Relief for applicants as Germany eases visa process, opens visa centres in Nigeria, others
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By Patrick Igwe
Germany has expanded its Schengen visa services by launching four new application centres in Africa and the Middle East, including two in Nigeria.
The centres, located in Abuja, Lagos (Nigeria), Yaoundé (Cameroon), and Nicosia (Cyprus), are part of a new seven-year partnership between Germany’s Federal Foreign Office and VFS Global, the international visa processing firm.
Until now, Nigerians applying for German Schengen visas had to go through the German Embassy in Abuja or the Consulate General in Lagos, where limited capacity and high demand often caused delays and long appointment wait times.
The new visa centres are expected to significantly ease the process, cut down on waiting periods, and improve overall access for applicants.
Germany continues to be a major destination for Africans and Middle Easterners pursuing education, healthcare, tourism, and job opportunities.
Meanwhile, VFS Global has issued a warning to the public about fake websites and individuals offering fraudulent visa appointments for a fee.
Recent figures indicate Nigeria had a 45.9% Schengen visa rejection rate in 2024—the third-highest globally after Bangladesh.
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