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Online, physical or both?
Start online
Confirm that Germany is the applicant's main Schengen destination and use the German mission's Nigeria tourism checklist to assemble the complete file before booking. Then complete the VIDEX/Schengen form, prepare the passport, photos, travel insurance, civil-status/birth evidence, itinerary, accommodation, financial and employment/ties documents in the required original/copy format.
A physical step is required
The in-person or assisted stage stated in this guide is: Complete the VIDEX/Schengen form, prepare the passport, photos, travel insurance, civil-status/birth evidence, itinerary, accommodation, financial and employment/ties documents in the required original/copy format.
Find official offices/centres →If this specific process gets stuck
Use Germany Visa's official support/contact route and quote the reference generated by this application.
View agency guidance →Only authorised routes. We never present an unofficial agent, cybercafé or third-party payment page as an alternative unless the responsible agency authorises it.
Documents, details and prerequisites you need
This is the complete pre-start checklist from the verified guide. Each item below explains what it is for, where it enters the process and whether the official source actually specifies an original, copy or upload.
Completed and personally signed VIDEX/Schengen visa application form
- Why you need it
- This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: Complete the VIDEX/Schengen form, prepare the passport, photos, travel insurance, civil-status/birth evidence, itinerary, accommodation, financial and employment/ties documents in the required original/copy format.
- Original, copy or upload?
- Original is explicitly referenced in the guide. Take the original to the relevant verification or physical stage.
Original passport issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond the planned Schengen departure and containing at least two blank pages, plus a copy of the data page
- Why you need it
- Used to identify the applicant's current passport record or to support the passport transaction described in this guide.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: Complete the VIDEX/Schengen form, prepare the passport, photos, travel insurance, civil-status/birth evidence, itinerary, accommodation, financial and employment/ties documents in the required original/copy format.
- Original, copy or upload?
- Original is explicitly referenced in the guide. Take the original to the relevant verification or physical stage.
Two recent biometric passport photographs
- Why you need it
- Used to identify the applicant's current passport record or to support the passport transaction described in this guide.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: Complete the VIDEX/Schengen form, prepare the passport, photos, travel insurance, civil-status/birth evidence, itinerary, accommodation, financial and employment/ties documents in the required original/copy format.
- Original, copy or upload?
- Original is explicitly referenced in the guide. Take the original to the relevant verification or physical stage.
Travel health insurance covering the whole Schengen area with at least €30,000 medical/repatriation cover
- Why you need it
- This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: Complete the VIDEX/Schengen form, prepare the passport, photos, travel insurance, civil-status/birth evidence, itinerary, accommodation, financial and employment/ties documents in the required original/copy format.
- Original, copy or upload?
- Original is explicitly referenced in the guide. Take the original to the relevant verification or physical stage.
Round-trip flight reservation, accommodation evidence and documents explaining the tourism itinerary
- Why you need it
- Used to locate the taxpayer record connected to the transaction.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: Complete the VIDEX/Schengen form, prepare the passport, photos, travel insurance, civil-status/birth evidence, itinerary, accommodation, financial and employment/ties documents in the required original/copy format.
- Original, copy or upload?
- Original is explicitly referenced in the guide. Take the original to the relevant verification or physical stage.
Birth-certificate or age-evidence documentation required by the German Nigeria tourism checklist, using the correct rule for the applicant's date of birth
- Why you need it
- Used as documentary evidence for the qualification, status or civil fact relevant to this service.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 1: Confirm that Germany is the applicant's main Schengen destination and use the German mission's Nigeria tourism checklist to assemble the complete file before booking.
- Original, copy or upload?
- The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
Financial/employment or other evidence showing how the trip will be funded and that the applicant has ties to Nigeria; include prior passports/Schengen visas where applicable
- Why you need it
- Used to identify the applicant's current passport record or to support the passport transaction described in this guide.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: Complete the VIDEX/Schengen form, prepare the passport, photos, travel insurance, civil-status/birth evidence, itinerary, accommodation, financial and employment/ties documents in the required original/copy format.
