A Schengen visa is a visa that allows travel within the Schengen area. The Schengen area is a region of 26 European countries that have agreed to allow free movement of people between their borders. The visa is valid for stays of up to 90 days within a 180–day period. It is issued by one of the Schengen countries and allows travelers to move freely within the area.
What Is Schengen?
The Schengen Area is an area comprising 26 European countries that have officially abolished all passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. The area mostly functions as a single jurisdiction for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. The area is named after the 1985 Schengen Agreement signed in Schengen, Luxembourg.
Schengen Visa Types
- Transit Visa
- Tourism Visa
- Visa for Visiting Family or Friends
- Business Visa
- Visa for Journalists
- Visa for Culture and Sports activities
- Visa for Official Visits
- Study Visa
- Visa for Medical Reasons
Schengen Visa Fee
The Schengen visa fee is €80 (approximately US$90) for most applicants. Some applicants may be exempt from the fee or may have to pay a reduced fee.
Schengen Visa Countries
The Schengen Area comprises 26 countries that have officially abolished all passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. The area mostly functions as a single jurisdiction for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. The 26 countries are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- 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
Schengen Visa Requirements
The Schengen visa requirements vary depending on the country you are traveling to and the type of visa you are applying for. Generally, all applicants must provide the following documents:
- A valid passport or travel documents
- Completed Schengen visa application form
- Two recently taken passport–sized photographs
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of travel arrangements
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Proof of medical insurance
- Any additional documents requested by the embassy
Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may need to provide additional documents. Please contact the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you are visiting for more information about the exact visa requirements.
Schengen Visa Application Form
The Schengen visa application form can be found on the official website of the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country that you are applying to. The application form may vary from one country to another and is available in the country‘s official language, as well as in English. For more information, please contact the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you are applying to.
How To Apply For Schengen Visa
Check visa requirements:
Before applying for a Schengen visa, you must make sure you meet the requirements for obtaining one. Check the visa requirements for your country of origin and the country you plan to visit.
Gather documents:
You will need to provide certain documents when applying for a Schengen visa. These include a valid passport, proof of travel insurance, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and other documents.
Submit the application:
You can submit your Schengen visa application in person, by mail, or online. The exact process varies from country to country.
Pay the fee:
Most Schengen visas require a fee. This fee can vary based on the type of visa you are applying for and the country you are applying in.
Wait for processing:
Once you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for it to be processed. Processing times vary depending on the country you are applying in.
Receive the visa:
Once your application is approved, you will receive your Schengen visa. You can then use it to travel to any of the countries in the Schengen area.
Guides To Schengen Visa Application In Nigeria
- Visit the official website at https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/
- Check through the visa types to know the visa you want to apply for
- Then click on the countries to see guides on the country you want to visit
- Navigate through the page to and read through the guidelines
- Ensure you have gathered all the required documents for the application
- Scroll to “HOW TO APPLY” and follow the steps promptly
Important Links
- Schengen Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens – https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-application-requirements/nigeria/
- How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Nigeria – https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/how-to-apply-schengen-visa/nigeria/
Schengen Visa Appointment
The Schengen visa application process and appointment booking vary depending on the country of residence. In most cases, applicants must submit their visa application to the appropriate embassy or consulate and make an appointment to attend a visa interview. Appointments can be booked online or by telephone, depending on the embassy or consulate.
Some Of The Questions You Might Be Asked During The Interview
- Which countries in the Schengen, are you planning to visit?
- Do you have any family members or friends living in Europe?
- What is the purpose of your visit?
- Who will pay for your visit?
- Are you married? If yes, what does your spouse do? For how long have you been married?
- Do you have any children? If yes, how old are they, and what do they do?
- How long are you going to stay in Europe?
- Where are you going to stay?
- What is your educational qualification?
- Which company do you work for?
Schengen Visa Application Status
The best way to check your Schengen visa application status is to contact the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application. Depending on the embassy, you may be able to check the status of your application online or by phone. You may also be able to track your application status using the contact information provided when you submitted your application.
