Nigeria Visa Policy

There are three different types of visas for Nigeria:

• Short Stay Visa
• Airport Transit Visa
• Long Stay Visa

You should apply for a Nigeria short-stay visa to make your short trip (less than 90 days). Reasons to apply for this type of visa can be tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, medical examination or treatment, short-term education, exchange programs, and many other non-permanent nuances.

If you want to study in Nigeria for more than 90 days (such as bachelor's, master's, doctoral, etc.) or work permanently in an institution located here, you should apply for a Nigeria Long Stay visa, if you have official invitations or letters of acceptance from those educational and business institutions. 

Nigeria Short-stay Visa

You can apply for short-stay visas for realizing your short-term travel to Nigeria. Reasons to apply for this type of visa can be tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, short-term education, short-term work, and many other non-permanent nuances. You can check all the required documents for each type of visa application, visa fees, processing time, and where to apply for a visa below.

Nigeria Tourist Visa

Nigeria Tourist visa is issued for applicants intending to visit Nigeria for tourism and sightseeing. You can apply for a Nigeria Tourist visa in order to realize your tourist activities. This visa is available for all countries, except ECOWAS and other nationals who are exempted from obtaining a visa.

Required Documents for Nigeria Tourist Visa

1. Application Form

• Duly completed online application form
• Completed application form should be printed out, dated, and signed

2. Two Photos

• Two passport size photographs with white background

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date
• It also must have at least two blank pages

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Proof of Accommodation

• Hotel reservation
• Invitation letter from the host in Nigeria. Letter should:
  • Indicate the place where the applicant will stay
  • Inviter who takes the full responsibility should sign the letter

6. Flight Ticket Reservation

• Reservation of round trip air ticket

7. Proof of Financial Means

• Bank statements for the last 3 months
• Travellers’ cheques
• Proof of salary
• Cash available
• International credit card and etc.

8. Proof of Online Payment

• Printed visa fee payment receipt

9. Medical Insurance

• It should cover the whole period of stay

10. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (Both original and copy)

11. Proof of Civil Status

     If the spouse, parents, or child accompany the applicant, the followings are required:

• Birth certificate (Proof of relationship of parents with the child)
• Marriage certificate

12. For Minors:

• Copy of parents’ ID’s and passports
• If the child visits without parents
  • Letter from parents indicating the consent of them
• If the child visits with a guardian:
  • Proof of custody
• If one parent has sole custody:
  • A legal statement approving this situation must be presented

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Nigeria Tourist Visa

The average processing time for a Nigeria Tourist visa is 3-25 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Nigeria Tourist Visa Fee

Nigeria Tourist Visa Fee is 100-315 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Nigeria Tourist Visa?

You will apply for a Nigeria Tourist visa in Nigeria visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Nigeria Visiting Family and Friends Visa

Nigeria Visiting Family/Friend visa allows you to travel to Nigeria for visiting your family or friends legally residing in Nigeria, up to the expiration date of your visa validity. This visa is available for all countries, except ECOWAS and other nationals who are exempted from obtaining a visa.

Required Documents for Nigeria Visiting Family and Friends Visa

1. Application Form

• Duly completed online application form
• Completed application form should be printed out, dated, and signed

2. Two Photos

• Two passport size photographs with white background

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date
• It also must have at least two blank pages

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Proof of Accommodation

• Hotel reservation
• Invitation letter from the host in Nigeria. Letter should:
  • Indicate the place where the applicant will stay
  • Inviter who takes the full responsibility should sign the letter
  • Copy of valid Nigerian passport of the inviter. If the inviter is a resident (Non-Nigerian) in Nigeria, then a copy of the inviter’s residency permit should be presented
  • Proof of relationship with inviter (Birth or marriage certificate)

6. Flight Ticket Reservation

• Reservation of round trip air ticket

7. Proof of Financial Means

• Bank statements for the last 3 months
• Travellers’ cheques
• Proof of salary
• Cash available
• International credit card, etc.

