France-Visas is the official starting point for both short- and long-stay French applications. It identifies the visa category, generates the supporting-document list and directs Nigerian residents to the authorised submission process.
Use the France-Visas assistant
Enter Nigerian nationality, residence, destination, duration and real purpose. A short visit, student programme, employment, Talent route and joining family do not share one checklist. Save the category and document list generated for the case.
Students should also follow the Campus France Nigeria procedure where applicable. Employer authorisation or family-reunification approval may need to exist before the visa file is ready.
Complete the form before booking
Create the official account and complete the form with a consistent travel, education and employment history. Print or save the application and France-Visas receipt. The passport number used for the appointment must match the passport presented.
Use the checklist for the category. Documents submitted in Nigeria must be in French or English under the current France-Visas Nigeria guidance; documents in another language require an appropriate translation.
Choose Abuja or Lagos correctly
Applications lodged in Nigeria are processed by the French Embassy’s Consular Section in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos. TLScontact receives files and biometrics but does not decide them.
Current local arrangements can restrict which categories Abuja accepts. France-Visas states that, from 17 November 2025 until further notice, Abuja receives only specified categories including family of French citizens, family reunification and diplomatic travel. Applicants must check the page immediately before booking and use the location assigned to their case.
Prepare for the TLScontact appointment
Book only through the link provided by France-Visas. Appointment booking includes the service-fee process. Bring the passport, payment method and documents in the required order, with originals and A4 copies where instructed.
France-Visas advises allowing more than one month between a short-stay submission and departure and at least two months for long-stay applications. Applications can generally be submitted up to six months before travel. These are planning instructions, not a guaranteed decision date.
Applicants aged 12 or older generally appear for biometric collection. Prior Schengen biometrics may sometimes be reusable within the applicable period, but the authority can still require attendance.
Decision, passport and arrival
Track the file through the official method. Optional application-centre services do not influence the consular assessment. After approval, verify the visa dates, entries, duration and wording before leaving the centre.
A long-stay holder must follow the category’s arrival instruction: some visas require online validation, while others require a residence-card application. A short-stay holder must respect the authorised Schengen duration.
If refused, use the notice to identify the review or appeal route and deadline. Address the stated reason before filing again.
France visa application FAQ
Does TLScontact decide French visas?
No. It handles appointments, intake and biometrics. French consular authorities make the visa decision.
Can I submit in either Abuja or Lagos?
Not necessarily. Current category and location arrangements determine where a Nigerian applicant submits. Check France-Visas before booking.
Do students begin with France-Visas?
Students may first need the Campus France Nigeria academic procedure and then complete the France-Visas and appointment stages.
Does paying an optional premium service improve approval?
No. Optional centre services concern convenience and do not change the consular eligibility assessment.
Can I submit documents only in another language?
The current Nigeria guidance accepts French or English; other-language documents require an appropriate translation.
Official sources
Immigration rules can change without notice. Check the relevant authority before paying a fee, booking travel or submitting an application.