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Saturday, 14 November 2026
Saturday, 14 November 2026
Saturday, 14 November 2026
Schengen visa, EES and ETIAS rules for Nigerians travelling to Europe.
Germany offers four significant benefits to foreigners holding an EU Blue Card, aimed at attracting highly skilled workers. These include legal certainty, easier family reunification, a pathway to permanent residency, and simplified entry for Blue Card holders from other EU states.
Nigeria and the European Union have finalized a readmission agreement after nearly a decade of negotiations, aimed at facilitating the return of Nigerians without legal status in EU member states. The agreement will enhance cooperation in migration management and border security.
The Council of the EU has initiated the visa waiver process for five Gulf countries, allowing their nationals to potentially travel to Europe without a visa. This marks the start of negotiations and assessments for Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
The Pournara migrant reception center in Cyprus currently houses 343 migrants, including 72 unaccompanied minors. The center has been upgraded significantly, providing better facilities and support for migrants, including Mbah Damaris Menemah from Cameroon, who seeks asylum.
Government
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has called for European Union support to combat irregular migration. During a visit from EU representatives, he emphasized the need for local opportunities to deter migration and highlighted the establishment of agencies to manage migration and support returnees.
Oman has announced that citizens from 24 countries can enter the nation visa-free if they hold valid visas from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, or Schengen states. This policy aims to facilitate travel and attract international visitors.
Nigerians are warned against fraudulent EU citizenship offers. Experts from Mirsatori and iWorld advise pursuing legitimate residency through startup and business programs at the Beyond Borders 2026 summit.
Citizens of Mauritius and Seychelles are now eligible for a special short-stay provision in Denmark, allowing them to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days without a visa. This reflects their strong passport rankings and established visa agreements.
Migrant arrivals in Europe from four West African countries decreased by 59% in the first half of 2026 compared to 2025, according to the IOM. Despite this decline, the risks associated with migration remain high, with many migrants still attempting dangerous crossings.
British travellers are warned against applying for the ETIAS visa waiver due to over 150 scam websites exploiting confusion from delays in the system's launch. The official start date remains uncertain as concerns about fraudulent sites grow.
The European Union has committed €25 million to enhance migration cooperation in Libya, focusing on border management, search-and-rescue operations, and anti-smuggling efforts. This funding aims to curb irregular migration across the Mediterranean, particularly in areas controlled by military commander Khalifa Haftar.
GovernmentGermany has announced five categories of foreigners eligible for a free Schengen visa, including children under six, students, representatives of non-profits, researchers, and travelers needing to replace a valid visa in a new passport.
The European Union's Entry/Exit System, effective from April 10, 2026, mandates biometric registration for non-EU travelers at Schengen borders, with exemptions for citizens from four micro-states. African nationals, including Nigerians, must comply with biometric data registration.
Eight Schengen countries offer easier visa access for Nigerians in 2026, including Germany, France, and Poland, known for their straightforward application processes and higher approval rates for student and work visas.
Germany has introduced a new immigration pathway allowing IT specialists without a university degree to obtain an EU Blue Card by demonstrating three years of relevant professional experience, marking a significant shift in its skilled immigration policy.
Germany has issued a reminder that holders of Schengen visas must adhere to the declared purpose of their visa upon entry, specifically stating that a tourist visa does not permit work. This guidance is particularly relevant for Nigerian travelers.
A coalition of five EU countries plans to establish the first "return hub" in Africa by 2027 for migrants with rejected asylum applications. Greece's Minister of Migration, Thanos Plevris, confirmed the initiative, which will be monitored by international bodies.
The European Union has suspended visa agreements with Russia, Belarus, and Vanuatu due to non-compliance with established conditions, affecting visa facilitation and waiver privileges for citizens of these countries.
The European Commission has released a guide detailing the application process for a Schengen visa, including timelines, required documents, fees, and eligibility criteria for non-EU nationals wishing to travel to Europe.
The European Union has specified four categories of individuals exempt from paying the Schengen visa fee, which is typically EUR 90. These exemptions include children under six, students, researchers, and young representatives of non-profit organizations.
