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Biometrics means giving your fingerprints and a photograph. Most visa systems require it, but the way you do it depends on the country. This guide covers Schengen and Canadian visa applications from Nigeria. If you are applying for the UK, use our guide to UK visa biometrics in Nigeria.
At a Glance
| Schengen | Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| When you give biometrics | When you lodge the application in person | After you apply online and receive a biometric instruction letter |
| Where | At the consulate or its service provider, depending on which country is handling your application | At a VFS Global visa application centre in Nigeria |
| Cost | Included in the visa fee, which is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 12. Service providers may add a charge | CAD 85 per person, or CAD 170 maximum for a family applying together. Booking the appointment is free |
| What you give | Ten fingerprints and a photo, stored in the Visa Information System | Fingerprints and a photo |
| Reuse | Fingerprints can be reused for later applications within five years | Check your instruction letter |
| Exemptions | Some categories are exempt | Children under 14 and applicants over 79 are among those exempt |
Schengen Visas
Schengen biometrics are collected when you submit your application, so the biometrics visit and the application visit are the same appointment. Which office you go to depends on the country you are applying to. Germany, for example, says most Nigerian applicants apply at its Consulate General in Lagos and that the Embassy in Abuja handles only limited cases. Other countries use service providers or have an agreement for another country to take applications on their behalf. Always start from the official embassy site for your destination, then book through the route it names.
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Steps for a Schengen application
- Identify the country that handles your application, usually the main destination or, if you visit several equally, the first entry. Our guide to the Schengen visa explains how to choose.
- Book an appointment. Apply no earlier than 6 months before the trip and at least 15 days before.
- Complete the form and gather the documents on the embassy checklist.
- Attend in person to submit your application and give your fingerprints and photo.
- Pay the fee in the way the office accepts. The German mission in Lagos accepts card payments, and the Abuja embassy accepts cash only.
- Wait for the decision, normally 15 days and up to 45 days.
Your fingerprints are stored with your application. If you apply again within five years, they can generally be reused, so you may not need to give them again.
Canadian Visas
For Canada the order is different. You apply online first. If you must give biometrics, IRCC sends a biometric instruction letter, and you then book an appointment at a visa application centre. VFS Global runs the centres in Nigeria. Use the official VFS Global Canada page for Nigeria to find the current centre list, hours and optional paid services, and avoid third-party sites that charge for “priority” slots.
Steps for a Canadian application
- Submit the application online and pay the application fee and the CAD 85 biometrics fee together.
- Wait for the biometric instruction letter.
- Book your appointment as soon as you receive it.
- Attend with the letter and your valid passport.
- IRCC then continues processing. Check its website for the current processing time for your visa type.
A Hypothetical Example
This is an illustration, not a real case. A family of four applies for Canadian visitor visas together. Each adult and child over 14 owes CAD 85 for biometrics, but the family cap of CAD 170 applies when they apply at the same time. If they applied separately, the cap would not help them.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Quick fix |
|---|---|
| Website will not load | Try another browser or a quieter time of day |
| No confirmation email | Check spam and your account on the booking site |
| Fingerprint scan fails | Staff will retry. Clean, dry hands help |
| No slots nearby | Check other centres, and book as soon as a slot appears |
| Missed the appointment | Rebook promptly. The application waits for your biometrics |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to give biometrics again for a new application?
For Schengen, fingerprints can be reused for later applications within five years. For Canada, the rules depend on your previous applications, so follow your instruction letter.
Can children give biometrics?
Canada exempts children under 14. Schengen has its own age and category exemptions, so check with the consulate.
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Is the biometrics fee refundable?
Generally fees are not refunded if you are refused. Confirm the refund terms before you pay.
What if my fingerprints cannot be taken?
Tell the staff. Schengen rules recognise physical impossibility as a reason for exemption, and Canadian centres will advise you on the next step.
For help choosing the right route and preparing your documents, you can contact KP Visas & Travels.
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