Germany has expanded its visa processing network across Africa and the Middle East by introducing four new German Visa Application Centres in crucial areas, including Nigeria, Cameroon, and Cyprus.
This development resulted from a newly renewed seven-year contract between the German Federal Foreign Office and VFS Global, a private company that specialises in visa outsourcing.
Before the new visa centres were opened, Nigerian applicants for German (Schengen) visas primarily used the German Consulate General in Lagos and the Embassy of Germany in Abuja for visa processing.
However, VFS Global did not operate Germany Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Nigeria specifically, so most applicants had to submit their documents directly at the embassy or consulate, which often meant limited appointment slots and long waiting times.
As part of the agreement, four new centres have been opened in Abuja and Lagos in Nigeria, Yaoundé in Cameroon, and Nicosia in Cyprus
Germany remains a top destination for African and Middle Eastern travellers seeking education, tourism, healthcare, and professional opportunities.
The increase in visa centres is expected to reduce congestion, expand appointment slots, and ease the application experience.
VFS Global also raised concerns about fake websites and fraudulent agents offering to secure visa appointments for a fee.
In 2024, Nigeria recorded a Schengen visa rejection rate of 45.9%, the third-highest globally behind Bangladesh and Senegal.