- Original, copy or upload?
- Original is explicitly referenced in the guide. Take the original to the relevant verification or physical stage.
Original documents plus one set of photocopies for the personal visa interview
- Why you need it
- Used for the applicant image or identity record. Follow the exact size/background/ICAO rule shown by the responsible agency.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 4: Appear personally for the visa interview, hand in the complete documents, provide fingerprints, answer questions about the trip and pay the Schengen fee in the method accepted by the mission.
- Original, copy or upload?
- Original is explicitly referenced in the guide. Take the original to the relevant verification or physical stage.
For an applicant under 18: copies of the parents' passport data pages and, if a parent will not attend, the German mission's signed/certified consent documentation; custody/divorce/death evidence is also required where applicable
- Why you need it
- Used to identify the applicant's current passport record or to support the passport transaction described in this guide.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 1: Confirm that Germany is the applicant's main Schengen destination and use the German mission's Nigeria tourism checklist to assemble the complete file before booking.
- Original, copy or upload?
- A copy/photocopy is explicitly referenced in the guide. Keep the source document available as well.
Step-by-step instructions
Follow the process in order. Each step also shows what to have ready, what to check before continuing and what evidence to keep. Where the agency does not publish an extra requirement, this guide does not invent one.
Confirm that Germany is the applicant's main Schengen destination and use the German mission's Nigeria tourism checklist to assemble the complete file before booking.
- Birth-certificate or age-evidence documentation required by the German Nigeria tourism checklist, using the correct rule for the applicant's date of birth
- Financial/employment or other evidence showing how the trip will be funded and that the applicant has ties to Nigeria; include prior passports/Schengen visas where applicable
- For an applicant under 18: copies of the parents' passport data pages and, if a parent will not attend, the German mission's signed/certified consent documentation; custody/divorce/death evidence is also required where applicable
Review names, numbers, dates, contact details and selections before final submission because corrections may require a separate official process.
Keep the application/reference number, acknowledgement or confirmation generated after submission.
Complete the VIDEX/Schengen form, prepare the passport, photos, travel insurance, civil-status/birth evidence, itinerary, accommodation, financial and employment/ties documents in the required original/copy format.
- Financial/employment or other evidence showing how the trip will be funded and that the applicant has ties to Nigeria; include prior passports/Schengen visas where applicable
- Original passport issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond the planned Schengen departure and containing at least two blank pages, plus a copy of the data page
- Round-trip flight reservation, accommodation evidence and documents explaining the tourism itinerary
Check that every file belongs to the correct applicant/record, is readable and matches the portal prompt before upload.
Keep any reference, confirmation, screenshot or acknowledgement generated by the official route.
Book the free visa appointment through the official German mission booking route; in most cases the Consulate General in Lagos is responsible, while Abuja handles only specified categories/cases.
- For an applicant under 18: copies of the parents' passport data pages and, if a parent will not attend, the German mission's signed/certified consent documentation; custody/divorce/death evidence is also required where applicable
- Completed and personally signed VIDEX/Schengen visa application form
- Birth-certificate or age-evidence documentation required by the German Nigeria tourism checklist, using the correct rule for the applicant's date of birth
Read the next screen or office instruction before moving on; do not assume an extra payment, document or visit is required unless the responsible agency asks for it.
Keep the appointment, acknowledgement or reference you may need at the physical stage.
Appear personally for the visa interview, hand in the complete documents, provide fingerprints, answer questions about the trip and pay the Schengen fee in the method accepted by the mission.
- Completed and personally signed VIDEX/Schengen visa application form
- Financial/employment or other evidence showing how the trip will be funded and that the applicant has ties to Nigeria; include prior passports/Schengen visas where applicable
- Original documents plus one set of photocopies for the personal visa interview
Confirm the service, applicant/entity details and amount on the official payment screen before paying. Do not continue from an unsolicited payment link.
