Are you planning to apply for a Schengen Visa to Spain from Nigeria? For your information, obtaining a Spain Schengen visa from Nigeria is very fast. This article will guide you on how to apply for the Spain Schengen visa from Nigeria.
Spain has become one of the popular tourist destinations in Europe. For Nigerians looking for the fastest countries to obtain a Schengen visa, there are high chances of getting a visa to Spain.
Located in Southwestern Europe, Spain is a country that tourists will like visit often.
A popular visa type is the Schengen visa which is issued to visit several countries in one go.
About Spain Schengen Visa
A Spain Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows individuals to travel to Spain and other countries within the Schengen Area for a period of up to 90 days within 180 days.
The Schengen Area comprises 27 European countries that have abolished border controls between them, enabling visa holders to travel freely within the region.
Nigerian passport holders require a Schengen visa to enter Europe. Once you have your Spain Schengen visa, you can travel within the Schengen area without the need for multiple visas. This means you can travel from Spain to France, Italy, Germany, and other countries.
Types of Spain Schengen Visas
1. Tourist Visa
A tourist visa is granted to those who intend to visit Spain for tourism and other leisure’s. It’s a short stay visa that can last for 90 days. This visa allows applicants to stay and travel within Spain and the Schengen Territory.
Note that as a visitor, you are not allowed to work. Applicants are advised to submit their complete files at least 3 working weeks before the intended date of departure.
2. Business Visa
This class of visa is for those traveling for business-related activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or workshops. The Spain business visa allows entrepreneurs to travel to Spain for short-term business activities.
3. Medical
The medical visa is for individuals who will need to travel to Spain for medical treatment. To apply for this visa, you will need a medical report from a recognized hospital in Nigeria and an appointment letter from a Spanish medical institution.
4. Family Visit Visa
If you have family members residing in Spain, this visa allows you to visit them. You’ll need an invitation letter from your family member confirming your visit and relationship.
5. Transit Visa
For individuals that might need to transit through Spain to reach their final destination, the transit visa is the right visa to apply for. It permits one to stay in the international transit area of a Spanish airport.
How to apply for a Schengen visa in Spain from Nigeria
For Nigerian residents, BLS International handles the Spain visa application process. To apply for the Spain Schengen visa from Nigeria, here are the steps to take:
1) Know The Type Of Visa You Need
First, you have to understand the type of Schengen visa that you will apply for. It should correspond to the purpose of your visit (e.g., a tourist, business, or family visit).
2) Gather The Required Documents
Prepare the necessary documents for your application. The common visa requirements are:
Visa Application Form
Passport: Valid for at least three months.
Passport-Sized Photos: Recent and complies with the Schengen visa photo requirements.
Travel insurance (minimum of €30,000).
Proof of Accommodation (hotel reservations)
Letter of invitation
Flight Itinerary: Reservation of return or round-trip tickets.
Proof of Financial Means: bank statements, salary slips, or other proof of funds.
Supporting Documents: Specific to the type of visa (e.g., business invitation letter, medical appointment confirmation).
3) Book An Appointment
Schedule an appointment with the BLS International Visa Application Center. This can be done online through the BLS International website.
4) Submit Your Application
On the day of your appointment:
Arrive at the BLS International Visa Application Center with all your documents.
Submit your application and documents.
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographs).
Pay the visa application fee.
5) Attend The Interview (if required)
Some applicants might be required to attend an interview at the Spanish consulate. If so, you will be notified about the time and place of the interview.
6) Track Your Application
You can track the status of your application through the BLS International website using your application reference number. The processing time for a Schengen visa is typically 15 days, but it can take longer in some cases. However, check the status of your application online regularly.
7) Collect Your Passport
Once your visa application is processed, you will be notified to collect your passport from the BLS International Visa Application Center. You can also opt for courier delivery, if available.
Application centers in Nigeria
Locations of BLS International Centers in Nigeria.
Lagos Address
8 professor Gabriel Olusanya street,
off QMB builders mart road,
elf bus stop, Lekki Lagos.
Timings
Passport Collection Time
13:00 to 16:00 hrs (Monday to Friday)
Submission Time
08:00 to 14:00 hrs (Monday to Friday)
Phone
+09018100765
Abuja Address
8 Bobo Close, Maitama District.
P. M. B. 5120 Wuse Post Office.
Abuja (Nigeria)
Telephone: + 234 (0) 9 460.34.90
Spain Schengen Visa Tips On How To Get A Visa Approval
I. Download the Correct Application Form
It is recommended that applicants download the latest version of the visa application form from the BLS International or the Spanish consulate website. This is because using the wrong visa form can result in rejection.
Make sure the form is filled in English or Spanish and the information provided corresponds with the data in supporting documents. Please ensure that you adhere to all the instructions and go through each section carefully before submitting.
II. Double-Check All Documents
Pay attention to all the documents needed for the Spain Schengen visa application and ensure you go through every document twice.
Check that each document is up-to-date, valid, and inclusive of your passport photos, travel insurance policy, financial statements, and proof of residency.
Insufficient documents are one of the major causes of visa rejection. Make sure that all the copies submitted are readable, and that any translations done are certified. In addition, arrange your documents in the order as requested by the consulate or BLS International.
III. Apply Early
Spain Schengen visa application should be done before the intended travel date. It is recommended to apply at least three months before your trip in case there are delays in the processing of your application.
Applying early also allows the individual time to gather his or her documents, make appointments, and prepare for any complications that might occur. It also includes the possibility of any further requirements from the consulate, including additional documents or interviews.
IV. Track Your Application
Once you have applied for the Spain Schengen visa, it is wise to monitor the progress of the application online by visiting the BLS International website or logging onto the tracking system of the Spanish consulate.
Track the progress using the reference number that you provide during the submission of your application. Such tracking can entail any new update or other additional requirements that may be present.
In case the status does not change for a long time, it is advised to contact the visa application center to clarify the situation.
So, monitoring the status of your application allows you to promptly respond to complications that might arise as well as be in a better position for the next phase of the application process.
Read also: Easiest Countries To Get A Work Visa: How To Start The Process
Conclusion
Applying for the Spain Schengen visa in Nigeria allows you a visa to access 27 countries in the Schengen area. For instance, when you apply for a Spanish visa it will allow you entry into any of the Schengen countries that are part of the Schengen agreement.
The Spanish government permits Nigerian passport holders to get the Schengen visa through two facilities, the VFS Global and BLS International.
Applicants must therefore choose a country of main destination when applying for a Schengen visa and this is the most vital factor. If you wish to live longer within a certain Schengen country, then the first Schengen country you are going to be in is that Schengen country.
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