Schengen Visa Requirements for Africans (Latest Complete Guide)

The Schengen visa is one of the most sought-after visas by Africans who want to travel to Europe for tourism, business, study, medical treatment, or short visits. With a single Schengen visa, you can travel freely across 27 European countries without border checks between them.

This latest complete guide explains Schengen visa requirements for Africans, who needs it, how to apply, required documents, fees, processing time, common reasons for refusal, and tips to increase approval chances.

Important: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always confirm details with the official embassy or visa application center before applying.

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What Is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows non-EU nationals to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

It is mainly issued for:

• Tourism and holidays

• Visiting family or friends

• Business meetings or conferences

• Short-term studies or training

• Medical treatment

• Cultural or sports events

Schengen Visa Requirements for Africans (Latest Complete Guide)

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Schengen Countries You Can Visit

There are currently 27 Schengen countries, including:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

With one approved visa, you can move between these countries without additional visas.

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Do Africans Need a Schengen Visa?

Yes. Most African passport holders require a Schengen visa before traveling to any Schengen country.

However, a few African countries have partial exemptions for holders of:

• Diplomatic passports

• Official or service passports

• Certain bilateral agreements (very limited)

For most Africans, a visa is mandatory.

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Types of Schengen Visas for Africans

1. Tourist Schengen Visa

For holidays, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family.

2. Business Schengen Visa

For meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or short professional visits.

3. Visiting Family or Friends Visa

Requires an invitation letter from a host living in a Schengen country.

4. Medical Treatment Visa

For short-term medical care in a Schengen state.

5. Short-Term Study or Training Visa

For courses or training lasting less than 90 days.

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Schengen Visa Requirements for Africans

While requirements may vary slightly by country, the core requirements are the same across all Schengen embassies.

1. Valid Passport

• Issued within the last 10 years

• Valid for at least 3 months after your planned return

• At least two blank pages

2. Schengen Visa Application Form

• Fully completed

• Signed by the applicant

3. Passport-Size Photographs

• Usually two recent photos

• White background

• According to Schengen photo specifications

4. Travel Itinerary

• Flight reservation (not a confirmed ticket)

• Shows entry and exit dates

5. Proof of Accommodation

• Hotel booking, or

• Invitation letter from a host (with address and ID)

6. Travel Medical Insurance

• Minimum coverage of €30,000

• Valid in all Schengen countries

• Covers medical emergencies and repatriation

7. Proof of Financial Means

You must prove you can support yourself during your stay. Examples include:

• Recent bank statements (last 3–6 months)

• Payslips or employment letter

• Business registration documents (for self-employed applicants)

• Sponsor’s financial documents (if sponsored)

Each country sets its own minimum daily amount.

READ MORE: 20 FAQs About Working Abroad for Africans: Visa, Jobs & Legal Guidance

8. Proof of Ties to Your Home Country

This is very important for Africans. Examples:

• Employment letter or contract

• Business ownership documents

• School admission letter

• Marriage certificate or family ties

• Property ownership or lease agreements

9. Cover Letter

A personal letter explaining:

• Purpose of travel

• Duration of stay

• Where you will stay

• How you will fund the trip

• Assurance you will return home

10. Visa Fee

• Standard fee: €80 for adults

• Reduced fee: €40 for children (6–12 years)

• Children under 6 are usually free

Additional service fees may apply at visa application centers.

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Where Africans Apply for a Schengen Visa

Africans apply through:

• The embassy or consulate of the main destination country, or

• An authorized visa application center (such as TLScontact or VFS Global)

You must apply at:

• The country you will spend the most time, or

• The country you will enter first if time is equal.

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Schengen Visa Processing Time in Africa

• Standard processing time: 15 calendar days

• May extend to 30–45 days during peak seasons or additional checks

• Apply at least 3–6 weeks before your travel date

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Common Reasons Schengen Visas Are Refused for Africans

Schengen visa refusal rates are higher in Africa mainly due to documentation and trust issues. Common reasons include:

• Insufficient proof of funds

• Weak ties to home country

• Unclear travel purpose

• Inconsistent information

• Poor travel history

• Fake or unverifiable documents

• Inadequate travel insurance

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Tips to Increase Schengen Visa Approval Chances

1. Be honest and consistent in all documents

2. Show strong ties to your home country

3. Avoid fake hotel or flight bookings

4. Write a clear, simple cover letter

5. Apply to the correct embassy

6. Do not overstay on previous visas

7. Submit complete and well-organized documents

A well-prepared application matters more than income level alone.

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Can You Reapply After a Schengen Visa Refusal?

Yes. Africans can reapply at any time after refusal, but it is strongly advised to:

• Understand the refusal reason

• Correct the mistakes

• Improve documentation before reapplying

Repeated applications without improvement reduce approval chances.

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Schengen Visa Validity and Duration

A Schengen visa may be issued as:

• Single-entry

• Double-entry

• Multiple-entry

Validity depends on:

• Travel history

• Purpose of visit

• Embassy discretion

Remember: 90 days maximum within 180 days.

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Final Thoughts

The Schengen visa remains one of the most valuable travel documents for Africans seeking short-term access to Europe. While the application process can seem strict, thousands of Africans are approved every year with proper preparation.

By understanding the requirements, submitting genuine documents, and proving strong ties to your home country, your chances of approval improve significantly.

Always rely on official embassy sources for updates, as Schengen visa rules may change.

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Disclaimer

Visa Guide Africa is an informational platform. We are not affiliated with any embassy, government authority, or visa agency. Visa requirements and decisions are determined solely by the relevant embassies and may change without notice.

READ MORE: 20 FAQs About Working Abroad for Africans: Visa, Jobs & Legal Guidance

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About the Author

Visa Guide Africa
Immigration & Visa Information Platform for Africans

This article was written by the team at Visa Guide Africa, a research-driven platform dedicated to helping Africans understand international travel, study, work, and migration processes. Our content is developed through careful review of official embassy guidance, government publications, and real-world visa application experiences shared by applicants across Africa. Our daily work involves analyzing visa requirements, tracking policy updates, simplifying complex immigration rules, and answering common questions from African travelers to ensure our readers receive clear, accurate, and practical guidance.