Keep the official receipt, payment reference or transaction ID.
Wait for the mission's decision notice and, if approved, check the visa sticker immediately for correct name, passport number, dates, entries and duration of stay before travelling.
- Birth-certificate or age-evidence documentation required by the German Nigeria tourism checklist, using the correct rule for the applicant's date of birth
- Financial/employment or other evidence showing how the trip will be funded and that the applicant has ties to Nigeria; include prior passports/Schengen visas where applicable
- For an applicant under 18: copies of the parents' passport data pages and, if a parent will not attend, the German mission's signed/certified consent documentation; custody/divorce/death evidence is also required where applicable
Make sure the displayed record is the correct person/entity and that the information matches the evidence you are using.
Keep any reference, confirmation, screenshot or acknowledgement generated by the official route.
What exactly happens next?
Keep the application/reference number, payment receipt, acknowledgement or downloadable record produced by this service.
Wait for the mission's decision notice and, if approved, check the visa sticker immediately for correct name, passport number, dates, entries and duration of stay before travelling.
German missions in Nigeria state that Schengen processing is generally at least/up to 15 calendar days and can be extended in individual cases.
Use Germany Visa's official support channel with the application/reference details.
Important notes
- Germany's Nigeria guidance says applicants should normally submit at least 15 calendar days before travel and may apply up to 6 months before the trip.
- Appointment booking is free; the German missions explicitly warn against third parties selling appointment slots.
- Germany must be the main destination for a German Schengen application; using the wrong Schengen state can result in the application not being accepted.
Common questions
These answers are generated from the verified requirements, route, fee, timeline and official-source notes for this specific service.
What should I prepare before I start?
Prepare before you begin by gathering every item below. The detailed checklist above explains why each one is needed, where it is used, and whether the official source specifies an original, copy or upload.
- Completed and personally signed VIDEX/Schengen visa application form — Document
- Original passport issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond the planned Schengen departure and containing at least two blank pages, plus a copy of the data page — Document
- Two recent biometric passport photographs — Document
- Travel health insurance covering the whole Schengen area with at least €30,000 medical/repatriation cover — Other requirement
- Round-trip flight reservation, accommodation evidence and documents explaining the tourism itinerary — Other requirement
- Birth-certificate or age-evidence documentation required by the German Nigeria tourism checklist, using the correct rule for the applicant's date of birth — Document
- Financial/employment or other evidence showing how the trip will be funded and that the applicant has ties to Nigeria; include prior passports/Schengen visas where applicable — Document
- Original documents plus one set of photocopies for the personal visa interview — Document
- For an applicant under 18: copies of the parents' passport data pages and, if a parent will not attend, the German mission's signed/certified consent documentation; custody/divorce/death evidence is also required where applicable — Document
Can I do this online, or do I need to visit an office?
Online + physical visit. Confirm that Germany is the applicant's main Schengen destination and use the German mission's Nigeria tourism checklist to assemble the complete file before booking. Then complete the VIDEX/Schengen form, prepare the passport, photos, travel insurance, civil-status/birth evidence, itinerary, accommodation, financial and employment/ties documents in the required original/copy format.
The in-person or assisted stage stated in this guide is: Complete the VIDEX/Schengen form, prepare the passport, photos, travel insurance, civil-status/birth evidence, itinerary, accommodation, financial and employment/ties documents in the required original/copy format.
How much does this service cost?
€90 adult Schengen visa fee — Germany's missions in Nigeria list €90 for the standard Schengen visa, payable at the current mission exchange rate in Nigerian naira; reductions or waivers apply to specified categories.
Pay only through the responsible agency or the official payment channel linked in this guide.
How long should it take?
German missions in Nigeria state that Schengen processing is generally at least/up to 15 calendar days and can be extended in individual cases.
