What is the Schengen area?

The Schengen area is made up of 26 European countries. In March of 2001, the Schengen countries mutually decided to get rid of passport controls inside the Schengen area. That means if you are traveling to a country that’s a part of the Schengen area, you only need to show your passport one time.

Which countries are a part of the Schengen area?

The following countries make up the Schengen area: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Why did the Schengen countries agree to eliminate border controls?

The Schengen countries decided it was in their mutual benefit to eliminate passport checks at the border. The bureaucracy involved in passing into a different country was expensive and border stops were making tourism difficult.

Why do I need travel insurance for Schengen visa?

Travel insurance covers the cost of repatriation for medical conditions and hospital treatment. Without travel insurance, these costs would have to be covered by the host country.

Do Nigerians need a visa in order to enter the Schengen zone?

Yes, Nigerians planning to enter Schengen need to secure a visa first before entering the zone. In order to get a visa, you need to pick up travelers insurance.

Is travel insurance for Schengen visa expensive?

It all depends on what type of travelers insurance you elect to purchase. Bare bones travel insurance is not expensive at all. If you are over 60 years of age and/or plan on doing dangerous sports during your vacation, the price of your travel insurance for Schengen visa will be higher.

Will my travelers insurance cover the cost of my family returning to Nigeria if I need to return for health reasons?

Some travelers insurance packages will pay to transport other insured travelers in your party in the event of a medical emergency, but low cost family travel insurance plans will only pay for the sick person to fly back to Nigeria. Check the details of your travelers insurance package to find out the terms of your insurance package before you sign up.

What does the “assistance in case of death” benefit cover?

The assistance in case of death benefit pays for your body to be transported back to your home country, in the event that you die during your trip.

Should I buy an annual plan or a single trip travel insurance package?

If you travel more than 3 times a year, you may save money by purchasing an annual travelers insurance package. All you need to get travel insurance for Schengen visa, though, is a single trip plan.