Discover the right approach towards getting a Schengen visa by knowing whatsnext.

Planning a trip to Europe from Nigeria? which is what almost all Nigerians are going after now. Whether you’re visiting family, going on holiday, or attending a conference, you’ll likely need a Schengen visa. This visa allows you to travel freely across 27 European countries that are part of the Schengen Area.

In this step-by-step guide, prepared by WhatsNextNG breaks down the 2025 process for applying for a Schengen visa from Nigeria, helping you navigate the paperwork and requirements with ease and accuracy.

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows a person to travel to any members of the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It’s ideal for tourism, business trips, family visits, or short courses.

Step 1: Determine the Type of Schengen Visa You Need

Depending on your purpose , there are different types of Schengen visas depending on the purpose of your travel:

• Tourist Visa
• Business Visa
• Transit Visa
• Family Visit Visa
• Student Visa (short courses)

Choose the one that best fits your travel reason. This determines the supporting documents you’ll need.

Step 2: Choose Your Destination Country

The country you apply to should either be:

• The main destination (where you’ll spend the most time), or
• The country of first entry (if you’re spending equal time in multiple countries)

This country’s embassy or visa application center in Nigeria is where you’ll submit your application.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Visit the official website of the embassy or its approved visa application center (e.g., VFS Global) to book your appointment.

Pro Tip:

Appointments can get fully booked weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Plan ahead and book early!

Step 4: Prepare the Required Documents

Here are the essential documents you need:

• Completed Schengen visa application form
• International passport (valid for at least 3 months after return date, with 2 blank pages)
• Passport-sized photos (2 recent photos in white background)
• Travel itinerary (flight reservation, hotel bookings)
• Proof of financial means (bank statements for the past 6 months)
• Travel insurance (covering at least €30,000)
• Employment letter or proof of occupation
• Cover letter explaining purpose of your trip
• Invitation letter (if applicable)

Always check the specific embassy’s website for any additional requirements.

Step 5: Attend Your Visa Appointment

Go to your appointment with all required documents. You’ll also:

• Submit your biometric data (fingerprints and photo)
• Pay the visa fee (typically €80 for adults, around ₦80,000–₦90,000 depending on exchange rate)

Step 6: Track Your Application

After submission, you’ll receive a tracking ID. Use it to monitor the status of your application on the embassy or VFS website.

Visa processing usually takes 15 working days, but this can vary.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

Once your visa is approved, you’ll get a notification to collect your passport. Check the visa carefully to ensure all details are correct.

If refused, you’ll receive a reason in writing. You may reapply or appeal the decision, depending on the case.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

To avoid rejection, be cautious of the following:

• Incomplete or fake documents
• Insufficient funds
• Suspicious travel history
• Unclear travel purpose
• Invalid travel insurance

Final Tips for a Successful Application

• Start your application at least 1–2 months before your travel date
• Be honest and consistent in all forms and interviews
• Double-check all documents before submission
• Get authentic hotel and flight bookings (avoid fake reservations)

Conclusion

Applying for a Schengen visa from Nigeria may seem like a complex process, but with the right preparation and attention to detail, you can boost your chances of approval. Whether you’re heading to France, Germany, Italy, or any of the 27 Schengen countries, this step-by-step guide has got you covered.

Let us know in the comments if you’ve applied recently or need help with your applicati