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Travel2Europe does not charge any fees. The €90 application fee is paid directly to the embassy/visa application center. We're just here to help you navigate the process!
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa allows travel within 29 European countries that have abolished passport control at mutual borders. One visa = multiple countries!
🌍 Schengen Countries (29)
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
Key Facts
- Maximum stay: 90 days within any 180-day period
- Validity: Single, double, or multiple-entry
- Application: Apply at your main destination's embassy
- Processing: Usually 15 working days, up to 45 days
📍 CRITICAL: Main Destination Rule
You MUST apply at the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most nights.
This is a strict Schengen requirement:
- Most nights: 4 nights Netherlands + 3 nights Belgium → Apply at Netherlands
- Equal nights: 3 nights France + 3 nights Spain + 3 nights Italy → Apply at first country you enter
- Business purpose: If attending a conference/meeting that is the main purpose of your trip, apply at that country even if you spend more leisure time elsewhere
⚠️ Important:
- Your actual travel must match your application — authorities may check
- Misrepresenting your itinerary can result in visa denial or future problems
- If unsure, contact the embassy directly for guidance
⚠️ UK is NOT Schengen
The United Kingdom requires a separate UK visa. Ireland is also not in Schengen.
Types of Schengen Visas
Tourist Visa
Sightseeing, vacation, leisure travel
Business Visa
Meetings, conferences, trade fairs
Family Visit
Visiting relatives in Europe
Medical Visa
Medical treatment abroad
Required Documents
42% of Nigerian rejections are due to documentation issues. Be thorough!
📕 Valid Nigerian Passport
- Valid 3+ months after return date
- At least 2 blank pages
- Issued within last 10 years
🏦 Bank Statements (6 months)
- Original from bank (NOT online printouts)
- Stamped and signed by bank
- Minimum ₦2.5M+ for 2-week trip
💼 Employment Letter
- Company letterhead with contact details
- Position, salary, employment length
- Confirmed leave approval
🏥 Travel Insurance
- Minimum €30,000 coverage
- Valid for entire Schengen area
- Covers entire trip + 15 days
✈️ Flight & Hotel Reservations
- Round-trip flight booking (can be refundable)
- Hotel booking or host invitation letter
✉️ Cover Letter
- Explain travel purpose
- Your ties to Nigeria
- Why you will return
🔗 Proof of Ties to Nigeria (CRUCIAL!)
Interview Tips
💡 Interview Tips
- Dress professionally
- Be confident but humble
- Answer directly — don't ramble
- Know your itinerary
- Be honest — lies lead to bans
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Insufficient Funds
Bank balance too low or suspicious sudden deposits
Weak Ties to Nigeria
No evidence of reasons to return — #1 rejection reason
Incomplete Documents
Missing documents = automatic rejection
Vague Travel Plans
No specific dates, places, or activities
If You're Rejected
A rejection isn't the end. Here's what to do:
Your Options
💡 Reapplication Tips
- Wait 2-4 weeks before reapplying
- Address every rejection reason
- Add MORE documents proving ties
- Write a new cover letter
- Be honest about previous rejection
Check Your Readiness
Use our free quiz to see if you're prepared before you apply
Take the Quiz →