UK citizens: Nigeria landing card now mandatory for entry

If you're flying from the UK to Nigeria, there are a couple of new requirements you can’t afford to ignore. All British passport holders must complete the digital Nigeria Landing Card before arrival, on top of having an eVisa.

Find out more below and apply instantly online.

What is the Nigeria landing card?

The Nigeria Landing Card is a mandatory digital form introduced by the Nigerian government in 2025. It replaces the old paper forms handed out on planes, and helps immigration authorities track entries.

Get it online before you land, and breeze through immigration stress-free.

Important Nigeria entry facts for UK travelers

• A landing card is required even if you have a visa or visa exemption: UK travelers need both an eVisa and Landing Card to enter Nigeria.

• Must be completed up to 96 hours before landing in Nigeria: With iVisa, you can apply anytime, and we'll make sure your application is done as early as possible, for your peace of mind.

• Delivered instantly via email: Your passport number is linked to your eVisa and Landing Card. Printing is recommended but not mandatory.

• One-time use per entry: Fill out a new Landing Card for every trip to Nigeria.

What you need for the Nigeria Landing Card

✔️ Valid UK passport

✔️ Travel info (flight number, date)

✔️ Nigerian accommodation details (hotel or host)

✔️ A valid and approved Nigerian eVisa reference number

🛑 Important: The landing card is required in addition to the Nigeria eVisa for UK citizens. Apply for your eVisa first before applying for your landing card.

How to get the Nigeria Landing Card from the UK

Applying for the Nigeria Landing Card from the UK is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1️⃣ Get your Nigeria eVisa first: Apply via the official government site or use a trusted service like iVisa or download our mobile app for extra convenience.

2️⃣ Once approved, register your Nigeria Landing Card: If you used iVisa for the visa application, you can simply start your registration online with the account that's been created for you.

3️⃣ Fill out the additional details and wait for approval: Once approved, your Landing Card will arrive by email - similar to the eVisa - print a copy to bring with you.

Use the below tool to calculate your timeline for both the eVisa and Landing Card, and plan your trip accordingly:

iVisa vs Government: Why get your Landing Card through us

What is the difference between the eVisa and the Landing Card?

Travelers from the United Kingdom need to apply for the eVisa to enter Nigeria. This is your digital approval to travel to Nigeria. Previously, UK citizens could travel to Nigeria and get a visa on arrival. However, this is replaced by the new eVisa.

🗨️ Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert, explains:

"The visa-on-arrival program will be phased out after May 30th, 2025. If you already have pre-approval for this, you can still use it to enter Nigeria until that date. After that, you must have an eVisa."

The Landing Card is a mandatory digital customs form that all non-Nigerian travelers must complete before entering Nigeria. It's not a visa, but a separate registration form that collect data about what you're bringing into the country and your travel details.

Both documents can be applied for online and are easy and quick to get through iVisa.

What happens when I land in Nigeria?

Although both documents are 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."

If you want to get through immigration fast, make sure to have all your documents in order. Here's another tip from our travel expert, Femke Strietman:

"Want a smoother arrival at Lagos Airport? Plan to land between 11 AM and 3 PM on a Tuesday or Wednesday as these are typically the quietest times, helping you skip the long lines and get through faster."

Other Nigeria entry requirements for UK citizens

In addition to the Landing Card and eVisa, keep in mind the following.

Nigeria Exit Card

Be aware that you also need an Exit Card to leave the country.

• The landing card is what you need when you arrive in Nigeria.
• The exit card is for when you’re leaving.

They’re both part of Nigeria’s new digital entry/exit system (no more filling out paper forms on the plane!). Right now, you can only get the landing card through us here at iVisa, super easily.

As for the exit card, it’s currently only available through the official Nigerian government site and can be filled out within 96 hours before leaving the country.

Just a heads-up: their site can be a bit glitchy, so let us know if you come across any tech issues.

Vaccination requirements for Nigeria

UK travelers must present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon entry, if they come from a country that has high transmission risk. Find out more on the official UK foreign travel advice website.

Questions about traveling to Nigeria?

We're here to help with your Nigerian travel plans and Nigeria visa application, via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.