For many Africans planning to japa (relocate) or simply explore the world, one frustrating challenge often comes up: the country you want to travel to doesn’t have an embassy or consulate in your country.
It happens more often than you’d think. You might be applying for a Schengen visa, and suddenly realize that there’s no embassy for Poland, Portugal, or Norway in your country. Or maybe you want to travel to South Korea, but the only available embassy is several borders away.
So what do you do?
This article is your practical guide to applying for a visa from a third country (also called cross-border visa submission). Whether you’re a student, worker, tourist, or business traveler, this guide will help you navigate the process smartly and legally.
Why Don’t Some Countries Have Embassies in Every African Nation?
- Smaller countries often don’t have the budget or capacity to maintain embassies in every nation.
- Some nations delegate their visa responsibilities to embassies in neighboring countries.
- Others rely on shared visa centers (like VFS Global or TLS) or regional hubs.
So Can You Apply From a Different Country?
Yes — but only if the embassy officially allows it. This is called jurisdiction, and each embassy decides which countries or citizens it will process applications for.
For example:
- The Polish Embassy in South Africa processes applications for many Southern African countries.
- The Spanish Embassy in Nigeria sometimes handles applications from nearby countries like Benin or Ghana.
- Ireland, which has no embassy in some West African nations, allows applicants to apply through designated embassies or VFS centers abroad.
Steps to Apply for a Visa from a Neighboring Country
1. Confirm Jurisdiction
Don’t assume you can walk into another embassy and submit an application. Always check:
- Which embassy covers your country
- If they accept third-country applicants
- If special documents are needed (e.g., residency permit for the third country)
You can find this info on the official embassy website or by calling/emailing.
2. Book the Right Appointment
Some embassies:
- Reserve separate days or quotas for third-country applicants
- May require you to book through a regional VFS portal (not your country’s portal)
3. Plan Your Travel & Documents
You’ll likely have to:
- Travel to the country of submission (by road or flight)
- Secure a visa to enter that country, if required
- Show proof of hotel booking, return transport, and funds for the trip
Don’t wait till the day before — plan your travel like it’s a mini-mission.
4. Prepare an Explanation Letter
Write a cover letter explaining why you’re applying from a different country. Include:
- That your country doesn’t have an embassy for your destination
- That the embassy you’re applying to covers your region
- All necessary travel and identity documents
A clear explanation improves your chances.
5. Be Ready for Language & Logistics Barriers
If you’re applying in a country with a different official language (like French in Togo or Benin), prepare for:
- Language barriers at the embassy or police checks
- Different banking systems
- Unfamiliar transportation or lodging issues
Plan ahead, or work with a travel company that understands regional coordination.
What Documents Might You Need in Addition?
When applying outside your home country, you might be asked for:
- Your international passport
- A valid visa or entry stamp for the country of submission
- Proof of temporary accommodation there
- Travel insurance
- Return travel itinerary to your home country
- Extra passport photos in the required format
Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking an appointment in a country that doesn’t allow your application
- Traveling without checking visa requirements for that country
- Submitting documents with your home address but no link to the country of submission
- Assuming same-day entry and exit (some embassies hold your passport for days or weeks)
Final Word from Loyalty Travels and Logistics Ltd
The fact that your dream country doesn’t have an embassy near you doesn’t mean your dream is over. With the right information, careful planning, and a little courage, you can apply successfully across borders.
At Loyalty Travels and Logistics Ltd, we’ve helped clients book successful third-country visa submissions for countries like Poland, Ireland, South Korea, and more. We’ll help you:
- Identify the correct embassy jurisdiction
- Book appointments in eligible countries
- Prepare your travel and visa documents from start to finish
Contact us today or send us a DM to get started.
#Japa #VisaTips #AfricanTravellers #CrossBorderVisa #TravelSmart #StudyAbroad #LoyaltyTravels #ThirdCountryVisa #SchengenVisa #EmbassyMatters