Got a Schengen visa? Discover the 30+ Schengen visa countries you can visit in Europe for your next European adventure.
Do you know that with just one visa from a European country under Schengen, you get to visit about 30+ more countries?
This is exciting news, especially, for Nigerians with a Nigerian passport who constantly have to go through a hurdle to get a visa.
Imagine applying for one visa and getting access to some of the most beautiful countries in the world.
The good part is that these Schengen visa countries are very accessible. You can visit a neighboring Schengen country easily by road because most of them are not far from each other.
Did you finally get that Schengen visa? This article contains a list of countries you can explore.
What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows travelers to visit multiple European countries using just one visa.
Instead of applying for separate visas for each country, the Schengen visa gives you access to a group of European nations that have agreed to allow free movement across their borders.
This region is known as the Schengen Area, and it currently includes 26 countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and many more.
With one valid Schengen visa, you can travel freely between all 26 countries – no border checks, no extra paperwork. That’s not all! You can also access 9 more non-Schengen countries.
European Countries Nigerians Can Visit with a Schengen Visa
Enough of showing my excitement. Let’s get into the list you are here for. Here are the list of countries a Nigerian can visit with a Schengen visa in 2025:
Countries Inside the Schengen Area
Once you receive a valid Schengen visa, you can travel freely within the 26 European countries that make up the Schengen Area. These countries have eliminated internal borders, allowing for seamless movement between them. Here’s a quick look at each one and what they offer:
- France – Explore Paris, the Eiffel Tower, and world-class art and fashion.
- Germany – Known for its rich history, castles, and thriving cities like Berlin and Munich.
- Italy – Home to Rome, Venice, Florence, and unbeatable food and culture.
- Spain – A sunny escape filled with beaches, historic cities, and vibrant festivals.
- Netherlands – Famous for Amsterdam’s canals, tulip fields, and cycling culture.
- Portugal – Offers stunning coastal views, charming towns, and historic Lisbon.
- Belgium – Known for medieval architecture, chocolates, and waffles.
- Austria – A top destination for music lovers and alpine scenery.
- Switzerland – Though not an EU member, it’s part of Schengen and perfect for mountain lovers.
- Greece – Gorgeous islands, ancient ruins, and Mediterranean food.
- Sweden – Northern lights, stylish cities, and beautiful landscapes.
- Norway – Famous for its fjords, scenic roads, and peaceful atmosphere.
- Denmark – A mix of modern design and historical charm in cities like Copenhagen.
- Finland – Arctic adventures, saunas, and the chance to meet Santa in Lapland.
- Iceland – Natural wonders like geysers, volcanoes, and glaciers.
- Poland – Affordable travel with beautiful cities and a deep history.
- Hungary – Budapest offers thermal baths and impressive architecture.
- Czech Republic – Enjoy fairy-tale towns and castles, especially in Prague.
- Slovakia – Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers.
- Slovenia – A green gem with lakes, caves, and mountain towns.
- Estonia – A digital-forward country with a medieval twist.
- Latvia – Seaside vibes and historic cities like Riga.
- Lithuania – A Baltic beauty with charming towns and rich culture.
- Luxembourg – One of Europe’s smallest countries, full of fairy-tale castles.
- Malta – Sunny beaches and ancient fortresses in the Mediterranean.
- Liechtenstein – A tiny country nestled between Switzerland and Austria, great for a scenic day trip.
Non-Schengen European Countries That Accept a Schengen Visa
Beyond the Schengen Area, several non-Schengen European countries allow Nigerians to enter with a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa. These countries aren’t part of the Schengen Zone, but they recognize its visa for short visits – often with specific conditions.
Here are the countries Nigerians can visit with a Schengen visa:
- Albania – Up to 90 days. You must hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina – 30 days, as long as your Schengen visa is still valid.
- Montenegro – Allows entry for 30 days with a valid Schengen visa.
- North Macedonia – 15 days, Schengen visa must be valid.
- Serbia – 90 days, but you must have already used your Schengen visa to enter a Schengen country first.
- Romania – 90 days; accepts valid double or multiple-entry Schengen visas.
- Bulgaria – 90 days, valid for tourism with a valid Schengen visa.
- Croatia – 90 days. Croatia recently joined the Schengen Area in 2023 but still honors this policy during the transition.
- Cyprus – 90 days, but only if your Schengen visa is multiple-entry and valid.
Important Note:
Each country has its own specific rules, and visa policies can change. It’s always a good idea to check with the country’s embassy or official immigration website before planning your trip.
Entry may depend on the type of Schengen visa (e.g., single vs. multiple entry) and whether you’ve already used the visa in the Schengen Area.
My Personal Opinion/Advice:
Don’t stay in a country for more than 2 weeks at a time. Especially, if it’s your first time visiting. You may wonder why! I just think fewer eyebrows are raised if a tourist is exploring a country for 1 or 2 weeks or even a month. If it becomes more than that, you may become suspicious.
Types of Schengen Visas
The most common type of Schengen visa for tourists and short-term visitors is the Type C visa, which is a short-stay visa.
