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List of supporting documents that visa applicants must submit for short‑stay visas (Nigeria, Benin)

(6 August 2012)

• Documents that ALL VISA APPLICANTS must submit
1. Copy of the airline ticket or flight reservation, including return flight.
2. Verifiable proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the intended duration of stay, such as:
3. pay slips;
4. recent personal bank statement or balance for the last three months;
5. regular income generated from real estate.
6. Proof of accommodation for the entire duration of the intended stay; hotel bookings, rental of a holiday home, reservations at an institution’s facilities, or proof of private accommodation (invitation) from a host.
7. Additionally, for non‑Nigerian citizens residing in Nigeria (or non‑Beninese citizens residing in Benin):
• copy of the residence permit.
8. If minors are also travelling, the following must be submitted:
• a consent letter from both parents or the legal guardian (Sole Guardianship);
• copy of the minor’s birth certificate;
• identity card/passport of both parents or the legal guardian.

Additional documents required for applicants travelling for:

• TOURISM
1. Proof of employment:
• For entrepreneurs: certificate proving tax payment and certificate of company incorporation.
• For employees: employment letter indicating approved leave days.
• For academics (professors, fellows, lecturers and assistants) and for students: letter from the school or university.
• For businessmen: proof of commercial activities in Nigeria and abroad, such as bills of lading, receipt books, etc.
2. Any proof of ties to the country of residence (marriage certificate, property ownership documents).

• FAMILY VISITS
1. Proof of the relationship between the visa applicant and the person being visited (birth certificate, marriage certificate, correspondence, photographs, etc.).
2. Official written and signed invitation or guarantee document from the host in accordance with national regulations.

The following Member States require the inviting host/guarantor to complete a specific form to be validated by the authorities of the Member State of destination: Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark (represented by Sweden), France, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Slovakia.

• BUSINESS
1. Invitation letter from the company established in the Member State of destination. The letter must include relevant personal details of the invited person, the purpose of the visit, and the duration of stay.
2. Certificate proving tax payment and certificate of company incorporation (company or business registration certificate).
3. Proof of business activities in Nigeria, recent professional contacts, ongoing business relationship with the inviting company (contracts, invoices, business correspondence, etc.).
4. In case of participation in conferences, fairs, seminars, congresses, etc.:
• Invitation from a company or authorised body to participate in commercial, industrial or professional events.
• Proof of registration and entry tickets for the events, if applicable.
• Other documents proving the existence of business or professional relations.

• MEDICAL TREATMENT
1. Certificate from the applicant’s doctor or a Nigerian hospital, verified – if necessary – by another independent medical body, confirming the need for specific treatment to be carried out in the destination country.
2. Official document in which the receiving medical institution in the Member State confirms its ability to provide the required treatment and states that it will admit the patient.
3. Proof of advance payment for the treatment or other proof of sufficient financial means to cover medical expenses and related costs, such as supplementary insurance.
4. Any other correspondence available between the parties concerned.

• RESEARCH or TRAINING
1. Certificate of enrolment at an educational institution to pursue studies or scientific or practical training (including vocational training) or other activities aimed at improving the applicant’s professional and intellectual skills.
2. Student card or certificates relating to the courses to be attended.
3. Proof of advance payment for the courses or training, if applicable.

• OFFICIAL MISSION or OFFICIAL PURPOSES
1. Note verbale issued by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming that the applicant is a member of an official delegation or official mission to a Member State.
2. Invitation letter or confirmation of registration from the hosting organisation.

• SCIENTIFIC, CULTURAL, SPORTS OR RELIGIOUS EVENTS, OR OTHER PURPOSES
1. Copy of the official invitation, entry tickets, registrations or programmes indicating (where possible) the name of the hosting organisation and the duration of stay, or other documents proving the purpose of the trip.