In a landmark move aimed at improving travel access and fostering closer ties with Africa’s largest economy, 29 Schengen countries have announced the introduction of a five-year multiple-entry visa for eligible Nigerian travellers.
The new visa policy, confirmed through official travel advisories and European diplomatic missions, allows qualified Nigerians to visit any of the 29 Schengen member states multiple times within a five-year period provided each stay does not exceed 90 days in any 180-day window.
According to reports, the initiative targets frequent travellers, business executives, and professionals with strong travel histories and compliance records. It is part of an ongoing effort to streamline visa processes and strengthen business, educational, and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and the European Union.
Who Qualifies
Under the new arrangement, applicants must demonstrate a credible travel record, financial stability, and consistent compliance with past visa conditions. Priority will be given to those who have previously held multiple-entry Schengen visas without any history of overstaying or immigration violations.
While the visa offers longer validity, the approval remains at the discretion of each Schengen country’s consulate or embassy. Applicants are required to submit a detailed application, including proof of purpose of travel, valid insurance, bank statements, and travel history.
A senior European diplomatic source said the move is part of a “trust-based visa facilitation framework” aimed at rewarding law-abiding travellers.
“Nigerians who have shown consistency, transparency, and respect for visa conditions are now being encouraged through longer visa durations. It helps reduce repetitive applications and builds travel confidence,” the source stated.
Full List of Eligible Countries
The Schengen zone currently includes Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, among others.
Why It Matters
The decision comes as a relief for many Nigerians who have long faced high visa rejection rates. Data from 2024 showed that Nigeria recorded a 45.9 percent Schengen visa refusal rate, one of the highest globally.
Travel analysts say the five-year visa policy could mark a turning point for Nigerian-European relations. It is expected to boost tourism, trade, and education exchanges, while also improving Nigeria’s image as a responsible travel partner.
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A Lagos-based travel consultant, Ifeanyi Nwosu, welcomed the development, noting that it would “greatly reduce the cost and stress associated with repeated visa applications.”
“For frequent travellers, especially business people and academics, this is a major win. It shows the EU’s growing confidence in the Nigerian travel community,” Nwosu added.
What Applicants Should Know
Experts advise that prospective applicants begin preparing their documentation early. Passports must be valid for at least five years, while applicants must maintain compliance with the 90-day stay rule within any 180-day period.
Additionally, holding a five-year visa does not grant automatic entry border officers can still deny access if travel reasons are not consistent with the visa’s purpose.
Outlook
Observers see this move as part of a wider European effort to rebuild travel and diplomatic relations with Africa’s largest population. For Nigeria, it signals a recognition of its growing influence in global mobility and trade.
If fully implemented, the five-year Schengen visa programme could become one of the most significant travel facilitation measures for Nigerians in decades making travel to Europe not only easier but also more predictable and dignified.