🇩🇪 Germany tourist visa for Nigerians 2026
Tourism, visiting family and friends, conferences and business trips. Facts verified against Germany's official pages; see the source at the end.
Yes. Nigerians need a visa before a short visit to Germany. Nigerian passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa for Germany, which permits up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area for tourism, visiting family or friends, business meetings, trade fairs and conferences, with no paid work allowed.
Quick facts
- Visa
- Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
- Maximum stay
- 90 days in any 180
- Government fee
- about $100
- Processing time
- 2–8 weeks
- Paid work
- Not allowed
- Business or conference
- Covered
Where Nigerians apply
The Consulate General in Lagos is responsible for most applicants, with the Embassy in Abuja handling certain cases, and Germany has brought VFS Global in to run intake centres in Lagos and Abuja; appointments are free, must be booked individually for each traveller and cannot be obtained through agents, which the mission explicitly refuses to deal with.
Fee and processing time
The fee is EUR 90 (EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 11, free under 6), paid in Naira at the mission's rate, and is not refunded if refused. Germany quotes up to 15 calendar days for a decision, extendable in individual cases, but the practical timeline is set by appointment availability, which has run to many weeks in Lagos, so start at least two to three months before travel and no earlier than six months.
That is about $100 in US dollars at the time of verification; the official fee is set in local currency.
Travelling for business or a conference?
Invitation on letterhead naming you, the dates, purpose and who pays, plus your employer letter.
Before you fly: registrations and border systems
- Since 10 April 2026 the EU Entry/Exit System records your biometrics at the border in place of stamps.
Documents and steps
- Check your passport and get two biometric photosPassport valid 3 months beyond departure with two blank pages; 35 x 45 mm biometric photos under 6 months old.
- Complete the online form and book your Lagos or Abuja appointmentApply 6 months to 15 days before travel; slots at busy centres run out weeks ahead.
- Buy Schengen travel medical insurance (EUR 30,000 minimum)Minimum EUR 30,000 medical cover, valid in all Schengen states for the whole stay.
- Assemble proof of funds and employment6 months of bank-stamped statements, 6 pay slips, employer leave letter, CAC papers if self-employed.
- Document your ties to Nigeria and previous travelEmployer resumption letter, property or tenancy papers, family certificates, all old passports.
- Prepare your itinerary, flight reservation and accommodationRound-trip reservation plus accommodation for every night; all dates must match the form.
- If travelling for business or a conference: get an invitation letterInvitation on letterhead naming you, the dates, purpose and who pays, plus your employer letter.
- Attend the appointment, give biometrics and pay the feeFee EUR 90 adult, EUR 45 child 6-11, free under 6; fingerprints valid 59 months.
- Wait for the decision and collect your passportDecision normally within 15 calendar days of a complete file, up to 45 days with extra checks.
- At the border: EES registration and the 90/180-day limitEES fully live since 10 April 2026: biometrics at first entry; keep to 90 days in any 180.
The full checklist with timing, dependencies and personalised due dates is part of the paid plan. Start with the free quiz and pick “Visit” as your purpose.
Planning a trip to Germany?
Answer 6 questions, choose “Visit”, and get a dated checklist for your travel dates — free.
Plan my visitFrequently asked questions
- Do Nigerians need a visa for Germany?
- Yes. Nigerians need a visa before a short visit to Germany. Nigerian passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa for Germany, which permits up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area for tourism, visiting family or friends, business meetings, trade fairs and conferences, with no paid work allowed.
- How long can Nigerians stay in Germany as a visitor?
- 90 days in any 180 under the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C). Paid work is not allowed on a visitor stay.
- How much does the Germany Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) cost for Nigerians?
- The fee is EUR 90 (EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 11, free under 6), paid in Naira at the mission's rate, and is not refunded if refused.
- How long does the Germany Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) take for Nigerians?
- Germany quotes up to 15 calendar days for a decision, extendable in individual cases, but the practical timeline is set by appointment availability, which has run to many weeks in Lagos, so start at least two to three months before travel and no earlier than six months.
- Can Nigerians attend a conference or business meeting in Germany on this visa?
- Invitation on letterhead naming you, the dates, purpose and who pays, plus your employer letter.
- What do Nigerians need to register or carry before flying to Germany?
- Since 10 April 2026 the EU Entry/Exit System records your biometrics at the border in place of stamps.
- Can Nigerians work in Germany on a visitor stay?
- No. Visitor entry covers tourism, family visits, business meetings and conferences only. To take a job, study or settle, Nigerians need one of the longer-stay routes compared in our Germany visa guide for Nigerians.
Thinking of staying longer?
A visitor stay never allows paid work. Nigerians who want to work, study or settle in Germany have 2 main routes, compared in the Germany visa guide for Nigerians.
Germany for Nigerians, in depth
Visiting other countries as Nigerians
Visiting Germany from elsewhere
Always confirm entry rules with the official government source. Fees and stay limits change; this guide is general information, not legal advice.