The Slovak government has launched a new RegVIS visa appointment portal, allowing Nigerians and other foreign nationals planning to study in the country to access reserved appointment dates.

According to the Slovak Spectator, the new system, which is set to become operational in November, will require universities and research institutions to facilitate the appointment process.

During each registration round, the institutions would be able to upload the names of the students they plan to bring to Slovakia on the new portal, where the details would be cross-checked for any duplicate registrations. 

Following the closure of each registration round, the students selected would then be able to book a slot at the visa centres in Nigeria and other countries and submit their national visa application there. 

Subsequently, foreign students and researchers are not required to register themselves in RegVIS portal.  

The new system, officially launched earlier this month, will initially be available only to students and researchers, with the government planning to extend it to employees at a later date.

Companies based in Slovakia are expected to join RegVIS in a second phase in the coming months. 

Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár stated that the portal was launched to simplify the process of securing visa appointments for foreign students coming to Slovakia. 

The portal was reportedly developed by the foreign ministry with other state bodies and partners. Slovakia’s Research and Innovation Authority (VAIA) was said to have funded it.