29 Schengen Countries Now Offering Up to 5-Year Multiple-Entry Visas to Eligible Nigerians

Nigerians with strong travel histories can now apply for up to five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas, covering all 29 member countries of the Schengen Area, according to recent reports by The Nation and Vanguard Newspapers.

The development is part of a streamlined travel arrangement that allows eligible applicants to obtain long-term Schengen visas, granting repeated access to participating European countries for short visits within a specified timeframe.

Under the arrangement, successful applicants can enter any of the 29 countries multiple times over a five-year period, provided that each stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day window.

The Schengen Area countries participating in the visa framework include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

While the reports indicate that Nigerians are now eligible for this visa category, officials clarify that approval remains at the discretion of each country’s embassy or consulate.

The five-year visa is typically granted to frequent travellers who meet specific criteria such as:
• A proven record of previous Schengen travel without overstaying or violating visa terms.
• Demonstrated financial stability and ties to Nigeria.
• Valid travel insurance for the Schengen area.
• Clear purpose of travel, whether for business, tourism, or family visits.

Consular officials across several European embassies in Nigeria reportedly confirmed that the new arrangement is not automatic but applies to “trustworthy applicants” who have maintained consistent compliance with Schengen visa regulations over time.

The extended visa validity aims to simplify travel procedures for Nigerians who regularly visit Europe for business or family reasons, reducing the need for repeated visa applications.

However, European authorities have not announced any new policy granting all Nigerians blanket eligibility for the 5-year visa.

Instead, the initiative reflects an expansion of existing provisions within the Schengen Visa Code that allow consulates to issue long-term multiple-entry visas to “reliable travellers.”

Experts advise applicants to continue submitting visa applications through official embassy or authorized VFS centres, and to ensure that supporting documents—such as bank statements, employment letters, and proof of travel history—are complete and verifiable.

The Schengen Area remains one of the most popular destinations for Nigerian travellers, and the new visa window is expected to enhance mobility for qualified citizens while strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and European nations.