About the Italy Schengen Visa

This Schengen visa, applied through Italy, grants access to all 29 Schengen member states.1 This includes popular destinations such as France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, and the Nordic countries. You can travel freely between these countries during your 90-day stay.

Apply through Italy if Italy is your main destination or your first point of entry into the Schengen area.3

Application Process

All applications are submitted through TLScontact Visa Application Centres in Nigeria.2 The Consulate General of Italy in Lagos handles visa processing for all Nigerian applicants.3 The Embassy of Italy in Abuja does not issue entry visas.5

1. Determine Your Eligibility and Gather Documents

Review the official document checklist from TLScontact or the Italian visa portal.1 Ensure you have all required documents before booking an appointment. Missing documents will delay your application.

2. Create a TLScontact Account

Register online at the TLScontact website by providing your email and creating a password.2 You will use this account to manage your application.

3. Complete the Application Form

Fill out the Schengen visa application form in capital letters using black ink.2 Print the form and sign it in two places. Ensure all information matches your supporting documents exactly.

4. Book Your Appointment

Schedule an appointment at the TLScontact centre in Abuja or Lagos through your online account.2 Print your appointment notification. Appointments fill quickly during peak seasons, so book early.

5. Attend Your Appointment

Arrive at the TLScontact centre with all required documents.2 Your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) will be captured if you have not provided them within the last 59 months. A TLScontact agent will verify your submission.

6. Pay Fees

Pay the €90 visa fee plus TLScontact service charges.1 Payment methods vary by centre. Fees are non-refundable even if your visa is refused.

7. Track Your Application

After submission, you can track your application status online through the TLScontact portal.2 Processing typically takes 15 working days but may extend during busy periods.

8. Collect Your Passport

You will be notified via email when your passport is ready for collection.2 Bring your checklist receipt and valid ID. If someone else is collecting on your behalf, they need an authorization letter and their ID.

Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before your intended travel date, but no later than 15 days before departure.1

Fees

All visa fees are non-refundable, even if your visa is refused.1 The service fee covers application processing, biometric capture, and document handling.

What You Need to Prove

Italian consular officers must be satisfied that you:1

Have genuine tourist intent: Your purpose of visit is legitimate and you plan to leave before the visa expires. Provide detailed itinerary and clear travel plans.

Can financially support yourself: You have sufficient funds for accommodation, travel, and daily expenses without working. Bank statements should show stable income and adequate balance.

Will return to Nigeria: You have compelling ties to your home country that ensure your return. This is critical given the high rejection rate for Nigerian applicants.

Have valid travel documents: Your passport and insurance meet Schengen requirements. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.

Processing Times

Current processing time is 15 working days from when your application reaches the Italian Consulate.1

Processing may take longer if:

• Additional document verification is required
• Your application is submitted during peak season (summer months, December holidays)
• Complex circumstances require further review
• You need to provide additional evidence

Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date to account for potential delays and the time needed to book an appointment. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before travel.

After Your Visa is Approved

Your visa sticker will be placed in your passport. Before traveling, verify:

• Visa validity dates match your travel plans
• Number of entries permitted (single, double, or multiple)
• Duration of stay granted (up to 90 days)

At the Italian border, you may be asked to show:

• Return flight booking
• Hotel reservations or host invitation
• Proof of funds (cash, cards, or bank statements)
• Travel insurance certificate

If Your Visa is Refused

If refused, you will receive a letter explaining the specific grounds for rejection.1 Common next steps:

1. Review the refusal reasons carefully: Understand exactly why your application was denied
2. Address the issues: Gather additional or improved documentation
3. Reapply: Submit a new application with strengthened evidence. There is no mandatory waiting period
4. Seek professional advice: Consider consulting an immigration lawyer for complex cases

The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the decision.1 You may also appeal the decision through the Italian courts, but reapplying with improved documentation is often faster and more practical.

Schengen Member States

With your Italian Schengen visa, you can visit 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 your total stay across all Schengen countries cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.