Italy Schengen visa has a moderate rejection rate (14%) for Nigerians. Large Nigerian diaspora in Italy means invitation letters from Italian-based contacts can significantly strengthen applications.
Key Warnings
Insider Tips
A Schengen visa is issued by one country but admits you to all 27. Apply to whichever you will spend the most nights in; if the nights are even, apply to your first point of entry. Applying to Italy while clearly intending to spend your trip elsewhere is a common refusal ground.
VFS Global Italy - Nigeria handles these applications for Nigeria. Book online at https://www.vfsglobal.com/italy/nigeria. Slots typically run about 4 weeks out, so book before you buy tickets. Opening hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00.
You need a passport valid 3+ months beyond your return with 2 blank pages, a biometric photo, a flight itinerary (a reservation is enough — do not buy a ticket yet), accommodation for every night, 3 months of bank statements, and an employment letter, plus travel insurance covering at least €30,000. Bank statements showing a large deposit made shortly before applying are one of the most common refusal reasons — consistent income over three months matters more than the balance.
Bring originals and photocopies. Fingerprints and a photo are taken at the centre (valid 59 months — later Schengen applications can reuse them). You pay the consular fee of ₦136,000 plus the centre's service fee of ₦41,000 — ₦177,000 in total.
Processing normally takes 10–21 days, longer over the June–August peak. Track online with the reference from your receipt. The Italy embassy (Italian Embassy, 6 Anambra Street, Maitama, Abuja) handles appeals and enquiries the centre cannot.
Italy rejected 14% of applications. Avoid these mistakes:
Italian consulates scrutinise intent to return. Property and employment documents are key.
Fix: Include C of O, employment letter, and family ties documentation.
Inconsistent bank statements or missing payslips raise concerns.
Fix: 3 months of consistent bank statement credits and payslips.
Schengen visa fee rose from EUR 80 to EUR 90
The EU raised the standard Schengen C visa fee from EUR 80 to EUR 90 on 11 June 2024 (children aged 6–12: EUR 40 to EUR 45) under the Visa Code's three-yearly review. It remains EUR 90 in 2026. VFS service fees are charged separately and vary by centre.
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