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Nigeria Visa: Entry requirements and travel information for Nigeria

Nigeria

Welcome to Nigeria

Craving a taste of Nigeria's iconic spicy jollof rice or eager to groove to the rhythmic sounds of Afrobeat music? Well, your Nigerian travel plans just got spicier and more rhythmic!

In Nigeria, ancient tradition meets modernity, and every corner holds a new adventure. From the bustling markets of Lagos to the serene beauty of Obudu Ranch, we're here to ensure you're armed with the correct Nigerian visa to enjoy your trip!

Find out which visas are available for Nigeria, how to apply, and get extra tips for one of the most colorful trips of your life without a care in the world.

nigeria waterfalls

Unlocking Nigeria: Visa options

Even if you’re new to the world of travel, you probably know that most countries require some sort of visa from travelers to enter. Just as an artist needs their palette to create a masterpiece, a visa is usually needed to unlock the wonders of Nigeria. So, before you embark on your Nigerian expedition, let's explore the visa options for your trip purpose.

Nigeria Visa on Arrival: Easy as can be

Who is it for? A visa on arrival is exactly what it sounds like. You don’t need to go through any applications beforehand, as you get the visa at the airport or border when you arrive. The VOA option for Nigeria is open to the following business travelers:

High Net Worth Investors that frequently travel with business interests in Nigeria.
Business visitors from African neighbor countries.
Executive of multinational companies.
Members of government delegations.
Holder of United Nations Laissez-Passer.
Holders of African Union Laissez-Passer.
Holders of any other official document of other recognized international organizations who intend to visit Nigeria.

The visa on arrival is available to citizens of all countries if they can prove they fit in any of the above categories with an invitation letter.

Who cannot apply: Nationals who do not require a visa to visit Nigeria and visitors under 18 years old.

Purpose? Business activities, including attending conferences, networking events, or client meetings (but not paid work).

Duration of stay? You must enter Nigeria within 14 days after issuance of your invitation letter. You can stay up to 30 days.

Learn more Get yours

Nigeria Tourism Visa (F5A): Your key to exploring the country

Who is it for? This visa is available to citizens from all over the world, except citizens of ECOWAS member states like Cameroon and Chad and nations with whom Nigeria has visa-free agreements.

Purpose? A tourist visa is issued to foreigners who want to enter the country for tourism and sightseeing purposes.

Duration of stay? The tourist visa is valid for a single entry into the country and allows a maximum stay of 90 days.

Nigeria Visiting Visa Multiple-Entry (F6B): Families unite!

Who is it for? Citizens of countries that offer similar multiple-entry visas to Nigerian citizens.

Purpose? The Visiting Visa is meant for social visits, specifically for those who have friends and family in Nigeria and want to visit them frequently.

Duration of stay? This visa is valid for multiple entries into the country for two years from the issuance date. Each visit can last up to 90 days.

Nigeria Visiting Visa Single-Entry (F6A)

Who is it for? Persons with friends and family in Nigeria.

Purpose? Like the multiple-entry visa, this single-entry is meant for social visits, specifically for those with friends and family in Nigeria.

Duration of stay? This visa must be used within 30 days after issuance, is valid for one entry into the country, and allows a maximum stay of 90 days.

Nigeria Transit Visa (F3B): For a quick visit

Who is it for? This visa is available to citizens from all over the world (except those with visa-free access), particularly transiting passengers who have an onward ticket to their next destination and wish to enter Nigeria during their transit.

Purpose? This visa allows you to enter Nigeria when transiting in the country.

Duration of stay? You can stay in Nigeria from 1 to 7 days with the transit visa, based on your time between flights.

Nigeria Transit without Visa (F3A)

Who's it for? This is not a visa but a registration that allows transiting visitors to transfer flights at a Nigerian airport. You must have an onward flight ticket to your next destination.

Purpose? This is meant as permission to stay at the airport (not enter Nigeria) with the goal of flying to another destination.

Duration of stay? You can stay at the airport for a maximum of 48 hours. If you need to stay longer, apply for a Transit Visa instead.

Nigeria Journalism Visa (F7A): In-depth Nigeria

Who's it for? Journalists from all over the world, such as employees of news and media agencies, documentary makers, and more.

Purpose? You can visit the country for journalism and media purposes. You’ll first need clearance from the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture in Nigeria before applying for this visa.

Duration of stay? The Nigeria Journalism Visa is valid for a single stay of up to 30 days.

