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Citizens of the UK, the US, Canada and Australia can visit Slovakia without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180, while citizens of countries such as Nigeria and India need a Schengen visa. Slovakia has no Schengen visa office of its own in Nigeria, so Nigerian visitors apply through another country that represents it. This is the most common point of confusion, and it affects where you book, what you pay and which embassy decides your case. This guide explains the route for a short-stay visa, how a long-stay (national) visa differs, and what to prepare.
Short stay or long stay?
| Type | Purpose | Where to apply from Nigeria |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen short-stay visa (type C) | Tourism, visiting family, business, conferences. Up to 90 days in 180 | Sweden’s mission in Abuja, which accepts Schengen applications on behalf of Slovakia from Nigerian citizens |
| National visa (type D) and residence permits | Study, work, family reunification, stays over 90 days | Not covered by the representation arrangement. Check the Slovak foreign ministry website (mzv.sk) for the mission that handles Nigerian applicants |
The representation arrangement covers Schengen visas only. Do not apply to Sweden for a Slovak study or work visa.
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Short-stay visa: what to expect
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fee | €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6 to under 12, plus any service-centre charge |
| Insurance | At least €30,000 |
| Decision | Usually within 15 calendar days; can take longer |
| Apply | Up to 6 months before, and at least 15 days before travel |
Sweden’s application options in Abuja include the VFS Global centre and, in some cases, the embassy itself. Our Sweden visa guide covers how that works. Confirm that your application will be treated as a Slovak application, and name Slovakia as the destination on the form.
Documents for a short stay
- Passport valid at least 3 months after you leave, with two blank pages.
- Completed form and photos meeting the Schengen standard.
- Travel medical insurance of at least €30,000.
- Flight reservation and a day-by-day itinerary in Slovakia.
- Accommodation booking, or an invitation letter if staying with a host. A host’s invitation may need to be verified by the Slovak police before it is used.
- Bank statements and proof of income, with proof of your job or business and leave approval.
Studying in Slovakia
Students normally need a national visa and then a residence permit. Expect to provide an admission letter, proof of funds, accommodation proof, health insurance and a police certificate. Foreign documents often need to be apostilled or legalised and translated into Slovak by a certified translator. Our translation guide explains the steps. Check the exact fees, amounts and submission route on mzv.sk, because they are set by the Slovak authorities and change.
Worked example (hypothetical)
This is an illustration, not a real case. A visa-needing traveller plans 6 days in Bratislava and 2 days in Vienna. Slovakia has the most days, so it is the main destination and the application is made as a Slovak application. The Schengen fee is €90 for an adult. If she lived in a country where Slovakia has its own mission, she would apply there; from Nigeria she uses the Swedish mission in Abuja, naming Slovakia as the destination.
| Traveller | Short stay (under 90 days) | Long stay |
|---|---|---|
| UK, US, Canadian or Australian citizen | No visa | National visa (type D) and a residence permit |
| Nigerian citizen | Schengen visa through Sweden’s Abuja mission | National visa; check mzv.sk for the handling mission |
| Citizen of another visa-needing country | Schengen visa; check which mission represents Slovakia where you live | National visa; check mzv.sk |
Tips
- Use stamped bank statements from your bank, not just a printout from an app.
- Show clear ties to your home country, such as a job, business, family or property.
- Keep copies of everything you submit, as extra documents are sometimes requested.
If you are refused, our refusal reasons guide explains the grounds and appeal options, and the Schengen visa guide covers the basics.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Slovak embassy in Nigeria?
No Slovak embassy issues visas in Nigeria. Schengen applications go through Sweden’s mission in Abuja.
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Can I visit other Schengen countries on a Slovak visa?
Yes, a Schengen visa covers all Schengen countries unless the sticker limits it. Slovakia should be your main destination.
Is the fee different for Slovakia?
No. The Schengen fee is €90 for adults wherever you apply.
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