If you’re a Nigerian citizen planning to visit France for tourism, business, or study, you will need to apply for a French visa. The process involves gathering the necessary documents, filling out the application form, and attending an interview at the French embassy or consulate. You must also meet specific eligibility requirements based on the type of visa you’re applying for. This guide outlines the steps and key information to help you apply for a French visa from Nigeria with ease.
Step 1: Creating Your France-Visas Account and Preparing Documents
- Sign up on the France-Visas website using your email and chosen password.
- Complete the online France-Visas form to get a personalized list of required documents.
- Print the France-Visas form and receipt for later submission at the TLS contact centre.
Setting Up TLScontact Account and Booking Appointment
- Create a TLScontact account using your email and password.
- Fill out your application form accurately, ensuring all details match those on the France-Visas form.
- If travelling in a group of fewer than 5, complete additional forms and validate your request.
- For groups of more than 5 people, you need to contact the call center.
- Choose a suitable appointment slot from the booking calendar; extra fees apply for slots outside business hours.
- Complete the online service fee payment within two hours to confirm the appointment.
Step 3: Submitting Your Application
- Arrive on time for your appointment with the confirmation email, required documents, and service fee receipt.
- Don’t forget to bring a printed France-Visas form and receipt, signed by the applicant.
- Late arrivals risk rescheduling and paying the service fee again.
- Failure to attend the appointment requires waiting before rescheduling.
- Submit your visa application in person at the visa centre unless exempt from biometrics.
- Biometrics exemptions include children under 12 and those with a VIS visa in the last 59 months.
- For representation, provide a power of attorney signed by the applicant.
- Children under 12 are not allowed in the center, but a children’s area is available in the Premium Lounge.
- Ensure you have Schengen-compliant travel insurance before submitting your visa application.
Step 4: At the Visa Center
- After going through security measures, including a portal and scan, you’ll register at the reception.
- An agent will review your visa application to ensure all required documents are included.
- If your application is complete, it will be forwarded to the Consulate.
If any documents are missing or don’t meet the Consulate’s requirements:
- You can provide additional documents the same day, but only if they are listed on the France-Visas receipt and you meet the deadline.
- You can request to send your application to the Consulate, except in cases of visa type errors.
- If needed, you can abandon your application. While you won’t pay the visa fee, the TLScontact service fee will be lost, and you’ll need to restart the process later.
- You’ll receive a follow-up sheet for your application, which you’ll need to collect your passport.
- After paying the fees, you’ll provide your fingerprints.
Step 5: Consulate Processing
- Once completed, your application goes to the Consulate for a decision, where additional information or an interview may be requested.
- You’ll receive precise instructions by email and phone if necessary.
Step 6: Passport Collection
After Consular processing, you’ll get an SMS and email notifying you that your passport is ready for collection at the TLScontact center.
You have these options for collecting your passport:
In-person pick-up:
Bring the follow-up sheet and your original ID.
Representative pick-up:
Your representative must bring the original follow-up sheet, a copy of your ID, their original ID, and an authorization letter signed by you.
Use the paid “Express Courier Return” service.
Can I use my previous biometric data if I’ve had a Schengen visa recently
Yes, you can use your previous biometric data if you have had a Schengen visa recently. Once your biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) has been collected and stored in the Visa Information System (VIS), it remains accessible for reuse for subsequent visa applications within five years from the date of your last application. This means that if your previous visa was issued within the last five years and your biometric data is still on file, you typically will not need to provide your fingerprints again for a new application.
However, it’s important to note that while you may not be required to provide biometric data again, the consulate or embassy may still request it under certain circumstances, such as doubts regarding your identity. Always check the specific requirements of the embassy or consulate where you are applying, as procedures may vary slightly.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to France straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Business Visa or a Work Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas have a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit France. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
