Germany has expanded its visa processing footprint across Africa and the Middle East with the launch of four new Visa Application Centres (VACs), including two in Nigeria. The expansion follows a renewed seven-year agreement between the German Federal Foreign Office and VFS Global, a private outsourcing company managing consular services for several countries.
Until now, Nigerian applicants seeking German Schengen visas had limited access, relying solely on the German Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos. VFS Global did not previously operate German VACs in Nigeria, often leaving applicants to navigate limited appointment availability and lengthy wait times.
With the new agreement, VFS Global has opened dedicated VACs in:
The new centres will handle application intake, biometric data collection, and appointment scheduling, significantly easing the process, especially for applicants outside central urban areas.
Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer of VFS Global, welcomed the development, describing the renewed partnership as “a strong vote of confidence by the German Federal Foreign Office in our services.”
The expansion raises the total number of German visa centres operated by VFS Global to 72 globally, including locations such as Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.
Germany remains a top destination for African and Middle Eastern travellers, particularly for purposes such as education, healthcare, tourism, and professional advancement. Officials expect the new VACs to ease congestion at embassies, expand appointment availability, and improve the overall visa experience.
However, applicants have been warned to beware of fraudulent intermediaries and fake websites offering visa appointments for a fee. VFS Global reiterated that appointments should only be booked through its official platform.
Despite the expansion, Nigerian applicants still face high visa rejection rates. In 2024, Nigeria recorded a Schengen visa refusal rate of 45.9%, ranking third-highest globally behind Bangladesh and Senegal. This marked an increase from 40.8% in 2023, based on figures from the European Commission.
Globally, Schengen consulates received over 11.7 million visa applications in 2024, reflecting a 13.6% rise from the previous year.
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