It allows you to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
There are two main categories:
- Single-Entry Schengen Visa
Allows you to enter the Schengen Area once. Once you leave (even if before 90 days), you can’t return on the same visa. - Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa
Lets you enter and leave the Schengen Area multiple times during the visa’s validity period. This is ideal for travelers who want to combine Schengen and non-Schengen countries in one trip.
Can You Access Non-Schengen Countries with a Single-Entry Schengen Visa?
In most cases, No – you need a multiple-entry Schengen visa to visit non-Schengen European countries that accept Schengen visas.
Here’s why:
- A single-entry Schengen visa only allows you to enter the Schengen Area once.
- If you leave the Schengen zone to a non-Schengen zone (e.g., to visit Albania or Montenegro), you can’t go back into the Schengen Area with that same visa – it becomes invalid once used.
Multiple-entry Schengen visas, on the other hand:
- Let you enter and exit the Schengen Area multiple times while your visa is valid.
- This is what you need if you plan to enter a Schengen country first, then visit a non-Schengen country, and possibly return to the Schengen zone before flying home.
For Example:
You have a multiple-entry Schengen visa and you start your trip in France (Schengen), visit Croatia (non-Schengen), then return to Germany (Schengen) before flying back to Nigeria – this works.
But if your visa is single-entry, as soon as you leave France and enter Croatia, you won’t be able to re-enter any Schengen country. But you can visit Schengen visa countries (only) with a single-entry Schengen visa.
Pro Tip for Nigerians:
When applying for your Schengen visa, request a multiple-entry visa if you plan to visit both Schengen and non-Schengen countries.
Provide a clear travel itinerary and explain why multiple entries are needed.
Easy Schengen Country Pairings for Nigerian Travelers
As an advocate for country-pairing (if that is a word), I will advise that if you’re a Nigerian traveler planning to explore multiple Schengen visa countries in one trip (especially with a short-stay visa), it’s smart to visit countries that are close together and have great transport connections – so you can make the most of your time and visa.
Here’s a list of Schengen countries that are close together and easy to pair, plus tips on why each combo works:
France + Belgium + Netherlands
- Why it works: All are connected by fast trains (Thalys or Eurostar). Travel between Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam in just a few hours.
- Transport: High-speed trains, budget airlines, or road trips.
- Ideal For: Art, food, city sightseeing, and history lovers.
Germany + Austria + Switzerland
- Why it works: Central European neighbors with scenic train routes and stunning nature.
- Transport: Excellent train networks and bus services like FlixBus.
- Ideal For: Cultural experiences, castles, and mountain lovers.
Spain + Portugal
- Why it works: Share the Iberian Peninsula. Easy border crossings and flight deals between cities like Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona.
- Transport: Intercity trains, budget flights, and buses.
- Ideal For: Warm weather, beaches, and rich cultural heritage.
Italy + Switzerland + Austria
- Why it works: Close proximity and routes take you through the stunning Alps. Combine Rome or Milan in Italy with Zurich (Switz) and Vienna (Austria).
- Transport: Scenic train journeys or budget flights.
- Ideal For: History, fashion, food, and mountain landscapes.
Germany + Czech Republic + Poland
- Why it works: Eastern/Central Europe with rich culture and affordable travel.
- Transport: Buses (FlixBus, Eurolines) and train networks.
- Ideal For: Budget travelers, history buffs, and cultural immersion.
Denmark + Sweden + Norway
- Why it works: Easy to cross borders in the Nordic region. A bridge connects Denmark and Sweden!
- Transport: Trains, ferries, and budget flights.
- Ideal For: Nature, Northern Lights (Norway), and Scandinavian design.
Finland + Estonia (Not Schengen but accessible)
- Why it works: Short ferry ride between Helsinki and Tallinn. If you have a multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can visit Estonia and return.
- Tip: Estonia is not in Schengen but accepts valid Schengen visas under certain conditions.
Travel Tips:
- Get a multiple-entry Schengen visa if you plan to leave and re-enter the Schengen Area.
- Use Eurail or Interrail passes to save on train travel.
- Budget airlines like Ryanair, Wizz, and EasyJet help you hop between countries cheaply.
- Apps like Rome2Rio, Omio, or FlixBus are great for planning multi-country trips.
Conclusion
Get your passport and apply for that Schengen visa!
If you’ve got it already, it’s time to explore some of the most beautiful cities and countries on earth. Some of my dream countries are in Europe too and I can’t wait for you to see them.
Take advantage of this information and start planning your trip!
Have you used a Schengen visa for multi-country travel, or what country are you dreaming of visiting? Let me know in the comments section below!
Here is a blog post you may like: Countries Nigerians Can Visit Without a Visa: Visa-Free Countries for Nigerians (2025 Guide)
Keep Up With My Travels Here — where I list the countries and states I have gone, the countries I want to go very soon, the countries I want to go, the countries that seem out of reach but I want to go, and the countries I don’t know if I will ever go.
Check out My Lifetime to-do list to stay updated with fun and adventurous activities I’m up to.
Wanna learn how to make money to travel the world? Take my career clarity session!
Want a helping hand to grow spiritually? Contact me.
Want to start traveling, but don’t know how? Reach out to me to get started.
