🇩🇪 Germany Makes Schengen Visa Easier for Africa and Middle East Travelers — Here’s What’s Changing

Planning a trip to Germany or anywhere in the Schengen Zone just got a whole lot simpler—especially if you’re applying from Africa or the Middle East.

Germany has extended its partnership with VFS Global, the international visa outsourcing company, for another seven years. And with that renewal comes a major expansion: four new Germany Visa Application Centres are opening across Africa and the Middle East, making it easier than ever to apply for a Schengen visa.

What’s New in Germany’s Visa Access Strategy?

VFS Global has been working with the German Federal Foreign Office since 2005, helping process visa applications from around the world. With this new agreement, the total number of German visa centres operated by VFS Global has grown to 72 globally.

The latest additions include:

• Nicosia, Cyprus
• Yaoundé, Cameroon
• Abuja, Nigeria
• Lagos, Nigeria

These new locations are a game-changer for travelers who previously had to travel long distances just to submit their visa applications. Now, with more centres closer to home, the process is faster, more convenient, and less stressful.

Existing Centres Still Going Strong

In addition to the new centres, VFS Global continues to operate in major cities across the region, including:

• Algiers, Algeria
• Manama, Bahrain
• Erbil, Iraq
• Amman, Jordan
• Doha, Qatar
• Kuwait City, Kuwait
• Beirut, Lebanon
• Muscat, Oman
• Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE

You can find the full list of centres and book appointments directly on the VFS Global Germany Visa page.

Why This Expansion Matters

Germany remains one of the most popular destinations for tourists, students, and professionals from Africa and the Middle East. With Schengen visa demand rising again post-pandemic, expanding access points is a smart move that benefits both travelers and the German government.

More centres mean:

• Shorter wait times
• Easier access to appointments
• Reduced travel costs for applicants
• Streamlined paperwork and processing

Whether you’re heading to Germany for business, study, or leisure, this expansion makes the visa process more accessible than ever.

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