Nigeria's other short-stay visas

For those who have a specific reason to visit Nigeria other than standard tourism, business, transit, or journalism, the following visas are available:

Nigeria Medical Tourism Visa: For travelers from all over who want to visit Nigeria to receive medical care, plus a person accompanying them, such as an assistant or family member.
Nigeria Cleric/Religious Visa: For travelers from all over who want to visit Nigeria to receive medical care, plus a person accompanying them, such as an assistant or family member.
Nigeria Sports Visa: The Sports Visa is specifically designed for athletes and sports officials participating in sports competitions and events, as well as official sports supporters from a club.
Nigeria Artist/Entertainer/Musician Visa: This is issued to foreign nationals seeking to visit Nigeria for the purpose of performance as an artist, such as DJs, models, musicians, dancers, actors, and more.
Nigeria Humanitarian/NGO Visa: This visa is meant for those doing humanitarian work and working/volunteering for NGOs in the country.

Nigeria (Temporary) Residence Permits: Immerse yourself

If you're thinking about making Nigeria your home for longer than six months, you'll need what's called a (Temporary) Resident Visa. These visas are your pass to live, and sometimes even work, in Nigeria for a specific validity. Here’s an overview:

Nigeria Temporary Work Permit) (TWP): This permit is typically issued to people who are coming to Nigeria for short-term employment or work-related activities. The TWP is issued for a limited duration and does not allow taking up permanent employment in Nigeria.
Nigeria Spouse Visa/Dependent Visa: This visa allows the spouse and/or child(ren) of someone legally working or living in Nigeria to join them. It’s designed to keep families together.

If you’re still unsure of what type of visa you need, contact the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate nearby for more guidance. While we currently don’t offer Nigerian visas, we’ll give you more info about the application process, requirements, and travel tips in the following sections!

nigeria countryside view

Nigeria Visa application process: A closer look

Applying for a Nigerian visa can seem complex. That’s why we’ll explain the steps for the most popular visas in detail here!

How to apply for the Nigeria Visa on Arrival

Getting your Nigeria Visa on Arrival (for business travelers) is pretty straightforward. However, you’ll still need to prepare some things before you arrive:

Step 1: Get the online invitation letter (also called the approval letter) on the Nigerian government website.

Step 2: Double-check your info and pay the fees.

Step 3: Print your letter, and you’re ready to go!

You can pick up your official visa upon arrival at the airport upon arrival (before going through customs)!

How to apply for the Nigeria Tourist Visa

The Tourist Visa requirements and steps depend on your nationality. Still, generally, the steps are as follows:

Step 1: Print and fill out the online application form on the NIS (government) website and pay the visa fees.

Step 2: Gather the required documents, upload them, and submit your application.

Step 3: You may have to attend an interview at the nearest embassy and provide your biometric information. Simply follow the instructions on the application form!

How to apply for the Nigeria Visiting Visa (single - and multiple-entry)

The application process for the Nigeria Visiting Visa is similar to the tourist visa:

Step 1: Travelers are first required to fill out the online form with their basic info and travel details and pay the visa fees.

Step 2: Gather any required documents, specifically those that prove your relations with Nigeria.

Step 3: Once your application's good to go, you'll receive a notification by email.

Follow the instructions in the email to pick up your visa and off you go!

How to apply for the Nigeria Transit Visa (and transit without a visa)

This visa application is simple and quick. The process is slightly different for transit without visa:

Step 1: Fill out the online form and select the correct option (transit visa or transit without visa), depending on how long you want to stay and if you want to actually enter Nigeria.

Step 2: Pay the visa fees online.

Step 3: Follow the instructions to pick up or print your visa/registration letter upon approval.

Note that for the transit without visa option, you can’t actually leave the transit lounge at the Nigerian airport.

How to apply for a Nigerian Short Stay Visas

While each short-stay visa has its own specific requirements related to the purpose of your visit, such as sports or religion, the application processes are pretty similar:

Step 1: Start by filling out the online form on the government website.

Step 2: Pay the fees, sometimes, this is done at the embassy or consulate.

Step 3: Gather the required documents and submit them according to the visa application instructions. Sometimes, an interview or biometrics appointment is needed.

How to apply for a Nigeria Residence Permit

Each temporary and permanent residence permit has its own requirements and application steps. It’s recommended to contact the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate for more info!

Step 1: Make a visa appointment at a Nigerian Embassy or Consulate near you and gather the required documents and info for the specific visa you need.

Step 2: Attend the visa appointment - if needed - with the completed form(s), supporting documents, and payment for the visa fees.

Step 3: Once approved, you’ll receive specific instructions to pick up your residence permit and instructions to enter the country.

Nigeria entry requirements

As you prepare for your exciting adventure in Nigeria, we understand that entry requirements can seem a bit daunting. But here's the good news: we're here to support you at every turn.

Consider these guidelines as your roadmap to a smooth process to visit the diverse nation of Nigeria!

