Get your Nigeria eVisa: Apply now

Hello Paulina, thank you for your question.

According to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Tourism Visas are not extendable beyond their initial validity.

However, if you find yourself needing to stay longer than your visa permits, there are a few options to consider:

• Leave the country and apply for a new visa: Before your current visa expires, you can apply for a new visa from outside Nigeria through our online service or mobile app.

Important: Don't forget to get your Exit Card within 96 hours before you leave the country. A new Landing Card is required to enter the country again once you have your new visa.

• Consult with NIS: If you're in Nigeria and there's an urgent need to stay longer than your visa allows, it's advisable to visit the nearest NIS office.

It's helpful to keep proof of why you need to stay longer on hand, such as medical documents, a flight delay confirmation, or other relevant info.

If you need assistance locating the nearest NIS office or understanding the application process for a new visa, let us know via WhatsApp.

We understand this can be confusing.

The Nigerian visa-on-arrival system for tourists is being phased out and replaced by the Nigeria eVisa. If you already have a visa on arrival approval, it will remain valid until May 30, 2025.

After that, all travelers who need a visa for Nigeria must apply for the eVisa before they travel - no more applying at the airport. It’s a good idea to switch to the eVisa system now to avoid any surprises when you land.

Hi Kwame, ECOWAS citizens, like those from Ghana or Senegal, are generally visa-exempt for trips to Nigeria.

However, your nationality might still show up on the government site, which confuses a lot of people. In some cases, travelers apply online just to have an official record. But if you're from an ECOWAS country, you can usually just travel with your passport. However, always good to check with your local authorities to confirm, especially if anything’s changed recently.

It might also be helpful to bookmark the official government source with up-to-date information.

We haven’t had customers report being asked for extra fees or bribes at Nigerian or other airports, but having your documents fully in order helps you avoid any tricky situations.

The eVisa system is designed to avoid issues, especially at e-Gates where the process is more automated. We always suggest keeping printed copies of your visa approval, return flights, and accommodation handy. Staying calm, polite, and showing everything clearly usually keeps things smooth.

You can use e-Gates at the following Nigerian airports:

• Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja)
• Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos)
• Port Harcourt International Airport (Port Harcourt)
• Aminu Kano International Airport (Kano)
• Margaret Ekpo International Airport (Calabar)
• Akanu Ibiam International Airport (Enugu)

If you’re planning to stay with friends or family (not at a hotel), you must provide an invitation letter from your host in Nigeria.

The letter should clearly state their home address, the dates you’ll be staying, and include a copy of their Nigerian ID or residency permit. This is a mandatory document for the eVisa application, so make sure your host is prepared to send it to avoid any delays.

If getting an invitation letter isn’t possible, another option is to book a hotel (even if you don’t plan to stay there) and submit the reservation with your application. Just choose a hotel with a free cancellation policy, so you can cancel the booking before you depart.