8. Proof of Online Payment

• Printed visa fee payment receipt

9. Medical Insurance

• It should cover the whole period of stay

10. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (Both original and copy)

11. Proof of Civil Status

     If the spouse, parents, or child accompany the applicant, the followings are required:

• Birth certificate (Proof of relationship of parents with the child)
• Marriage certificate

12. For Minors:

• Copy of parents’ ID’s and passports
• If a child visits without parents
  • Letter from parents indicating the consent of them
• If a child visits with a guardian:
  • Proof of custody
• If one parent has sole custody:
  • A legal statement approving this situation must be presented

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Nigeria Visiting Family and Friends Visa

The average processing time for a Nigeria Visiting Family and Friends visa is 3-25 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Nigeria Visiting Family and Friends Visa Fee

Visiting Family and Friends Visa Fee is 100-315 USD.  The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Nigeria Visiting Family and Friends Visa?

You will apply for a Nigeria Visiting Family and Friends visa in Nigeria visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Nigeria Business Visa

Nigeria Business visa gives you the authorization to enter Nigeria and stay here for a maximum period of your visa validity, as permitted. It permits its holder to engage in business-related activities such as attending meetings or conferences, conducting or attending the training, conducting internal audits, installing equipment, or performing other temporary services for a client, local affiliate, or branch office.

Required Documents for Nigeria Business Visa

1. Application Form

• Duly completed online application form
• Completed application form should be printed out, dated, and signed

2. Two Photos

• Two passport size photographs with white background

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date
• It also must have at least two blank pages

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Proof of Accommodation

• Hotel reservation
• Invitation letter from the host in Nigeria. Letter should:
  • Indicate the place where the applicant will stay
  • Inviter who takes the full responsibility should sign the letter

6. Flight Ticket Reservation

• Reservation of round trip air ticket

7. Proof of Financial Means

• Bank statements for the last 3 months
• Travellers’ cheques
• Proof of salary
• Cash available
• International credit card and etc.

8. Invitation letter from the Host Company

• It should include:
  • The duration of the visit
  • Position of the applicant
  • The address of the company
  • Undertaking full immigration and financial responsibility for the applicant
• It must be signed and dated

9. Introduction Letter

• It should be issued from the organization of the company in which the applicant will conduct business activities
• Registration of the company in Nigeria must be indicated
• It must be signed and dated

10. Recommendation Letter from the Sending Company

• It includes sending the company’s request for a Business visa
• Duration and purpose of visit
• Information about the part which will cover the expenses for the applicant
• It must be signed and dated
• Copy of the passport of the person who signs the letter
• Incorporation Certificate

11. Proof of Online Payment

• Printed visa fee payment receipt

12. Medical Insurance

• It should cover the whole period of stay

13. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (Both original and copy)

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Nigeria Business Visa

The average processing time for a Nigeria Business visa is 3-25 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Nigeria Business Visa Fee

Nigeria Business Visa Fee is 100-315 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Nigeria Business Visa?

You will apply for a Nigeria Business visa in Nigeria visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Nigeria Journalist Visa

Nigeria Journalist visa gives you the authorization to enter Nigeria and stay here for a maximum period of your visa validity, as permitted. It permits its holder to engage in journalism activities. This visa is available for all countries, except ECOWAS and other nationals who are exempted from obtaining a visa.

Required Documents for Nigeria Journalist Visa

1. Application Form

• Duly completed online application form
• Completed application form should be printed out, dated, and signed

2. Two Photos

• Two passport size photographs with white background

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date
• It also must have at least two blank pages

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Proof of Accommodation

• Hotel reservation
• Invitation letter from the host in Nigeria. Letter should:
  • Indicate the place where the applicant will stay
  • Inviter who takes the full responsibility should sign the letter

6. Flight Ticket Reservation

• Reservation of round trip air ticket

7. Proof of Financial Means

• Bank statements for the last 3 months
• Travellers’ cheques
• Proof of salary
• Cash available
• International credit card and etc.

