Nigerian passport must apply for a short-stay visa (Type C) through the embassy or consulate of their intended destination country.
A Schengen visa allows Nigerian nationals to travel across all 27 member states for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visa application centres operated by VFS Global and TLScontact are available in Lagos, Abuja and other Nigerian cities. Given higher scrutiny for applications from Nigeria, thorough documentation is essential.
ทีมบรรณาธิการ — eVisa-Card.com
อัปเดตล่าสุด: มีนาคม 2026 Always verify current requirements at the official embassy or consulate of your destination country before applying.
Key Facts — Schengen Visa for Nigerian Citizens
| Schengen Visa Overview for Nigerian Citizens | |
|---|---|
| Visa Required | Visa Required |
| Visa Type | Short-stay Schengen Visa (Type C) |
| Fee | EUR 80 (adults) / EUR 40 (children 6–12) / Free (under 6) |
| Processing Time | Up to 15 calendar days (standard) |
| Validity | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period |
| Entries | Single entry, double entry or multiple entry |
| Territory | 27 Schengen member states |
Required Documents for Nigerian Citizens
- Valid Nigerian passport — at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay, issued within the last 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages
- Two recent passport-size photographs — 35×45 mm, white background, taken within the last 6 months
- Completed Schengen visa application form — signed and dated
- Travel medical insurance — minimum EUR 30,000 coverage, valid throughout the Schengen Area
- Proof of accommodation — hotel bookings, rental agreement or invitation letter from a host
- Return or onward flight reservation — a confirmed booking or reservation (not necessarily purchased)
- Proof of financial means — bank statements for the last 3–6 months showing sufficient funds for the trip
- Proof of employment or enrollment — employer letter with salary details, payslips, business registration, or student enrollment certificate
- Travel itinerary — day-by-day plan of your trip
- Invitation letter (if applicable) — from a host in the Schengen Area, including their residence permit or ID
Application Process — 5 Steps
- Step 1: Gather Documents — Collect all required documents listed above. Ensure your Nigerian passport has at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages. Obtain travel insurance with EUR 30,000 minimum cover.
- Step 2: Book an Appointment — Schedule an appointment at the embassy, consulate or authorised visa application centre (e.g., VFS Global) of your main destination country. Book early, as appointment slots fill quickly during peak seasons.
- Step 3: Submit Your Application — Attend your appointment in person. Submit all documents, the completed application form and the visa fee (EUR 80 for adults, EUR 40 for children 6–12).
- Step 4: Biometrics — Provide biometric data (10 fingerprints and a digital photograph) at the visa application centre. Biometrics are stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) and are valid for 59 months. If you provided biometrics within the last 59 months, you may be exempt.
- Step 5: Collect Your Passport — Wait for processing (up to 15 calendar days). Once a decision is made, collect your passport with the visa sticker from the application centre or have it delivered by courier.
The 27 Schengen Countries
Nigerian citizens with a valid Schengen visa can travel freely to all of the following countries:
- 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
- Switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Nigerian passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa (Type C) before travelling to any Schengen country. There is no visa-free or eVisa option for Nigerian citizens.
Nigerian applicants need a valid passport (6+ months validity), two passport photos, travel insurance with EUR 30,000 minimum cover, proof of accommodation, return flight reservation, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and an employer or sponsor letter.
Standard processing is up to 15 calendar days. However, applications from Nigeria may sometimes take up to 30 to 45 days due to additional verification. Apply well in advance of your travel date.
Nigeria historically has one of the higher refusal rates. Common reasons include insufficient financial proof, unclear travel purpose or missing documents. Preparing a complete and well-documented application significantly improves approval chances.