Sweden Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens

Planning to visit beautiful Sweden? As a Nigerian citizen, you must obtain a Swedish visa to enter the country. Sweden is known for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and outstanding quality of life. A Swedish visa allows you to experience all this Scandinavian nation offers.

Read on to learn about the Sweden visa application process and requirements for Nigerian citizens wishing to visit.

Reasons to Visit Sweden

From pristine Scandinavian nature to forward-thinking cities, Sweden offers something for every type of traveller. Here are just some of the top things to see and do:

Explore magnificent Stockholm, set across an archipelago of 14 islands.
Wander the cobblestone streets and canals of picturesque Visby.
Hike through national parks like Abisko and Sarek for stunning vistas.
Discover the Icehotel, hand-carved each winter in the village of Jukkasjärvi.
Visit magnificent royal palaces like Drottningholm and Gripsholm.
Take an island-hopping boat tour through the Stockholm or Gothenburg archipelagos.
Experience the vibrant nightlife and culinary scene in hip Gothenburg.
Learn about Viking history at archaeological sites like Birka and Gamla Uppsala.
See the Northern Lights dance across Lapland’s skies on a winter visit.
Enjoy Sweden’s countless lakes and beaches during the long summer days.

Types of Swedish Visas for Nigerian Citizens

There are several different types of visas that Nigerian passport holders can apply for when visiting Sweden:

Short Stay/Tourist Schengen Visa: This visa allows you to visit Sweden and other Schengen area countries for up to 90 days within 180 days. It is the most common visa for tourists.
Long-stay visa: This type is for stays longer than 90 days, such as for work, study, or visiting family already in Sweden. The specific type will depend on your purpose for visiting.
Airport Transit Visa: If you have a layover in Sweden when travelling between non-Schengen countries, this is required. It allows you to stay in the international transit area.
Business Visa: This visa is for short business trips, meetings, conferences, training, etc. Letters from your employer are required.
Medical Visa: If travelling to Sweden primarily for medical treatment. Requires documentation from your doctor or the hospital/clinic in Sweden.

The short-stay Schengen visa is suitable for most Nigerian tourists planning vacations or visits of up to 90 days in Sweden. Be sure to apply for the specific visa type that matches your purpose for visiting.

Sweden Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens

To apply for any Swedish visa as a Nigerian passport holder, you will need to meet the following requirements:

A valid Nigerian passport must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Sweden.
Sweden visa application form – Fully completed in black ink and signed. Available online.
Passport photos – 2 recent biometric photos according to Schengen guidelines.
Travel medical insurance covers any medical costs or emergencies in Sweden and is valid for the entire stay.
Proof of accommodation – Hotel reservations or rental agreement covering the entire visit.
Flight itinerary – Showing your round-trip bookings to and from Sweden.
Sufficient funds – Bank statements or other financial documents proving you can cover costs.
Purpose letter – Explaining the reason for your visit to Sweden.
Employment letter – If currently employed, a letter from your employer confirming this.
Application fee – Paid via bank draft or online.

Depending on your circumstances, additional documents may be required, such as student enrollment, business meeting invites, medical documentation, marriage certificates, etc. Be sure to follow the Swedish embassy or consulate’s instructions.

How to Apply for a Sweden Visa as a Nigerian Citizen

Here is an overview of the step-by-step process to obtain a Swedish visa as a Nigerian citizen:

Obtain an application form. You can download it from the Swedish embassy website or apply online. Be sure to select the right type of visa.
Prepare supporting documents – Gather all required documents, photocopy them, and organize them neatly.
Book your appointment – Schedule your biometrics appointment at the visa application centre.
Attend biometrics – Get your fingerprints and photo taken at your scheduled appointment.
Apply – Submit your completed form, passport, docs, and fee to the centre or embassy.
Await processing – The average processing time is 15 days, but it can take longer. Track your application.
Pick up a passport – Once approved, your passport with visa affixed will be ready for pick up.
Check visa – Verify all details are correct when collecting your passport. Contact any errors immediately.
Make travel plans – With a visa, you can book flights and make other Sweden trip plans.
Bon voyage! – You’re ready to embark on your Scandinavian adventures.

Be sure to apply well in advance, at least 3 months before your planned travel dates. Do not finalize any bookings until your Swedish visa is approved.

Heightened Scrutiny for Nigerian Applicants

Unfortunately, visa applications from Nigerian citizens are subject to high scrutiny due to a history of immigration violations and overstays. To improve your chances of Swedish visa approval:

Provide abundant financial documentation to prove you can cover all costs.
Give strong evidence of ties to Nigeria so you are likely to return, such as family, employment, property, bank accounts, etc.
Have a clear travel itinerary with return flight bookings.
Follow the instructions meticulously and complete all forms accurately.
Be concise yet persuasive in your purpose letter.
Apply as far in advance as possible.

While Swedish visa approval is never guaranteed, following these steps can significantly help your application as a Nigerian citizen.

Visa Interview Tips

Most Nigerian applicants must attend an in-person visa interview at the Swedish embassy or consulate. To prepare:

Study your application materials closely so you can discuss details.
Be ready to elaborate on your trip plans and purpose for visiting.
Know key dates related to your travel, accommodations, finances, employment, etc.
Practice answering common interview questions concisely.
Dress professionally and arrive early to show punctuality.
Respond to all questions politely and honestly.
Bring minimal belongings into the interview.
If you need a translator, request this upfront.
Anticipate having to provide some information on the spot, like phone numbers.
Thank the interviewer politely at the conclusion.

While many find visa interviews intimidating, being well-prepared can help you stay calm and make a positive impression.

Visa Application Fees

You must pay various administrative fees as part of the Swedish visa application process. Costs for Nigerian citizens include:

Short stay Schengen visa fee – 60 EUR
Long stay visa fee – 100 EUR
Business visa fee – 85 EUR
Transit visa fee – 35 EUR
Biometrics fee – Approximately 100 EUR

You may also incur additional fees for courier delivery, translations, notarizations, etc. Please prepare all fees in advance in the required form. Shopping, food, and accommodation costs are not covered.

Schengen Visa Duration and Validity

If granted a short-stay Schengen visa, you can remain in Sweden and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days total within a 180-day period. The valid from/until dates will be clearly marked on your visa sticker.

Your 90 days do not need to be consecutive—you can split them over several trips. But be strategic in choosing dates that work within the larger 180-day window. Overstaying your allowed duration can result in serious consequences.

Schengen visas are valid only for the dates and duration specified. You cannot enter before the valid from date or stay beyond the until date. These dates are calculated carefully based on your itinerary and application details.

Be sure to carefully follow the duration and validity of your short-stay Swedish visa to avoid penalties or future visa troubles.

Whether you go for winter adventures, summer island hopping or the magic of autumn colours, Sweden offers immense beauty and culture. Start planning your Nordic travels today.