The Schengen Visa: Eligibility Criteria and Document Requirements

If you’re from a non-Schengen country, a visa is your golden ticket to enter any of the Schengen countries. For Nigerians, this means securing a visa not just for visits, but also for transits through any Schengen airport.

Key Steps to Obtain a Schengen Visa

Determine Your Purpose of Visit:

• Clearly define your reason for travel, whether it’s tourism, business, family visit, study, or medical treatment.
• Gather relevant supporting documents, such as flight itineraries, hotel bookings, invitation letters, or medical certificates.

Choose the Correct Embassy or Consulate:

• Identify the country where you’ll be spending the majority of your time.
• Contact the embassy or consulate of that country in your home country to schedule an appointment.

Prepare Required Documents:

• Assemble a complete set of documents, including your passport, visa application form, passport-sized photos, travel insurance, proof of funds, and accommodation details.

Attend the Visa Interview:

• Be punctual and polite.
• Clearly and concisely answer questions about your travel plans, financial situation, and ties to your home country.

Pay the Visa Fee:

• Pay the required visa fee as instructed by the embassy or consulate.

Wait for Processing and Collect Your Passport:

• The processing time may vary.
• Collect your passport with the visa once your application is approved.

Types of Schengen Visas

1. Uniform Schengen Visa (USV)

This visa allows you to enter any of the 26 member states for up to 90 days within a 6-month period. It comes in three categories:

• Category A: Airport Transit Visa – allows you to transit through the international zone of a Schengen airport without entering the Schengen Area.
• Category B: Transit Visa – permits entry into multiple Schengen countries for up to 5 days.
• Category C: Short-term Visa – permits entry for the duration of the visa. It can be single, double, or multiple entries.

2. Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV)

This type only permits entry into the specific Schengen country that issued the visa.

3. National Visa

Usually for longer stays, this Type D visa is typically issued for study, work, or residence and allows you to stay for more than 90 days.

Schengen Visa Application Requirements

1. Completed Application Form: Make sure it’s filled out completely and signed.

2. Passport Photo: Attach a recent photo with a light background.

3. Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure with at least two blank pages.

4. Return Air Ticket Reservation: Show your travel plans.

5. Travel Insurance: Must cover medical emergencies and repatriation with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros.

Scenario-Based Application Tips

• Single Country Visit: Apply at the embassy of that country.
• Multiple Countries Visit: Apply at the embassy of your main destination.
• No Main Destination: Apply at the embassy of your first point of entry.

If the country you’re visiting doesn’t have an embassy in Nigeria, find their consulate representatives who can issue the visa.

Visa Denial and Refunds

Embassies receive a high volume of applications, and visa issuance isn’t guaranteed. To safeguard your plans, we recommend making refundable travel arrangements. At MJC, we partner with insurance companies to offer seamless travel insurance. With policies like Travelstart Visa Denied, you get a full refund on your flight ticket if your visa application is denied.

Visa Fees and Extensions

The visa fee depends on the type of visa you’re applying for and is non-refundable. If granted a visa, remember you cannot stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days within 6 months unless you apply for an extension for reasons like medical needs, studies, work, or marriage. You’ll need to visit the immigration authority in the specific country for an extension.