Nigeria Visa Guide

Do I Need a Nigerian Visa to Visit Nigeria?

Most travellers to Nigeria will need a visa. Citizens of ECOWAS member countries (such as Ghana, Senegal, and Benin) can enter Nigeria visa-free for up to 90 days. However, most other nationalities, including those from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa, will require a visa to enter Nigeria. It’s important to check the specific requirements for your nationality before planning your trip.

Types of Nigerian Visas

Nigeria offers several types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. Here are the main categories:

1. Tourist Visa
2. Business Visa
3. Transit Visa
4. Temporary Work Permit (TWP)
5. Subject to Regularization (STR) Visa

Each visa type has specific requirements and application procedures, so it’s important to choose the right one for your visit.

Which Nigerian Visa is Right For You?

Tourist Visa

Who Needs It?

• Travelers visiting Nigeria for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family.

Requirements:

• Valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
• Completed visa application form.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter from a host in Nigeria).
• Return flight ticket.
• Bank statement showing sufficient funds.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate.

How to Apply:

1. Online Application: Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service visa application website and complete the online application form.
2. Document Upload: Upload the required documents such as your passport, photographs, proof of accommodation, return ticket, and bank statement.
3. Payment: Pay the visa fee online and print the payment receipt.
4. Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate.
5. Submission: Attend the appointment with your documents for an interview and biometric data collection.
6. Processing: Wait for the visa processing, which usually takes 5-10 business days.

Business Visa

Who Needs It?

• Individuals travelling to Nigeria for business meetings, conferences, or other professional activities.

Requirements:

• Valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
• Completed visa application form.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Invitation letter from a Nigerian company.
• Certificate of Incorporation of the Nigerian company.
• Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statement).
• Return flight ticket.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate.

How to Apply:

1. Online Application: Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service visa application website and complete the online application form.
2. Document Upload: Upload the required documents such as your passport, photographs, invitation letter, certificate of incorporation, and bank statement.
3. Payment: Pay the visa fee online and print the payment receipt.
4. Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate.
5. Submission: Attend the appointment with your documents for an interview and biometric data collection.
6. Processing: Wait for the visa processing, which usually takes 5-10 business days.

Transit Visa

Who Needs It?

• Travelers passing through Nigeria to another destination, with a short layover.

Requirements:

• Valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
• Completed visa application form.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Proof of onward travel (flight ticket).
• Visa for the next destination (if required).

How to Apply:

1. Online Application: Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service visa application website and complete the online application form.
2. Document Upload: Upload the required documents such as your passport, photographs, and proof of onward travel.
3. Payment: Pay the visa fee online and print the payment receipt.
4. Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate.
5. Submission: Attend the appointment with your documents for an interview and biometric data collection.
6. Processing: Wait for the visa processing, which usually takes 5-10 business days.

Temporary Work Permit (TWP)

Who Needs It?

• Professionals and skilled workers coming to Nigeria for short-term employment.

Requirements:

• Valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
• Completed visa application form.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Temporary Work Permit approval from the Nigeria Immigration Service.
• Employment letter from the Nigerian company.
• Certificate of Incorporation of the Nigerian company.
• Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statement).
• Return flight ticket.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate.

How to Apply:

1. Online Application: Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service visa application website and complete the online application form.
2. Document Upload: Upload the required documents such as your passport, photographs, TWP approval, employment letter, certificate of incorporation, and bank statement.
3. Payment: Pay the visa fee online and print the payment receipt.
4. Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate.
5. Submission: Attend the appointment with your documents for an interview and biometric data collection.
6. Processing: Wait for the visa processing, which usually takes 5-10 business days.

Subject to Regularization (STR) Visa

Who Needs It?

• Foreigners taking up long-term employment in Nigeria.

Requirements:

• Valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
• Completed visa application form.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Offer of employment from a Nigerian company.
• Expatriate Quota approval from the Nigeria Immigration Service.
• Certificate of Incorporation of the Nigerian company.
• Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statement).
• Medical certificate.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate.

How to Apply:

1. Online Application: Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service visa application website and complete the online application form.
2. Document Upload: Upload the required documents such as your passport, photographs, employment offer, expatriate quota approval, certificate of incorporation, bank statement, and medical certificate.
3. Payment: Pay the visa fee online and print the payment receipt.
4. Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate.
5. Submission: Attend the appointment with your documents for an interview and biometric data collection.
6. Processing: Wait for the visa processing, which usually takes 5-10 business days.

Navigating the Nigerian visa application process can be straightforward if you have the right information. Always check the latest requirements on the Nigeria Immigration Service website as they can change. By following the steps outlined for each visa type, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth application process. Safe travels and enjoy your time in Nigeria!