The implication of this agreement is that citizens of one of the country have unlimited freedom to travel, transfer goods, move money or even render services to the other 25 countries seamlessly. On that note, it also means having a visa for one of the Schengen countries gives you access to the other 25 countries.
The Schengen countries have actually reached an agreement on the common requirements and common visa application form. A Schengen visa is valid for 90days within a 180-day free period. This free period begins to count on the date you get into any of the Schengen countries.
As a Nigerian, there’s lot to benefit from this arrangement however you must be able to meet a couple of requirements.. To get a multiple entry visa into any if the Schengen countries, you have to be able to meet any of the criteria listed below.
Being an international student who is about to begin a full course of study will get a one year visa that can be extended.
If you clinch a teaching job in a higher institution in any of the Schengen countries. The visa may also include some of your close family members.
If you are a professional like artistes or sportsmen who want to go into any of the Schengen countries for a particular competition or for a paid performance.
There are three types of Schengen Visa
Uniform Schengen Visa that allows you to travel into any of the 26 countries. This type has three sub-categories.
Category A – This allows only Airport transit without going into any of the countries.
Category B – This permits entry into more than one of the countries for a maximum of 5 days.
Category C – This allows full permit to enter all the 26 countries while the visa remains valid.
Limited Territory Visa that allows you to enter only the country for which you obtained the visa and no other country.
National Visa which is mostly for the purpose of study.
Major passport requirements for Schengen Visa Application
You must present a passport that is valid for at least three months after the intended stay in the Schengen country
Every applicant including minors must have a passport
Passport must have clearly legible data
Passport must have at least two empty pages as visa won’t be issued on additional pages or appendages
There should be an evidence of booked return ticket
Depending on the purpose of visit, there should be supporting documents to act as proof.