Relief for applicants as Germany eases visa process for Nigerians, others

Germany is expanding its visa services and will soon open four new Schengen Visa Application Centres in Abuja and Lagos (Nigeria), Yaoundé (Cameroon), and Nicosia (Cyprus), under a new seven-year partnership with VFS Global. These centres are not yet operational and will launch in the coming months as part of a phased rollout.

This development follows a newly signed seven-year agreement between Germany’s Federal Foreign Office and VFS Global, a private company responsible for managing visa processing services.

Until now, Nigerian applicants seeking German Schengen visas had to submit their applications directly at the German Embassy in Abuja or the Consulate General in Lagos. With no dedicated VFS Global centres in the country, applicants often faced long waiting times and limited appointment availability.

Once the new centres officially open, VFS Global will handle the initial collection of visa applications, biometric data, and appointment scheduling, helping to streamline the process and improve access.

Germany remains a key destination for African and Middle Eastern citizens seeking opportunities in education, healthcare, tourism, and employment.

Meanwhile, VFS Global has warned the public about fraudulent websites and individuals offering fake visa appointments for a fee.

Recent statistics show that Nigeria had a Schengen visa rejection rate of 45.9% in 2024, ranking third-highest in the world after Bangladesh.

Applicants are advised to follow updates on official channels and the VFS Global website for confirmation of each centre’s opening and appointment availability.