The German Mission in Nigeria has warned Nigerians applying for visas against paying agents or third parties to secure appointments, urging applicants to use only official German government channels.

The mission said applicants should not send visa documents by email in an attempt to obtain appointments and should instead follow the approved application procedures for their specific visa category.

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It advised applicants to first determine the appropriate visa type based on the purpose and duration of their intended stay. A Schengen visa is generally required for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, including tourism and family visits.

Applicants intending to stay in Germany for more than 90 days may require a national visa, depending on the purpose of their stay. Such purposes may include employment, study, vocational training and certain family reunification cases.

The mission also advised applicants to confirm the German diplomatic mission responsible for their application before proceeding and to use the official appointment system for the relevant visa category.

For some national visa categories, applicants can begin the process through Germany’s Consular Services Portal. However, the mission stressed that an online application does not eliminate the need for an in-person appointment where applicants are required to submit original documents, provide biometric information and undergo other checks.

The German Mission specifically warned applicants against paying agents simply to obtain visa appointments, stressing that official appointment booking is free. It also urged applicants to ensure that they select the correct visa category because choosing an inappropriate category could result in delays or require them to make a fresh appointment.

Applicants are expected to prepare the required documents and follow the instructions provided through official German government platforms. The mission urged Nigerians to be cautious of individuals or organisations offering visa appointments or claiming to have special access to the German visa process in exchange for payment.

The warning is intended to help applicants avoid unnecessary payments, incorrect applications and delays by ensuring that visa applications are handled through the approved German government channels.