Nigeria to France tourist visa
Complete France Schengen visa requirements, fees, processing times, and approval tips for Nigerian citizens. Updated December 2025.
- Visa
- France Schengen Visa
- Fee
- €90
- Processing time
- 15 calendar days (up to 45)
- Length of stay
- Up to 90 days
Required documents
- Valid Passport — Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area
- Visa Application Form — Complete the Schengen visa application form using the France-Visas online portal
- Biometric Photographs — Recent passport-sized photographs meeting Schengen specifications
- Birth Certificate — Certified copy of birth certificate or affidavit of age
- Travel Medical Insurance — Valid travel insurance covering all Schengen countries for your entire stay
- Flight Reservations — Round-trip flight bookings showing entry and exit from Schengen Area
- Accommodation Confirmation — Proof of where you will stay during your visit to France
- Detailed Travel Itinerary — Day-by-day plan of your activities and movements in France and other Schengen countries
- Cover Letter — Personal letter explaining the purpose and details of your trip
- Bank Statements — Recent bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds for your trip
- Employment Documentation — Evidence of your employment status and income in Nigeria
- Proof of Ties to Nigeria — Documentation proving your strong reasons to return to Nigeria after your trip
- Biometrics Enrollment — Fingerprints and photograph captured at TLScontact Visa Application Centre
How to apply
- Determine your travel dates and — 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
- Create an account on France-Visas — 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.
- Complete the online visa application — 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.
- Gather all required documents Collect — 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
- Purchase travel insurance Buy Schengen — 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.
- Book TLScontact appointment Schedule your — 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.
Common questions
- How long can I stay in France on a Schengen visa?
- The Schengen visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This means you can spend a maximum of 90 days across all Schengen countries combined over a rolling 6-month window. You cannot extend this by leaving and immediately re-entering.
- Can I visit other European countries with a France Schengen visa?
- Yes! A Schengen visa issued by France grants you access to all 29 Schengen member states: 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.
- How long does it take to get a France Schengen visa from Nigeria?
- Standard processing is 15 working days from when your application reaches the French consulate. During peak seasons, processing may extend to 30–45 days. Submit your application at least 1 month before your travel date, and you can apply up to 6 months in advance.
- What is the France Schengen visa approval rate for Nigerian citizens?
- Nigerian applicants face challenging approval rates of approximately 50% for France Schengen visas. Nigeria had a 45.9% overall Schengen rejection rate in 2024, the third highest globally. Thorough documentation and strong proof of ties to Nigeria are essential for success.
- Where can I apply for a France Schengen visa in Nigeria?
- You must apply at TLScontact Visa Application Centres. There are two centers in Nigeria: Lagos (1st floor, Banksome house, 39 Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island) and Abuja (Ground floor, Murkhtar El-Yakub Square, Zakariya Maimalari Street, Central Business District). Book your appointment online at the TLScontact website.
- How much money should I show in my bank account for a France Schengen visa?
- You should demonstrate at least €100 per day of your planned stay. For a 2-week trip, this means approximately €1,400 (around ₦2,100,000 at current rates). Your bank statements should show stable income and consistent balance over 3–6 months. Avoid large unexplained deposits.