Let’s say you’re a Nigerian living in South Africa for studies. Or a Ghanaian working in Dubai. Or a Cameroonian doing business in Kenya. Now you want to apply for a UK, US, or Schengen visa—but you’re not in your passport country.
The big question is: Can you apply for a visa from the country you’re currently in, even if it’s not your home country?
The answer? Yes—but it depends.
And the rules vary widely depending on the country you’re in, the visa you want, and your immigration status.
Let’s break it down clearly.
What Does “Apply Outside Your Home Country” Mean?
If you are physically located in a different country from where your passport was issued, and you want to apply for a visa to travel somewhere else, you are applying from a third country.
Example:
- You are a Nigerian living in the UAE, and you want to apply for a Canadian visa.
- You are a Ugandan student in Turkey, applying for a Schengen visa.
This is very common among Africans who are on study visas, work permits, or residency permits in foreign countries.
When Can You Apply for a Visa Outside Your Home Country?
To apply from a third country, you generally need to meet one of the following conditions:
1. You have legal residency or long-term visa status in that country
Most embassies will accept your application if you are:
- A student with a valid study permit
- A worker on a valid employment or temporary residence visa
- A permanent resident or asylum seeker
You’ll usually be asked to provide:
- A copy of your visa or residence permit
- Proof of address (like a tenancy agreement or utility bill)
- A valid passport from your home country
2. The embassy explicitly allows visitors to apply from that country
Some embassies in countries like Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and UAE allow non-residents to apply for visas—especially for visitor or tourist visas. But this often depends on:
- Availability of appointments
- Your ability to show a strong travel or financial profile
- Whether your documents can be verified easily
Still, even when allowed, non-resident applications often face longer processing times or higher scrutiny.
When You Shouldn’t Apply from Another Country
There are some situations where applying from a third country will hurt your chances—or get your application denied:
- You’re in the country on a tourist or visit visa
(Most embassies won’t process complex visas like student or work visas if you’re just visiting temporarily.)
- Your legal status is unclear or expired
(If your visa or permit is expired, your application will likely be rejected automatically.)
- You have no local ties or bank account in the current country
(This makes your case look weak or untraceable.)
- The embassy clearly states “residents only” on its application portal
(Always check this first.)
Example Scenarios for Africans Abroad
- Nigerian in South Africa on student visa → Can apply for UK, Schengen, or Canada visa if documentation is strong.
- Kenyan visiting the UAE on a tourist visa → Cannot apply for a UK or US visa from UAE unless resident there.
- Ghanaian worker in Qatar → Can apply for visas to most countries if you have a residence permit.
- Cameroonian refugee in Germany → May face restrictions based on asylum status—check with a migration lawyer or NGO.
Smart Tips Before You Apply from Abroad
- Check embassy rules for that country on their official website
- Gather extra documentation like residence card, proof of accommodation, student/work ID
- Clarify your home ties—especially if applying for a visitor visa
- Avoid overusing “visa shopping” across countries—it could raise red flags
- Use a travel consultant (like us!) to review your profile and advise based on current embassy trends
Final Word from Loyalty Travels
Yes—you can apply for a visa outside your home country, but you must meet the right conditions. The key is knowing the rules, being transparent about your status, and submitting a strong, well-documented application.
At Loyalty Travels and Logistics Ltd, we’ve helped clients across the world—from Dubai to Nairobi to Accra—successfully apply for visas to the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and beyond.
If you’re abroad and unsure where to apply from, talk to us first. We’ll guide you to avoid wasting time, money, or missing out on golden opportunities.