Entry and stay rules

Health requirements

Yellow fever vaccinations are mandatory for all travelers to Nigeria. Therefore, travelers should ensure that their international vaccination certificates are up to date before departure. Depending on the region from which the applicant is traveling and the region of Nigeria where they intend to spend most of their time, recent malaria prevention measures may be recommended prior to arrival in Nigeria.

All travelers entering or leaving Nigeria are required to complete an electronic arrival or departure card on the official website of the Nigerian Immigration Service. This applies to all foreigners, including citizens of countries that do not require a visa. This requirement came into effect on May 1, 2025.

Who is required to complete the card?

• All foreigners arriving in or departing from Nigeria, regardless of whether they have a visa or visa waiver.
• The arrival card must be completed before boarding a flight to Nigeria.
• The departure card must be completed no later than 72 hours before departure from Nigeria.

Required information

• Valid passport or visa number.
• Personal details: name, date of birth, nationality.
• Contact information: email address and phone number.
• Purpose of travel: tourism, business, temporary stay, etc.

How to apply?

1. Go to the website.
2. Select the appropriate card type: “Apply for a landing card” or “Apply for a departure card”.
3. Enter your passport number and other required information.
4. Check the information you have entered and submit the form.
5. Once your application has been processed, you will receive a confirmation email, which you must print out and present at border control.

Tourist visa for Nigeria

A tourist visa allows a single entry into Nigeria. It allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days.

A tourist visa can be obtained through the eVisa system, Nigerian consular offices, and upon arrival, which is only available to citizens of certain countries.

Electronic visa to Nigeria

The Nigerian government has launched an electronic visa system (eVisa) to simplify the visa application process for foreign citizens who wish to visit Nigeria for business or tourism purposes.

What documents are required to obtain a Nigerian electronic visa?

To apply for a Nigerian e-Visa, you will need the following documents:

• Passport: your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your planned arrival in Nigeria.
  
• Passport photo: a recent color passport-sized photo taken within the last three months against a white background.
  
• Travel itinerary: you must provide detailed information about your travel plans, including airline reservations, hotel reservations, and other organizational matters.
  
• Invitation letter (if available): if your visit is for business purposes, you may need an invitation letter from the host organization in Nigeria.
  
• Proof of payment: a receipt confirming payment of the required fee for applying for an electronic visa.
  
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate: depending on your country of departure, you may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Nigeria.
  
• Proof of financial stability: you may be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds to stay in the country, such as a bank statement or credit card information.
  
• Proof of employment or study: You may be asked to provide proof of employment or student status, such as a letter from your employer or university.
• Health insurance

How to apply for a Nigerian e-Visa?

To apply for a Nigerian e-Visa, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official NIC website and select “Apply for a Visa.”
   
2. Select your country of residence and the visa category that corresponds to your purpose of travel.
   
3. Create an account using your email address and a secure password.
   
4. Complete the online application form with your personal information, passport details, and travel plans.
   
5. Upload the required documents, including a passport photo, a scanned copy of your passport, and an invitation letter (if available).
   
6. Pay by debit or credit card.
   
7. Review and submit your application.
   
8. Wait for approval. Once processed, your e-visa will be sent to your email address.
   
9. Print out your e-visa and present it to immigration upon arrival in Nigeria.

Processing time

The processing of a Nigerian e-visa may take several working days, depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications.