Schengen Visa from Nigeria: Which Country to Apply Through

Updated May 2026 · Stamkay Logistics editorial team

A Schengen visa lets you visit 29 European countries on one sticker — France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Greece and more. The tricky part isn't the application itself; it's picking the correct country to apply through.

The main destination rule

The Schengen code says you must apply at the consulate of your main destination — the country where you'll spend the most days. If nights are split equally between several countries, apply at the consulate of your first point of entry. Choosing the wrong consulate is a fast route to a refusal.

Which consulates operate in Nigeria?

Most Schengen states outsource biometrics to VFS Global or TLScontact in Abuja and Lagos. Practical availability in Nigeria in 2026:

• France — TLScontact Abuja and Lagos; relatively quick appointments outside summer.
• Germany — VFS Abuja and Lagos; famously strict on documents but consistent decisions.
• Netherlands — VFS Abuja; slower slots, thorough interviews.
• Italy — VFS Lagos; can be a good option when your first entry is Rome or Milan.
• Spain — BLS Lagos; strong for cruise passengers and Barcelona-first trips.

Fees and processing

• Adult short-stay visa fee: €90 (paid in Naira at the current consular rate).
• Children 6–11: €45.
• Under 6: free.
• Service fee to VFS/TLS/BLS on top, typically ₦30,000–₦50,000.
• Processing: officially up to 15 calendar days, but summer peak can push it to 45.

Documents Nigerian applicants must get right

1. Cover letter — one page, addressed to the consul, stating dates, cities, purpose and who pays.
2. Passport with three months of validity beyond the return date and two blank pages.
3. Travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical costs and repatriation for the whole Schengen stay.
4. Flight itinerary — reservation, not paid ticket. Buy the ticket after the visa is issued.
5. Accommodation — hotel bookings for every night, or an invitation letter from a Schengen host with their ID/residence permit.
6. Financial evidence — six months of bank statements showing regular income, plus salary slips or company documents.
7. Employment / business proof — leave approval, CAC certificate, tax clearance.

How to structure a multi-country trip

A common Stamkay itinerary: fly Lagos → Amsterdam, spend three nights in the Netherlands, take the Thalys to Paris for five nights, then fly Paris → Lagos. Nights: 3 vs 5 → main destination is France, first entry Netherlands. You apply to France.

Another: cruise starting in Barcelona for a week, then flight home from Barcelona. Only one country, only one entry → apply to Spain, even if the cruise touches other ports.

Common refusal reasons

• Wrong consulate (main destination rule broken).
• Insurance policy that doesn't clearly cover €30,000 or the full dates.
• Bank statements showing suspicious top-ups just before applying.
• Weak ties to Nigeria — first-time applicant, no property, short employment history.
• Prior overstay or misrepresentation, even in a different Schengen country.

Need help mapping a multi-country trip to the right consulate? Send us your itinerary — we'll tell you where to apply and what to submit.