Nigeria Visa Types, Requirements, and Application
Do you plan to visit Nigeria for tourism, business, study, or work? If so, you will need to obtain a Nigeria visa. This guide will walk you through the process of applying for a Nigeria visa, from choosing the right visa type to submitting your application.
Who needs a visa to enter Nigeria?
- All valid passports from the following countries are allowed to enter Nigeria for up to 90 days:
- Official and diplomatic passports of the following countries are allowed to enter the country for a maximum of 90 days:
- Citizens of countries not on the above list need to apply for a visa to enter Nigeria
Nigeria visa types
There are different types of visas for Nigeria, depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. The types of Nigerian visa are:
Tourist visa
This visa is for visitors who intend to visit Nigeria for tourism, leisure, or visiting friends and relatives. The tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days and can be single entry or multiple entry.
Business visa
This visa is for visitors who intend to engage in business activities in Nigeria, such as attending meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops, trade fairs, etc. The business visa is valid for up to 90 days and can be single entry or multiple entry.
Work visa
This type of visa is for people who are coming to Nigeria to work. It is valid for a period of up to 2 years. To apply for a work visa, you will need to provide a valid passport, a completed application form, two passport-sized photos, a letter of employment from a Nigerian company, and a copy of your employment contract. You may also be required to provide other documents such as a police clearance certificate and a medical report.
Student visa
This type of visa is for people who are coming to Nigeria to study. It is valid for a period of up to 4 years. To apply for a student visa, you will need to provide a valid passport, a completed application form, two passport-sized photos, an admission letter from a recognized Nigerian educational institution, and proof of payment for tuition fees. You may also be required to provide a letter of sponsorship from your parents or guardian if you are under 18 years old.
Temporary work permit (TWP)
This visa is for visitors who intend to perform short term work or technical services in Nigeria, such as installation, maintenance, repair, training, etc. The TWP visa is valid for up to 90 days and is single entry only.
Subject to regularization (STR) visa
This visa is for visitors who intend to take up employment, residence, or study in Nigeria. The STR visa is valid for up to 90 days and is single entry only. After arrival in Nigeria, the visa holder must apply for a residence permit and a work permit within the validity period of the visa.
Nigeria visa requirements
The general requirements for applying for a Nigeria visa are:
- A passport that is currently valid for at least six months, with two blank pages
- A duly filled out and signed application for a visa
- Two recent passport size photographs
- A visa fee payment receipt
- A visa approval letter from the Nigeria Immigration Service (for TWP and STR visas only)
- A letter of invitation from a host in Nigeria (for tourist and business visas only)
- A letter of introduction from your employer or organization (for business and TWP visas only)
- A proof of accommodation in Nigeria (for tourist and business visas only)
- A proof of onward or return flight ticket
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate
- A polio vaccination certificate (for children under 18 years old only)
- A health insurance certificate
- A bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay in Nigeria.
How to apply for Nigeria visa?
A step-by-step tutorial on applying for a Nigeria visa may be found below:
- Step#1. Gather all the required documents: Ensure you have all the required documents prepared before beginning the application process. This will save you time and avoid delays in your application.
- Step#2. Complete the online application form: Most Nigerian embassies and consulates now require applicants to complete an online application form. This can usually be found on the embassy’s website or through a designated visa application center. Make sure to fill out the form accurately and truthfully.
- Step#3. Pay the visa fee: The visa fee must be paid before submitting your application. Your country of origin and the kind of visa you’re requesting could affect the amount. Check with the embassy or consulate for the exact fee and payment methods accepted.
- Step#4. Submit your application: Once you have completed the online application form and paid the visa fee, you can submit your application along with all the required documents to the Nigerian embassy or consulate in your country. Some countries may also have designated visa application centers where you can submit your application.
- Step#5. Wait for processing: The processing time for a Nigerian visa may vary depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications being processed at the time. It is best to apply well in advance of your planned travel date to account for potential delays.
- Step#6. Collect your visa: If your visa application is approved, you will be informed to pick up your visa from the embassy or consulate. Make sure to check the validity and accuracy of your visa before traveling to Nigeria. You should apply for Nigeria visa at least four weeks before your intended date of travel to avoid any delays or inconveniences.
Nigeria visa fees
The Nigeria visa fee depends on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality. According to the Nigeria Immigration Service, the standard visitor visa fee for most nationalities is around $160 USD. Other types of visas, such as temporary work permit, temporary residence, or subject to regularization, may have higher fees.