If you’re planning a trip to Europe, one of the first questions you’ll face is: “Which Schengen country should I apply to for my visa?” For Nigerian travelers, this decision can make all the difference between a smooth approval and a frustrating rejection.
With 29 countries in the Schengen zone, you have options—but not all embassies have the same approval rates, processing times, or appointment availability. So, how do you pick the best one?
At Loyalty Travels and Logistics Ltd, we help clients make smart visa decisions every day. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right Schengen country based on success rate, travel purpose, entry rules, and ease of process.
1. Know the Basic Rule: Your First Point of Entry or Longest Stay
According to Schengen visa rules, you must apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time or your first point of entry if duration is the same across countries.
Example: If you plan to spend 5 days in France and 3 in Germany, apply via the French embassy.
But that’s not all. Some embassies are more applicant-friendly than others.
2. Consider Embassy Approval Rates (Especially for Nigerians)
Visa approval rates for Nigerians vary from one Schengen country to another. Based on past data and industry experience, here are countries with relatively favorable outcomes for Nigerian applicants:
- Lithuania
- Greece
- Hungary
- Estonia
- Spain
Meanwhile, some embassies are known to have stricter documentation requirements and lower approval rates, such as:
- Germany
- France
- Belgium
- Netherlands
This doesn’t mean you should avoid these countries—but you’ll need to be extra thorough with your documents.
3. Appointment Availability: Don’t Wait Forever
Some Schengen embassies have long waiting times for visa appointments. If you’re planning to travel soon, opt for a country whose embassy or visa center (like VFS or TLS) offers faster appointment booking and shorter processing times.
Loyalty Travels can help you track appointment slots and secure them early to avoid delays.
4. Ease of Documentation
Some embassies require interviews, others don’t. Some want original documents submitted, others accept copies. While every country has its own checklist, embassies like those of Spain, Greece, and Hungary are generally considered less stressful when it comes to documentation for Nigerians.
5. Your Travel Purpose Matters
- Tourism: Choose countries with lots of sights and activities. Think Spain, Italy, or Greece.
- Business or Conference: Germany and Belgium have strong business ecosystems—but strict documentation.
- Family Visit: Choose the country your host resides in. Their support documents will help your case.
- Medical Travel: Go with the country where your hospital or clinic is located, but ensure you have solid documentation.
6. Consider Your Travel History
Have you previously been denied a Schengen visa from a particular country? You might want to avoid reapplying there too soon unless something in your profile has significantly improved.
Also, if you have a strong travel history (UK, US, Canada, or Schengen), it boosts your chances—regardless of the country.
7. Loyalty Travels Can Guide You
Applying for a Schengen visa isn’t just about choosing a country—it’s about choosing smart. Our expert visa consultants at Loyalty Travels and Logistics Ltd analyze your travel profile and help you apply through embassies with the best odds based on your goals, time frame, and supporting documents.
Need help choosing the best country for your visa success?
Let’s save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Contact Loyalty Travels Today!
Let’s help you make the best visa decision from Nigeria to Europe.
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