If you are planning to travel to Germany or anywhere in the Schengen area from the Middle East or Africa, applying for a Schengen visa has just become easier.
VFS Global has renewed its agreement with the German Federal Foreign Office for another seven years. As part of the deal, four new Germany Visa Application Centres have been added, increasing the global total to 72. This expansion will allow thousands of travelers to access Schengen visas more quickly and conveniently.
Where You Can Apply Now
VFS Global has been processing German visas since 2005 and already operates hubs in major cities such as:
- Abu Dhabi and Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
- Algiers (Algeria)
- Muscat (Oman)
- Manama (Bahrain)
- Beirut (Lebanon)
- Erbil (Iraq)
- Kuwait City (Kuwait)
- Amman (Jordan)
- Doha (Qatar)
The new visa centres have been added in:
- Lagos (Nigeria)
- Abuja (Nigeria)
- Nicosia (Cyprus)
- Yaoundé (Cameroon)
This expansion reduces travel time and simplifies the logistics of submitting visa applications.
Why This Matters
Germany remains one of the top destinations for travelers, students, and professionals from these regions. With Schengen visa demand on the rise, expanding the number of application centres is a timely move.
According to VFS Global’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jiten Vyas, the renewed contract is a sign of strong confidence from German authorities and reinforces their mission to make the visa process more accessible.
More centres mean reduced congestion, increased appointment availability, and less stress for applicants.
Application Tips
- Apply early – You can submit your Schengen visa application up to six months before your intended travel date.
- Avoid peak delays – High-demand seasons fill up quickly, so book your appointment early.
Beware of Scams
VFS Global has reported a rise in fraudulent services offering to secure visa appointments for a fee through unofficial channels. Applicants should only book appointments through the official VFS Global website. Any legitimate fees will be clearly stated in the official visa process. Requests for additional payments to secure slots are a red flag.
Conclusion
The addition of new German visa centres in Africa and the Middle East is excellent news for travelers in these regions. While the visa process may still be demanding, the expansion offers more locations, longer lead times for applications, and stronger safeguards against fraud—making it easier and safer for applicants to secure their Schengen visas.