This Schengen visa, applied through France, grants access to all 29 Schengen member states for tourism, family visits, or business trips up to 90 days.1 France is one of the most popular Schengen destinations for Nigerian travelers, processing over 55,000 applications from Nigeria annually.5 Given the challenging approval rates for Nigerian applicants, thorough preparation and strong documentation are essential for success.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for your France Schengen visa from Nigeria:

1. Determine your travel dates and create a detailed itinerary
   Plan your trip comprehensively, including all cities you’ll visit, accommodation for each night, and planned activities. If visiting multiple Schengen countries, ensure France is your main destination or first entry point.1

2. Create an account on France-Visas portal
   Visit france-visas.gouv.fr and create your personal account.1 The portal will guide you through determining which visa you need and generate your personalized document checklist.

3. Complete the online visa application form
   Fill out the Schengen visa application on France-Visas.1 Ensure all information matches your supporting documents exactly. Print all pages including barcodes and sign the form.

4. Gather all required documents
   Collect passport, photographs, birth certificate, bank statements, employment proof, travel insurance, flight reservations, and accommodation confirmations. Review the complete requirements checklist carefully.1

5. Purchase travel insurance
   Buy Schengen travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid for all member states and your entire travel period.6 Ensure the policy explicitly mentions Schengen Area coverage.

6. Book TLScontact appointment
   Schedule your appointment at TLScontact Lagos or Abuja through the TLScontact website.2 You must pay the €28 service fee online during booking. Appointments can be scarce during peak seasons, so book well in advance.

7. Attend your appointment at TLScontact
   Arrive 15 minutes early with your original passport, printed application form, appointment confirmation, and all supporting documents in A4 format.1 Your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) will be captured if not provided within the last 59 months.

8. Pay visa fee and submit application
   Pay the €90 visa fee at the TLScontact center by card.1 The fee is collected on behalf of the French consulate and is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

9. Wait for processing
   Visa processing takes approximately 15 working days but may extend during peak periods.1 The French Embassy in Abuja or Consulate General in Lagos makes all visa decisions. Do not contact the consulate for status updates.

10. Collect your passport
    Once processed, collect your passport from the TLScontact center. No appointment is needed for collection. Your visa sticker will show validity dates, number of entries allowed, and duration of stay.

Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before your intended travel date. For short-stay visas, allow at least 1 month between submission and planned departure.1

Fees

All fees are payable in Nigerian Naira at the prevailing exchange rate. The visa fee is paid at the TLScontact center, while the service fee is paid online during appointment booking.1 Both fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

Fee exemptions may apply for certain categories, including spouses and family members of EU citizens (with proof), and diplomatic passport holders on official missions.1

What You Need to Prove

French consular officers assess Nigerian applications with particular scrutiny. You must demonstrate:4

Genuine tourism purpose: Your itinerary, hotel bookings, and cover letter must demonstrate a clear and legitimate reason to visit France. Vague plans or inconsistencies raise concerns about your true intentions.

Sufficient financial means: Bank statements should show stable income and adequate funds to cover your trip without working. Show at least €100 per day of your planned stay. Avoid large unexplained deposits shortly before applying, as these raise suspicion.

Strong ties to Nigeria: This is the most critical factor for Nigerian applicants. Property ownership, ongoing employment with tenure, family dependents, active business operations, and professional commitments prove your intention to return. Provide multiple forms of evidence.

Clean travel history: A history of respecting visa conditions in other countries significantly strengthens your application. Include old passports showing previous visas and entry/exit stamps. Previous travel to Europe, UK, US, or Canada is particularly beneficial.

Adequate insurance coverage: Your travel insurance must meet exact specifications: minimum €30,000 coverage, valid across all Schengen states, covering medical emergencies and repatriation.6

Processing Times

Standard processing for France Schengen visas is 15 working days from when your application reaches the French consulate.1

The complete timeline typically includes:

• TLScontact to Consulate transfer: 2-5 working days
• Consulate processing: 15 working days (standard)
• Passport return to TLScontact: 2-3 working days

Total realistic timeline: 3-4 weeks from your TLScontact appointment to receiving your passport.

During peak travel seasons (summer months, December-January, Easter), processing can extend to 30-45 days.1 Appointment availability also becomes limited during these periods.

Application timing rules:

• Earliest: 6 months before travel
• Latest: At least 1 month before departure (recommended)
• Official minimum: 15 days before departure6

After Your Visa is Approved

Your visa sticker will display:

• Validity period: The dates between which you can enter the Schengen Area
• Duration of stay: Maximum days allowed (up to 90 days within 180 days)
• Number of entries: Single, double, or multiple entry
• Territorial validity: Usually “États Schengen” (Schengen States)

At French border control: Immigration officers may ask about your trip purpose, accommodation, return ticket, and financial means. Carry printed copies of your hotel bookings, return flight ticket, travel insurance, and proof of funds.

The 90/180 rule: You can stay maximum 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries combined.6 Overstaying results in fines, deportation, and bans on future Schengen visas.

No extension: Schengen tourist visas cannot be extended except in extraordinary circumstances (serious illness, force majeure). Plan your trip duration carefully before applying.

If Your Visa is Refused

Given the high rejection rate for Nigerian applicants, understanding the refusal process is important. If refused, you will receive a written letter stating the reason based on the standardized EU refusal form.1

Common refusal grounds for Nigerian applicants:

• Insufficient proof of financial means
• Weak ties to Nigeria (no compelling reason to return)
• Missing or inconsistent documentation
• Unclear purpose of travel
• Previous visa issues

Your options after refusal:

1. Reapply with improved documentation: There is no mandatory waiting period. Carefully address the specific issues mentioned in the refusal letter and submit a new application with strengthened evidence. The visa fee must be paid again.

2. Seek professional advice: For complex cases or multiple refusals, consult an immigration lawyer who can review your situation and advise on the best approach.

The visa fee and TLScontact service fee are non-refundable regardless of the decision.1

Improving your next application:

• Address exactly what the refusal letter states
• Strengthen financial documentation with longer history (6+ months)
• Add more evidence of ties to Nigeria
• Ensure all documents are complete, certified, and in French or English
• Consider getting additional supporting letters
• Never submit false documents as this can result in permanent Schengen bans

Schengen Member States

With your France Schengen visa, you can travel freely within all 29 Schengen countries:

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, and Switzerland.

Remember that France should be your main destination when you apply through the French consulate. Your total stay across all Schengen countries cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.