Nigerian Visa Entry Requirements For Foreigners
Nigerians are well known for always seeking a visa to travel out of the country, but for foreigners who wish to come into the country, the Nigeria Immigration Service also demands visas before non-citizens can be admitted into Nigeria.
While there are certain categories of visitors to Nigeria who are not required to obtain visas before entering the country, the majority of foreigners must meet certain visa requirements.
Citizens of ECOWAS member countries under the agreement of free movement require no visa to enter Nigeria. But they must hold valid travel documents like ECOWAS travel certificate or National passport and go through legal entry points only.
Also, those with African Union Passport on a short visit to Nigeria can get visas on arrival at any of the five (5) international airports in the country.
Diplomatic or official passport holders from countries that have diplomatic relationships with Nigeria can come into the country without obtaining visas.
Visitors for business purposes who are not citizens of member countries of ECOWAS or African Union must apply for a visa on arrival online on Nigeria Immigration’s website – portal.immigration.gov.ng and obtain approval before entering the country.
Applicants for residence, education, temporary visit, work permit, and their dependents are required to visit Nigerian embassies or consular missions or visa processing centres in their countries to obtain a visa before traveling to Nigeria.
According to the Nigeria Immigration Service, here are requirements for obtaining a visa to Nigeria.
Tourist / Visitor Visa:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Completed visa application form
- Two recent passport size photographs
- A Letter of Invitation from a company/host in Nigeria accepting immigration responsibility
- Visitors/Tourists are required to show evidence of sufficient funds
- Nigeria Immigration Service Visa Payment Receipt and Visa Acknowledgement Receipt
Business Visa:
Self-sponsored business people may not require a Letter of Invitation but will be required to show evidence of sufficient funds before they are allowed into the country.
Temporary Work Permit (TWP):
- Passport with at least 6 months validity
- Printed copy of completed application form for visitors pass
- Two recent passport size photographs
- Copy of the Letter of Approval from Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service
Subject to Regularization (STR):
- Passport with at least 6 months validity
- Completed visa form in quadruplicate with four recent passport photographs
- Four copies of a letter of Expatriate Quota Approval from Ministry of Interior
- Four copies of credentials, certificates and curriculum vitae, all vetted by a relevant official of Nigerian High Commission/Embassy (English Certified translated copy where applicable)
- Four copies of offer Letter of Employment
- Four copies of Letter of Acceptance of employment, signed by expatriate
- Nigeria Immigration Service Visa Payment Receipt and Visa Acknowledgement Receipt
Anyone entering the country is expected to have adhered to the guidelines to avoid deportation. All international airports, airlines, maritime organizations, and other travel agencies are aware of these requirements and may not allow anyone without proper travel documents or visas into the country.