8. Proof of Online Payment

• Printed visa fee payment receipt

9. Invitation letter from the Host Company

• It should include:
  • The duration of the visit
  • Position of the applicant
  • The address of the company
  • Undertaking full immigration and financial responsibility for the applicant
• It must be signed and dated
• Incorporation Certificate for the host company

11. A Visa Notification issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and an Official Letter issued by the Media Organization for Which the Journalist Works

10. Medical Insurance

• It should cover the whole period of stay

11. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (Both original and copy)

12. For Minors:

• Copy of parents’ ID’s and passports
• If a child visits without parents
  • Letter from parents indicating the consent of them
• If a child visits with a guardian:
  • Proof of custody
• If one parent has sole custody:
  • A legal statement approving this situation must be presented

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Nigeria Journalist Visa

The average processing time for a Nigeria Journalist Visa is 3-25 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Nigeria Journalist Visa Fee

Nigeria Journalist Visa Fee is 100-315 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Nigeria Journalist Visa?

You will apply for a Nigeria Journalist visa in Nigeria visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Nigeria Diplomatic Visa

Nigeria Diplomatic Visa applies to the head of states, diplomats, government top officials (their families) to realize diplomatic activities.

Required Documents for Nigeria Diplomatic Visa

1. Application Form

• Duly completed online application form
• Completed application form should be printed out, dated, and signed

2. Two Photos

• Two passport size photographs with white background

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date
• It also must have at least two blank pages

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Proof of Accommodation

• Hotel reservation
• Invitation letter from the host in Nigeria

6. Proof of Financial Means

• Bank statements for the last 3 months
• Travellers’ cheques
• Proof of salary
• Cash available
• International credit card and etc.

7. Note Verbale from Foreign Ministry of Applicant’s Home Country or Other International Organization

8. Flight Ticket Reservation

• Reservation of round trip air ticket

9. Proof of Online Payment

• Printed visa fee payment receipt

10. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (Both original and copy)

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Nigeria Diplomatic Visa

The average processing time for a Nigeria Diplomatic visa is 3-25 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Nigeria Diplomatic Visa Fee

Nigeria Diplomatic Visa Fee is 100-315 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Nigeria Diplomatic Visa?

You will apply for a Nigeria Diplomatic visa in Nigeria visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Nigeria Temporary Work Permit applies to the invited experts for providing specialized skilled services, such as after-sales Installation /Commissioning/ Upgrading/Maintenance/Repairs of equipment and machinery, Training /capacity-building for Nigerian staff, Audit of machinery/ equipment, and financial records.

Required Documents for Nigeria Temporary Work Permit

1. Application Form

• Duly completed online application form
• Completed application form should be printed out, dated and signed.

2. Two Photos

• Two passport size photographs with white background

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date
• It also must have at least two blank pages

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Proof of Accommodation

• Hotel reservation
• Invitation letter from the host in Nigeria. Letter should
  • Indicate the place where the applicant will stay
  • Inviter who takes the full responsibility should sign the letter
  • Copy of valid Nigerian passport of the inviter. If the inviter is a resident (Non-Nigerian) in Nigeria, then a copy of the inviter’s residency permit should be presented
  • Proof of relationship with inviter (Birth or marriage certificate)

6. Flight Ticket Reservation

• Reservation of round trip air ticket

7. Proof of Financial Means

• Bank statements for the last 3 months
• Travellers’ cheques
• Proof of salary
• Cash available
• International credit card, etc.

8. Recommendation Letter from the Sending Company

• It should include:
  • Duration and purpose of visit
  • Information about the part which will cover the expenses for the applicant
• It must be signed and dated.
• Copy of the passport of the person who signs the letter
• Incorporation Certificate

9. Invitation letter from the Host Company

• It should include:
  • The duration of the visit
  • Position of the applicant
  • The address of the company
  • Undertaking full immigration and financial responsibility for the applicant
• It must be signed and dated.
• Incorporation Certificate for the host company

10. Copy Cable Approval Issued Letter from the Comptroller General  of Immigration, Abuja

• Telegram from Nigerian Telecommunications

11. Employment Contract

12. Proof of Online Payment

• Printed visa fee payment receipt

13. Medical Insurance

• It should cover the whole period of stay

14. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (Both original and copy)

15. Qualifications and Work Certificates

• Resume
• Copy of the School Diplomas and Degrees

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Nigeria Temporary Work Permit

The average processing time for a Nigeria Temporary Work Permit is 3-25 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Nigeria Temporary Work Permit Fee

Nigeria Temporary Work Permit Fee is 100-420 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Nigeria Temporary Work Permit?

You will apply for a Nigeria Temporary Work Permit in Nigeria visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

This visa applies to foreigners who wish to enter Nigeria for an onward destination outside the country.

