UK travelers: Nigeria eVisa rules have changed - here’s what to know in 2025

Visiting Nigeria for tourism or business? You should know that UK passport holders need to apply for an eVisa before they enter Nigeria. Luckily, the Nigeria eVisa makes the process fast and fully online - no embassy visits required.

In this guide, we cover everything UK travelers need to know, including requirements, how to apply, and real traveler tips for a smooth trip.

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Do UK citizens need an eVisa or visa on arrival for Nigeria?

All UK citizens must get a visa before traveling to Nigeria. The Nigeria eVisa replaces the visa on arrival, allowing you to apply from your computer or phone in just a few steps.

A key change: Nigeria’s visa-on-arrival system has ended. Travelers from the UK to Nigeria will need to apply for the eVisa in advance - no exceptions.

🗨️ James L., UK traveler to Lagos:

"The eVisa process was way smoother than I expected. I applied online, and two days later my visa was in my inbox - no embassy hassle!"

How long can UK tourists stay with the Nigeria eVisa?

The Nigeria eVisa allows UK tourists to:

Stay up to 30 days for tourism purposes
Use the visa within 90 days of issue
Enter once (single entry) - you’ll need a new visa for each trip

What documents do UK travelers need?

The eVisa application is simple but requires you to prepare a few documents:

✔️ A valid UK passport (must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival)

✔️ A recent passport photo

✔️ Return flight booking

✔️ Hotel booking (or an invitation letter if staying with family/friends)

✔️ A bank statement showing the last 6 months of transactions

-✔️ For minors: birth certificate + parental consent letter

🗨️ Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert, adds:

“If you're staying with family, make sure they send a clear invitation letter with their home address, your visit dates, and a copy of their Nigerian ID or residency permit. This is a must-have for the eVisa.”

How to apply for the Nigeria eVisa from the United Kingdom

Applying for the Nigeria eVisa from the UK is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you sorted:

1️⃣ Start your application online: Apply via the official government site or use a trusted service like iVisa or download our mobile app for extra convenience.

2️⃣ Pay the fee: If you use iVisa, you’ll have more payment options (PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.), which is handy if your UK credit card doesn’t work on the gov site.

3️⃣ Upload your documents and wait for approval: Once approved, your eVisa will arrive by email - print a copy to bring with you.

4️⃣ Register for your Nigeria Landing Card through iVisa: The Landing Card is a separate document, acting as a customs card. This is a new requirement for all travelers to Nigeria. You'll need an approved eVisa number to get one.

How much does the Nigeria eVisa cost?

Check the Nigeria eVisa fees below by entering your nationality and destination.

Don’t forget your Nigeria landing card

Even with a valid eVisa, you still need to complete the Nigeria Landing Card before entering the country. This digital form is not a visa, but has replaced the old paper cards handed out on the plane and is mandatory for all travelers - regardless of visa status.

It takes just a few minutes to fill out online, and it’s best to do it ahead of time to avoid delays or issues at the airport. You can apply for both documents quickly and easily through iVisa.

An Exit Card is also required, which you can get through the government website from 96 hours before departure from Nigeria.

What happens when you arrive in Nigeria?

Although the eVisa is fully digital (no stickers or stamps in your passport), there are a few extra steps when you land:

Biometrics required: You'll need to complete a quick fingerprint and facial scan at immigration.
Processing time: Expect to spend an extra 15–20 minutes at border control for these checks.

🗨️ Michael Zervos from Project Kosmos shares his experience:

“When you arrive, the process is pretty straightforward. They take your photo, scan your fingerprints, and within minutes you're through. Everyone was polite and helpful."

💡Pro tip to avoid queues

If you want to avoid long lines at Lagos Airport, aim to arrive between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM on a Tuesday or Wednesday. These are typically the quietest times.

Why apply with iVisa?

Applying directly on the Nigerian government website can be frustrating, especially with payment glitches and limited customer support. Here’s how iVisa makes life easier:

✅ iVisa advantages	🚫 Do it yourself
24/7 customer support (chat, WhatsApp, phone)	No customer service
Apply in 14 languages	English only
Flexible payments (PayPal, Apple Pay)	Foreign cards often rejected
Expert review of documents	Errors can cause delays
Save and resume anytime	Must complete in one session
Easy to apply as a group	Every traveler must start a new session

🗨️ Ben & Rachel, UK couple:

“We chose iVisa because our UK cards kept failing on the government site. The support team answered all our questions within minutes and we paid for our application without issues.”