Visa for France from Nigeria: price, documents and processing time 2026

Yes. Nigeria is a visa-required country for the Schengen area. For tourism or a short family visit, the uniform Schengen Type C visa applies, allowing up to 90 days within 180 days. France must be your main destination (longest stay) or, where stays are equal, your point of entry.

• Government fee90 EUR
• Application centre feeCapped at €45
• Agency or online serviceOptional, added on top
• ExtrasVariable

Prepare a valid passport, standard photos, proof of accommodation, an itinerary or bookings, proof of funds, and travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 across the whole Schengen area. The visa fee is generally €90 for an adult, plus the provider's service fee; check the current amounts on France-Visas.

Start by creating your file and completing the form on the official France-Visas portal. You then book an appointment with the external service provider appointed in Nigeria (for example VFS Global, or TLScontact/BLS depending on the current setup) to submit your documents and biometrics. Apply no earlier than six months and no later than about 15 days before departure.

• Your application goes to the state that is your main destination. If France is where you spend the longest, it handles the file, whatever the entry point.
• With no main destination, the competent state is the one you enter first.
• If France has no consulate in Nigeria, another Schengen state may act on its behalf under a representation arrangement, or the file goes to the post accredited for your country.

Then the application goes to the post accredited for Nigeria, often in a neighbouring capital, or to a state acting on its behalf. Confirm which post is competent with the official source before travelling to a third country to apply, a rejected file at the wrong counter costs the trip and the fee.

The regime follows your nationality, not where you live. If you reside in Nigeria but travel on another country's passport, the rule on this page is not yours. Filing usually still happens from your country of residence, at the post competent for it, but the requirement itself comes from your passport.

Processing usually takes 15 to 45 days, but can be longer in peak season, apply early. A complete file, bookings that match your dates, and evidence of funds and ties to Nigeria (employment, family) reduce the risk of refusal. Keep originals and a copy of every document.

The most common error is applying to the wrong country: if France is not your main destination, apply to the consulate of the relevant state. Other pitfalls: insufficient insurance (below €30,000), weak proof of funds, or non-refundable tickets bought before the visa is issued. Never submit falsified documents, grounds for refusal and a ban.