Are you a Nigerian planning to travel to Europe for tourism, business, study, or family visit in 2025? Then you must understand the documents required for Schengen visa application in Nigeria — because even one missing or incorrect document can lead to rejection.
This guide explains every document you need, how to prepare them correctly, and expert tips to boost your chances of getting your visa approved. Whether you’re applying to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, or any Schengen country, the requirements are almost the same.
Let’s help you get it right the first time.
What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to travel to 27 European countries in the Schengen Zone. You can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Popular reasons for applying include:
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Tourism
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Visiting friends or family
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Business meetings
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Short study or training
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Medical treatment
You apply through the embassy of the country where you’ll spend the most time or first enter.
General Documents Required for Schengen Visa in Nigeria (All Categories)
Here is the complete list of documents required by most Schengen embassies in Nigeria:
1. Completed Schengen Visa Application Form
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Must be filled online or manually in block letters
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Signed by the applicant (or parent if under 18)
Tip: Use the correct form from the specific embassy’s website.
2. Valid Nigerian International Passport
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Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended return date
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Must have at least 2 blank pages
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Include copies of previous Schengen or international visas
3. Two Recent Passport Photographs
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Size: 35mm x 45mm
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White background
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Taken within the last 6 months
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No glasses or headwear unless for religious reasons
4. Travel Medical Insurance
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Must be valid for the entire Schengen area
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Minimum coverage of €30,000
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Covers medical emergencies, hospital, and repatriation
Tip: Use trusted insurance providers like AXA, Allianz, or Leadway.
5. Flight Reservation (Round Trip)
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A dummy or temporary flight itinerary showing entry and exit dates
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Should match your travel plans and hotel bookings
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Don’t buy a ticket until your visa is approved
6. Proof of Accommodation
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Hotel booking or
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Invitation letter from host with address and ID copy
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If sponsored, include the host’s residence permit or passport
7. Proof of Financial Means
This shows you can support yourself during your stay.
Provide at least one of:
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Bank statement (last 3–6 months) with your name
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Payslips from employer (if employed)
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Letter of sponsorship + sponsor’s bank statement (if sponsored)
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Tax clearance certificate (if self-employed)
For tourists, you must prove you have at least €50–€100 per day depending on the destination.
8. Cover Letter
This is a personal letter addressed to the embassy, explaining:
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Why you’re traveling
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Where you’ll go and stay
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Who is sponsoring you (if applicable)
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How long you’ll stay and what your plans are
Use simple, honest language. It helps the visa officer understand your purpose.
9. Proof of Ties to Nigeria
To prove you’ll return, provide:
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Employer’s letter / Leave approval letter
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School letter (if student)
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Marriage certificate / Birth certificates of children
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Proof of business registration (if self-employed)
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Property documents (optional)
10. Visa Application Fee Payment Receipt
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Most Schengen embassies now accept online payments or payment at designated banks
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Fee for adults: €80
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Children (6–12 years): €40
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Children under 6: Free
Fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is rejected.
Extra Documents Based on Visa Type
A. For Tourist Visa
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Personal bank statement
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Hotel reservations
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Tour itinerary (optional)
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Proof of leave from work (if employed)
B. For Business Visa
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Invitation letter from the company in the Schengen area
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Letter from your employer in Nigeria stating your position and salary
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Confirmed flight and hotel booking
C. For Student Visa (Short-Term)
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Admission letter
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Proof of tuition payment
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Letter of sponsorship (if applicable)
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Proof of accommodation
D. For Visiting Family or Friends
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Invitation letter from host
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Host’s ID or residence permit
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Proof of relationship
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Letter of support from host (optional)
E. For Minors (Under 18)
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Birth certificate
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Consent letter signed by both parents
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Copies of parents’ ID/passports
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If traveling with one parent: custody documents or second parent’s consent
How to Submit Schengen Visa Documents in Nigeria
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Book appointment on the embassy/VFS website
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Visit the Visa Application Centre (e.g., VFS Global for France, Germany, Italy, etc.)
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Submit your documents, biometrics (fingerprints), and passport
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Pay your visa fee if not already paid online
📍 Schengen visa application centres are in Lagos and Abuja
How Long Does It Take to Process Schengen Visa in Nigeria?
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Standard processing: 15 working days
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During peak travel times: up to 30 days
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Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your travel date
Common Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejection in Nigeria
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Incomplete or fake documents
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Insufficient proof of funds
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Doubts about returning to Nigeria
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Mismatched travel details
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Lack of travel insurance
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Poor cover letter or interview
Tip: Double-check your documents and use a checklist before submission.
FAQs on Documents Required for Schengen Visa Application in Nigeria
Q: How much bank balance is required for Schengen visa from Nigeria?
A: You should show at least €50–€100 per day of stay. For a 14-day trip, keep ₦500,000 or more depending on the country and exchange rate.
Q: Can I use my sponsor’s bank statement?
A: Yes. But you must include a sponsorship letter, their ID, bank statement, and proof of relationship.
Q: Do I need to buy flight tickets before visa approval?
A: No. Only provide a flight reservation or dummy ticket. Buy real tickets only after approval.
Q: Is hotel booking compulsory?
A: Yes. If you’re not staying with someone, you must show paid hotel bookings that match your travel dates.
Q: What happens if I submit fake documents?
A: Your application will be denied, and you may be banned from reapplying for up to 5 years.
Q: Do all Schengen countries require the same documents?
A: Yes, but minor differences exist. Always check the official website of the specific embassy.
Final Thoughts on Documents Required for Schengen Visa Application in Nigeria
The Schengen visa process may seem tough, but with the right documents and careful preparation, Nigerians can increase their approval chances. Start by checking the correct visa category, gather all the required documents, and ensure everything matches your application form and travel plans.
Avoid shortcuts or using fake papers — embassies verify every detail. Always present strong ties to Nigeria and clear financial evidence.
If you’re serious about traveling to Europe in 2025, follow this guide step-by-step and you’ll be one step closer to getting your Schengen visa.