The visa process to visit Nigeria is notoriously difficult and this article will hopefully simplify the process of getting a Nigerian visa for tourist or business travelers. To apply for more visas, visit https://immigration.gov.ng/#visa_category.
Passport holders of ECOWAS countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo can enter Nigeria visa-free with their passports or ECOWAS passport.
Nigerian Visa on Arrival
This now applies only to business travelers as of 2023 (tourist travelers from select countries were allowed to apply), to apply online for a Nigerian visa on arrival document, click here.
Visa on Arrival is available to citizens of all countries except ECOWAS Nationals who do not require a visa to visit Nigeria and other countries where Nigeria has entered into visa abolition agreements.
Eligible Applicants for Nigerian Visa on Arrival
Foreign travelers who wish to visit Nigeria to attend – a meeting, a conference, seminars, contract negotiation, marketing, sales, procurement of Nigerian goods and services, trade fairs, and job interviews
Documents Required for Visa on Arrival
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank Visa pages for endorsement
- Recent passport-sized photographs, 1MB maximum
- Return Ticket
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Evidence of hotel reservation/host address in Nigeria
- Letter of invitation from the host
- Introduction letter of traveler
- Host’s CAC document
- Supporting documents for the business trip visit
Steps to Apply for Nigerian Visa on Arrival Document
See the images below for a guide on the current Nigerian visa on-arrival portal
Contact Support for Visa on Arrival
+234-705-3401-399
oa@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng
cis-evisa@immigration.gov.ng
Nigerian Tourist Visa
Eligibility
Tourist Visa is available to citizens of all countries except ECOWAS Nationals who do not require a visa to visit Nigeria and other countries where Nigeria has entered into visa abolition agreements. Visit Nigeria’s immigration portal to apply online.
Requirements for Tourist/Visitor Visa:
- The passport must be valid for at least 6 months
- Duly completed visa application form
- Recent passport photographs
- Introduction Letter (from applicant)
- Evidence of online payment for the visa fee
- Flight Itinerary
- Evidence of hotel reservation/host address in Nigeria
Steps to Apply for a Nigerian Tourist Visa
See the images below for a guide on the current Nigerian visa on-arrival portal
Nigerian Business Visa
Eligibility
Business Visa is available to citizens of all countries. ECOWAS Nationals and other countries that Nigeria has entered into visa abolition agreements do not require a visa to visit Nigeria. Visit Nigeria’s immigration portal to apply online.
Class of Persons Eligible for Business Visa
Foreign Travelers who wish to visit Nigeria for Meetings, Conference, Seminars, Contract Negotiation, Marketing, Sales, Purchase distribution of Nigerian Goods, Trade Fairs, Job interviews, Training of Nigerians, Emergency/Relief work, Crew members, Staff of NGOs, Staff of INGOs, Researchers, Musical concerts.
Requirements
The passport must be valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages for endorsement
Recent passport-sized (35/40mm) photographs
Return ticket
Evidence of sufficient funds (research shows a $200 minimum is required)
Evidence of Hotel Reservation/host address in Nigeria
Self-sponsored businessmen/women may not require a Letter of Invitation but will be required to show evidence of sufficient funds
Validity: Validity of stay is 90 days (not extendable)
Caution: Do note that this Visa is not valid for employment.
Timeline: 2 – 3 working days from receipt of application.
Steps to Apply for a Nigerian Business Visa
See the images below for a guide on the current Nigerian visa on-arrival portal
See steps 1 and step 2 of the tourist visa process then see step 3 below
Caution
Applying online may or may not work and it sometimes requires calling a visa agent to complete the visa process. If your experience was positive, please share it in the comments section below.
Shortcut – Use A Nigerian Visa Agent
If the process is simply too much of a headache or you’re having issues getting it approved, see the contact information below and let them know ZeeGoes sent you!
Also, feel free to share in the comment section if you had a positive or negative experience with these agents!
Mrs. Adedoyin – +2347034180026
Hark – +2347030508340
Travel Rangers – +2349128668194
Other Helpful Tips Before Visiting Nigeria
Now that you have your travel visa to Nigeria sorted, it’s time to sort out how to get to Nigeria, where to stay in Nigeria, and what to do in Nigeria. Oh, and what to pack when visiting Nigeria.
Affordable Flights to Lagos
Book Hotels in Lagos
My current favorite hotel in Lagos is the Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja. I spent about a week there last year with family for an event and it was hard to check out on my last day. I booked a suite that had access to the hotel’s private lounge and we all loved it. If I ever decide to do a hotelcation in Lagos, that hotel will be number 1 on my list.
For other hotel options –
Things to Do in Nigeria
I find the activities on Viator to be a lot more expensive than what locals pay for the same experience, but if you do not have a local host helping you experience Nigeria, then try these companies.
I wrote a guide for travelers planning to visit Lagos, that has some additional information on ways to experience the city without breaking the bank.
Get a Travel Insurance!
An Essential Packing List for Your Trip to Nigeria
For a comprehensive packing list and advice on items to pack when visiting Nigeria – Click HERE
