In a landmark development for cultural mobility, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Greece, and Belgium have introduced a five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa aimed at easing travel for African creatives and professionals.
The update, confirmed by Pan-African advocacy organisation Nhimbe Trust, opens new doors for eligible travellers from countries including Nigeria and Ghana.
This long-term visa allows holders to enter any of the 29 Schengen states multiple times over five years, staying up to 90 days within every 180-day window, a total of 450 days over five years. It’s a major shift for artists, cultural workers, businesspeople, and other frequent travellers who have long faced the challenge of repeated, time-consuming visa applications.
Boost for Africa’s Cultural Sector
For Africa’s booming creative industries, the visa is more than a travel document; it’s a game changer. It means easier access to residencies, festivals, and international stages without last-minute rejections or bureaucratic delays. It also encourages long-term collaborations and cross-border partnerships, enhancing visibility and influence for African creatives in global cultural circles.
“The freedom to respond quickly to international invitations is vital for cultural workers,” noted an official from Nhimbe Trust. “This visa signals a commitment to supporting Africa’s role in the global creative economy.”
Challenges Still Remain
While the visa offers significant benefits, access remains uneven. Younger or lesser-known artists still face hurdles, from complex application requirements to reports of biased treatment during interviews. Applicants must prove their professional status with documents like portfolios, letters of invitation, and evidence of past work.
Advocacy groups are urging embassies to adopt fairer, more inclusive practices that recognise the realities of non-traditional careers in the cultural space.
How to Qualify
The visa isn’t automatic. Applicants stand a better chance if they’ve held a previous multiple-entry Schengen visa in the last three years, have a strong travel history, and can show financial stability and valid insurance. Applications are processed through the embassy of the country where the traveller will spend the most time.
The standard fee is €90. Travellers are advised to apply well in advance — no later than 15 days before departure; though earlier submissions are strongly encouraged due to high demand.
The five-year visa initiative is a hopeful signal that Europe is recognising the value of African talent and the need for smoother cultural exchange.
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