Nigeria Visa
Traveling to Nigeria
Whether visiting family, attending a sporting event, visiting one of the stunning natural sites, or conducting business, there are many reasons to visit Nigeria. As one of Africa's biggest economies, Nigeria is a hub for travelers of all kinds including tourists, students, and businesspersons.
Nearly all foreign nationals require a visa to Nigeria. Fortunately, there are many visa types to choose from and the application process is very straightforward. Citizens from ECOWAS member states, Cameroon, Chad, and any other country with a bilateral waiver agreement with Nigeria, are exempt from visa requirements for tourism purposes.
The validity of the Nigeria visa will vary depending on the visa type. Most visa types are valid for up to 90 days from the date of issuance with the exception of the transit visa which is valid for one (1) to seven (7) days. There are three categories that broadly define the available duration of stay: Short Visit (up to three months stay), Temporary Residence (up to two years stay), and Permanent Residence.
Nigeria Visa Types
The following visa types are available to travelers coming to Nigeria for a variety of travel purposes:
- Tourism/Transit/Visiting visa:
- This Short Visit visa type is issued to those visiting family and friends (Visit visa), tourists (Tourist visa), and travelers passing through Nigeria (Transit visa) who intend to stay for no more than three (3) months.
- Exchange/Journalism/Religious/Sports/Entertainment visa:
- This is a Short Visit visa that allows holders to visit Nigeria for up to three (3) months for the purpose of short study courses, journalism, or attending a sporting/cultural event, among other purposes.
- Business visa:
- This Short Visit visa is issued to travelers coming to Nigeria for business activities not exceeding a period of three (3) months.
- Employment visa:
- This Temporary Residence visa allows holders to reside and work in Nigeria for up to two years.
- Diplomatic visa:
- This is a Temporary Residence visa issued to diplomatic passport holders or related officials that allows the holder to reside in Nigeria for up to two (2) years.
- Academic visa:
- This is a Temporary Residence visa issued to students, interns, and exchange students for a period of up to two (2) years.
- Temporary Work Permit
- This Temporary Residence visa is intended for workers with specialized skills coming to Nigeria to complete a project or work for a period not exceeding two (2) years.
- Nigerians by Birth and their Relatives visa:
- This is a Permanent Residence document for Nigerians by birth and relatives of Nigerians.
- Highly Skilled Immigrants and Retirees
- This Permanent Residence document is issued to foreign nationals with specialized skills and anyone seeking retirement in Nigeria. This is also the visa type for investors from enterprises of all sizes.
- Relatives of Permanent Residents
- This visa type is for dependents (children, parents, and spouses) of Nigerian permanent residents.
Nigeria Visa Requirements
To apply for a Nigeria visa, all applicants are required to submit several documents depending on the purpose of the trip and the visa type.
The following are the basic requirements for all Nigerian visa types:
A valid passport
Passports should be valid for at least 6 months and contain two blank pages for official use.
Two (2) personal photographs
The applicant is required to submit two (2) recent passport-sized photographs (35mm x 40mm).
A complete application form
Applicants can complete their visa application online or in person at the nearest embassy or consulate.
Proof of sufficient funds
All travelers to Nigeria must be able to prove they are able to support themselves financially for the duration of their stay.
Receipt for visa fee payment
Applicants must have a receipt that clearly shows they have completed the visa fee payment online.
Depending on the visa type, applicants may be required to submit some additional documents, such as an invitation letter from an academic institution, employer, or family member, proof of health insurance, or a police report.
Nigeria Visa Application Steps
Applicants may be issued an eVisa or a sticker visa depending on the visa type and where they submit their application. Regardless of the visa type, the process for applying for a Nigerian visa is very straightforward and can be completed by following a few basic steps.
The following are the basic steps for the eVisa and sticker visa accordingly:
eVisa
- Start the online application
Applicants must visit the official online visa portal and select the “Entry Visa/Visa Free Zone” option to get started.
- Create an account and log in
Applicants should create a secure login for their account and proceed to the correct form.
- Complete the online application
All information submitted online should be accurate and complete. Applicants should complete the form online and print it out once finished. They will receive an application ID and reference number.
- Pay the visa fee
Visa fees can be paid online with a valid credit or debit card. A money order can also be used in some cases, depending on the location of the application submission. Applicants will use their application ID and reference number to make the payment.
- Print confirmation documents
Applicants must print their Visa Payment Slip and Visa Acknowledgement form once their payment is accepted. Applicants that pay by money order must wait until the payment is received and confirmed.
- Schedule a biometric appointment (if applicable)
Depending on the location of submission, some applicants may be asked to attend an appointment and/or interview to submit their biometric data and additional information.
- Receive a decision
Once approved, applicants will receive the eVisa by email. They can download and print the eVisa before traveling. New visa holders should verify the information on their visa to ensure it matches their passport.
Sticker visa
- Complete the visa application form
Visa applications must be completed accurately with all necessary identification information as written in the applicant’s passport.
- Schedule a visa appointment (if required)
If necessary, the applicant will book an appointment with the Nigerian foreign mission (embassy or consulate) where they plan to submit their application.
- Submit the application materials
Applicants will submit their visa application form and all required documents to the immigration officials for processing.
- Pay the visa fee
Payment methods may vary depending on the foreign mission where the applicant is submitting their application.
- Await visa decision
If approved, the applicant will collect their passport with the new sticker visa stuck inside.
Where to Apply for Nigeria Visa
The method of submission for a Nigerian visa will depend on the visa type and the applicant’s nationality. Nigerian visas can be obtained by submitting the application and required documents online through the official immigration portal or by applying in person at the nearest Nigerian foreign mission (embassy or consulate).
Nigeria Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Nigerian visa will depend on the visa type and the submission method. Applicants are advised to apply with plenty of time in advance to avoid unforeseen delays.
Nigeria Visa FAQ
A Nigeria visa is a travel document that allows a foreign national to lawfully enter the country for a specific purpose of travel. Nigerian visas are available for various durations of stay for Short Visit, Temporary Residence, and Permanent Residence purposes.
The cost of a Nigeria visa will vary depending on the visa type and where the applicant submits the visa application.
The method of submission for a Nigerian visa will depend on the visa type and the applicant’s nationality. Nigerian visas can be obtained by submitting the application and required documents online through the official immigration portal or by applying in person at the nearest Nigerian foreign mission (embassy or consulate).
The processing time for a Nigerian visa will depend on the visa type and the submission method. Applicants are advised to apply with plenty of time in advance to avoid unforeseen delays.