	Nigeria Visa on Arrival (Business)	Nigeria Tourist Visa	Nigeria Visiting Visa	Nigeria Transit Visa - Transit Without Visa	Nigeria Short Stay Visas	Nigeria Residence Permits
Valid Passport	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
- Must be valid for at least six months from the departure date from Nigeria and two blank pages.
- If your passport is expiring soon, check out our passport renewal service to see if we can help you get a new one before your trip.
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Travel Itinerary	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
- Accommodation confirmation to prove where you’ll be staying.
- This could include a Letter of Invitation from a host or company.
- Return or onward flight ticket.
---	---
Proof of Sufficient Funds or Employment	✓	✓	✓	X	✓	✓
- Evidence like bank statements or a declaration from a sponsor showing adequate funds for the stay.
- For some visas, you must show you have regular income and must provide proof of employment.
---	---
Passport Photo(s)	✓	✓	✓	X	✓	✓
- A recent photo of yourself for your residence card or identification purposes.
- If you don’t have one, use our handy digital photo service to get one from the comfort of your own home!
---	---
Proof of Relationship	x	x	✓	x	x	✓
- If someone is coming with you as a dependent, submit proof of your relationship.
- This could be a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
- It could also involve children, parents, or siblings, proving the family ties.
---	---
Letter of Approval	x	x	x	✓	✓	x
- This is a pre-registration to show your intent to visit the country.
- It could also be approval for your specific purpose from a Nigerian government body, such as permission to film, play sports, and more.

Health information for travelers to Nigeria

In some parts of Nigeria, medical facilities might not be the same as in your home country. Check the following tips to make sure you’re prepared for medical emergencies or health issues while in the country:

Requirement	Explanation & Consideration for Travelers
Vaccinations	- If you’re coming from a country or had a layover in a country with risk for Yellow Fever virus transmission, you must have proof of vaccination to enter Nigeria.
	- In addition, it’s recommended for all travelers to Nigeria to get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, rabies, polio, and typhoid. Depending on your plans, you might also consider additional immunization for mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria
	- Get updated about Nigeria's COVID-19 requirements, such as quarantine, testing, or vaccine certificates, through your airline and the Nigerian government website.

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Medical Facilities	- The healthcare system in Nigeria is still in the early stages of development and lacks modern medical facilities, even in private clinics. Consider preparing a list of hospitals and doctors to contact in case something happens, especially when traveling to remote areas and if you need to come into contact with animals or many different people.
	- Consider taking regular over-the-counter medicines (check the allowed amount on the Nigerian government website), as you may not have access to these in Nigeria.

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Health Insurance	- It's a good idea to have solid travel health insurance and/or enough money on hand to handle any potential medical expenses or even to get back home if necessary.
	- While larger cities have more modern hospitals, these are often private and won’t treat you without a deposit or payment. Having adequate insurance will address these hurdles so you can focus on your health.

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Local Hazards	Keep an extra eye on the following to keep healthy and safe:

	1. Food and water quality: To prevent stomach problems, stick to bottled water, avoid ice in drinks, wash fruit and vegetables well, and be cautious with street food. Also, avoid swimming in stagnant water or untreated pools.
	2. Mosquito-borne diseases: In some areas of Nigeria, there is a risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and Zika virus. Use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing, especially in tropical regions.
	3. Keep away from animals: Be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, and sea animals such as jellyfish and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, always disinfect the wound and contact a doctor immediately.

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Medication for personal use	Follow these tips to bring into Nigeria some over-the-counter medicines:
	- Declare all medications: Report all medication for personal use to customs authorities.
	- Original packaging: Always keep medicines in their original containers that are packed into transparent bags in your hand luggage.
	- Prescription or doctor's letter: Present the medical prescription issued by your doctor or other competent authority in English.
	- Check for Restrictions: Research beforehand to ensure your medications are allowed in Nigeria, as some substances are restricted or prohibited.
	- Quantity aligned with itinerary: Bring only a reasonable quantity that aligns with your stay duration to avoid complications.

Regarding traveling to Nigeria, being prepared is crucial. Staying in the know and taking necessary precautions will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Get assistance from your embassy in Nigeria

Having your country's embassy or consulate in Nigeria as a backup can be a reassuring safety net for unexpected situations. Whether you're a Nigerian exploring the world or a global traveler in Nigeria, knowing how to contact your embassy is essential.

For Nigerians abroad: Check the location of your nearest embassy in other countries for assistance, emergencies, or some friendly advice to guide you. This is specifically helpful in the case of losing your passport during your travels, for example.

International travelers in Nigeria: Need help or have an emergency in Nigeria?

Connect with ease:

Website: Dive into the official government website of Nigeria for contact info and specific services.
Phone: Usually, you can find the contact details of the nearest embassy to you on the government website for the quickest communication. Most embassies offer a 24/7 emergency phone contact.
Email: If it’s not urgent, simply send an email for general inquiries or to make an appointment.
In-person: Some things are easier arranged face-to-face. Remember to book an appointment if needed.