Processing can still take longer where identity checks, document corrections, payment confirmation or manual review are required.
What happens after I submit or complete the main step?
Keep the evidence for Germany Schengen tourist visa: Keep the application/reference number, payment receipt, acknowledgement or downloadable record produced by this service.
Complete the final published step: Wait for the mission's decision notice and, if approved, check the visa sticker immediately for correct name, passport number, dates, entries and duration of stay before travelling.
What should I do if the portal, payment or application gets stuck?
Use Germany Visa's official support/contact route and quote the reference generated by this application.
Keep any application number, receipt, acknowledgement, transaction reference or screenshot that can help the agency trace the request.
What should I be careful about?
- Germany's Nigeria guidance says applicants should normally submit at least 15 calendar days before travel and may apply up to 6 months before the trip.
- Appointment booking is free; the German missions explicitly warn against third parties selling appointment slots.
How do I verify that these instructions are current?
This guide was last checked on 2026-09-28. The official government or agency sources used to verify it are listed directly below this section.
Where an agency changes a fee, deadline or procedure, the official source takes priority over this independent guide.
Is MyNigeriaGuide the government website for this service?
No. MyNigeriaGuide is an independent information service. Applications, payments, approvals and final decisions remain with the responsible government agency.
Visa questions Nigerians commonly need answered
Foreign visa rules are country-specific. These answers explain the issues that commonly cause confusion without inventing a universal bank balance, sponsor rule or appeal process.
How much money must be in my bank account?
Financial/employment or other evidence showing how the trip will be funded and that the applicant has ties to Nigeria; include prior passports/Schengen visas where applicable
Use the exact financial-evidence rule in the checklist above. The evidence should match who is paying for the trip, the trip length and the application form. Do not rely on an unofficial agent's fixed “required balance” unless the destination authority itself publishes that amount.
Can another person or company sponsor my trip?
Only use sponsorship where this visa route accepts it. If a sponsor is paying, follow the country-specific checklist for the sponsor letter, relationship to the applicant, identity or immigration-status evidence, financial evidence and any undertaking/responsibility form.
Sponsorship does not automatically replace documents the destination still requires from the applicant, such as employment, study, business, family or other evidence connected to the applicant's own circumstances.
What if the applicant is under 18?
For an applicant under 18: copies of the parents' passport data pages and, if a parent will not attend, the German mission's signed/certified consent documentation; custody/divorce/death evidence is also required where applicable
Where the detailed checklist above does not list a child rule, open the exact official instructions before submitting. Birth certificates, parental/guardian consent, parent IDs/passports, custody documents and details of the adult travelling with or hosting the child can be required.
Should I buy a flight ticket before the visa is approved?
Use the type of travel evidence the official checklist asks for. Several visitor-visa systems ask for a reservation or itinerary rather than a non-refundable paid ticket. Do not turn a reservation requirement into an unnecessary non-refundable purchase.
If this country's official instructions specifically require a paid ticket or another form of confirmed travel, that country-specific requirement takes priority.
What happens if the visa is refused?
Read the refusal/decision letter first. It should identify the reason and, where the law provides one, the appeal, review or reconsideration route. Some visa systems instead expect a new application.
If you reapply, address the stated reason and disclose previous refusals whenever the form asks. Do not submit altered, false or contradictory documents to try to overcome a refusal.
Does getting the visa guarantee entry at the airport or border?
No. A visa normally allows you to travel to a border and request entry; border authorities can still check whether you meet the entry conditions and whether the purpose of travel matches the visa.
What should I carry when I actually travel?
Keep your passport and visa/eVisa or grant notice accessible. Also carry the important evidence relevant to your trip, such as return/onward travel, accommodation or host details, invitation letter, travel insurance and evidence of funds or sponsorship where those formed part of the visa route.
Official sources
These are the government or agency pages used to verify this guide. Open them directly whenever you want to confirm the source.
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