By Atoyebi Nike
Germany has expanded its visa application network in Africa and the Middle East with the launch of four new German Visa Application Centres (VACs), including two in Nigeria, under a renewed seven-year partnership with visa outsourcing firm VFS Global.
The new centres, located in Abuja and Lagos (Nigeria), Yaoundé (Cameroon), and Nicosia (Cyprus), are expected to ease congestion, increase appointment availability, and improve the visa application experience for travellers.
Previously, Nigerian applicants had to submit Schengen visa applications directly to the German Consulate in Lagos or the Embassy in Abuja due to the absence of dedicated VACs operated by VFS Global, often facing limited slots and long delays.
Germany remains a leading destination for Africans seeking opportunities in education, healthcare, tourism, and professional fields.
VFS Global also issued a warning about the growing number of fake websites and fraudulent agents charging fees to secure visa appointments.
In 2024, Nigeria had a Schengen visa rejection rate of 45.9%—the third-highest in the world, after Bangladesh and Senegal.