This visa is available for all countries. But ECOWAS and other nationals are exempted from obtaining a visa.

Required Documents for Nigeria Transit Visa

1. Application Form

• Duly completed online application form
• Completed application form should be printed out, dated, and signed

2. Two Photos

• Two passport size photographs with white background

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date
• It also must have at least two blank pages

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Proof of Financial Means

• Bank statements for the last 3 months
• Travellers’ cheques
• Proof of salary
• Cash available
• International credit card and etc.

6. Valid Visa for Final Destination Country

7. Approved Ticket to Destination Outside Nigeria

8. If the Applicant Travels by Road:

• Copy of 'Carnet de passage' for vehicles/motorbikes

9. Medical Insurance

• It should cover the whole period of stay

10. Proof of Online Payment

• Printed visa fee payment receipt

11. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (Both original and copy)

12. For Minors:

• Copy of parents’ ID’s and passports
• If a child visits without parents
  • Letter from parents indicating the consent of them
• If a child visits with a guardian:
  • Proof of custody
• If one parent has sole custody:
  • A legal statement approving this situation must be presented

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Nigeria Transit Visa

The average processing time for a Nigeria Transit visa is 3-25 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Nigeria Transit Visa Fee

Nigeria Transit Visa Fee is 100-315 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Nigeria Transit Visa?

You will apply for a Nigeria Transit visa in Nigeria visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Nigeria Long-stay Visa

Even if your country is exempt from visa requirements, if you intend to stay longer in Nigeria, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa from your home country before coming to Nigeria. 

For any stay in Nigeria exceeding 90 days, you are required to apply in advance for a long-stay visa. In this instance, your nationality does not exempt you from requirements.

Whatever the duration of your planned stay, the length of your long-stay visa must be between three months and one year. To extend your stay beyond the period of validity of your visa, you must apply for a residence permit at a corresponding administration.

Nigeria Subject to Regularization Visa

Nigeria Subject to Regularization Visa is for those applicants who want to travel to Nigeria for employment purposes.

Nigeria Subject to Regularization visas are valid for up to 2 years, but it is renewable in Nigeria.

Required Documents for Nigeria Subject to Regularization Visa

1. Four Completed Application Forms

• Duly completed online application form
• Completed application form should be printed out, dated, and signed

2. Four Photos

• Two passport size photographs with white background

3. Passport and 4 Copies of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. Proof of Accommodation

• Hotel reservation
• Invitation letter from the host in Nigeria

5. Four Copies of National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

6. Four Completed Forms IMM/22

• Only typed form is accepted (not handwritten)

7. Four Formal Application for STR Visa from the Employer

8. Four Copies of Employment Contract

9. Four Copies of Expatriate Quota Approval Letter

10. Four Copies of Curriculum vitae (CV), Credentials, Certificates

• All of them must officially be approved by a relevant official of the Nigerian High Commission/Embassy

11. Four Copies of Employment Offer Letter

12. Four Copies of Employment Acceptance

13. Four Copies of Proof of Online Payment

• Printed visa fee payment receipt

14. Four Copies of Incorporation Certificate of Company in Nigeria

15. Four Copies of Expatriate Quota

• It states the position of employment

16. If the Spouse or Child of the Applicant travels with Him/Her:

• Primary applicant documents
• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate

17. Medical Insurance

• It should cover the whole period of stay

18. Proof of Financial Means

• Bank statements for the last 3 months
• Travellers’ cheques
• Proof of salary
• Cash available
• International credit card, etc.

19. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (Both original and copy)

20. For Minors:

• Copy of parents’ ID’s and passports
• If a child visits without parents
  • Letter from parents indicating the consent of them
• If a child visits with a guardian:
  • Proof of custody
• If one parent has sole custody:
  • A legal statement approving this situation must be presented.

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Nigeria Subject to Regularization Visa

The average processing time for a Nigeria Subject to Regularization visa is 3-25 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Nigeria Subject to Regularization Visa Fee

Nigeria Subject to Regularization Visa Fee is 100-470 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Nigeria Subject to Regularization Visa?

You will apply for a Nigeria Subject to Regularization visa in Nigeria visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.