Visa Types
Nigeria Visa Application Tips
Find out what documents you need to travel, visit family And friends, do business, or transit through Nigeria.
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Visa Exemption For Nigeria
Under the new Nigeria Visa Policy 2020, certain nationalities and officials, such as those holding Official Travel Documents from organizations like the UN, AU, ECOWAS Commission, and AfDB, can visit Nigeria for short visits without a visa. This falls under the F1C Policy, allowing a visa-free stay of up to 90 days, given they fulfill other entry requirements.
ECOWAS Member States:
All valid passports from the following countries may be allowed entry into Nigeria for up to 90 days
- Benin Republic
- Burkina Faso
- Cape Verde
- Ivory Coast
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea Bissau
- Liberia
- Mali
- Niger Republic
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
Visa Abolition Neighbours
- Cameroon
- Chad
Visa Waiver Agreement:
Official and Diplomatic passports from the following countries may be allowed entry for up to 90 days
- Kenya (Diplomatic Passport Only)
- Mauritius
- Namibia
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Brazil
- Cuba
- Venezuela
- Turkey
- China
- Singapore
Key Points for Nigeria Visitor Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Nigeria?
Yes, Indians need visa to travel to Nigeria.
Nigeria visa application is made online or offline?
You can apply for a Nigeria visa online or submit your application in person at the nigeria visa application center or the Nigeria Embassy, High Commission, Consulate
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required for obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
Yes, an interview is required for Indian nationals to obtain an Nigerian visa.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a visit visa?
On a visitor visa, you can stay for up to 90 days.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Nigeria?
Depending on your circumstances, you may get a sticker visa if you apply at the embassy, or an email visa if you apply for an electronic visa.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
SHORT VISIT VISA (SVV)
For Single Entry (F3B, F4A, F5A, F6A, F7A, F7B, F7C, F7D, F7E, F7F, F7G, F7H, F7I, F7J, F7K, F7L, F7M): US$253
For Multiple Entry (F4B, F4C, F6B): US$253
For Temporary Work Permit (TWP) (Single Entry) (F8A): US$253
TEMPORARY RESIDENCE VISA
Temporary Work Permit (TWP) 6- Months Multiple Entry (R11): US$1000
Temporary Residence (R2A, R2B, R2C,R2D, R2E, R3A, R3B, R3C, R3D, R3E, R4A, R4B, R4C, R4D, R4E, R5A, R5B, R5C, R5D, R5E, R6A, R6B, R6C, R6D, R6E, R7A, R7B, R8A, R8B, R9A): US$253
VFS Service fees (Inclusive of all taxes): INR 7850
- Pay your visa fees online when filling out the visa application form on the Nigerian Immigration portal.
- For attestations, use a Demand Draft made out to “HIGH COMMISSION OF FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA” payable in New Delhi, with an amount of INR 500. US citizens must pay a mandatory service fee of USD 363 during visa application submission at the visa application center.
Important Notes:
- All fees are per applicant.
- Pay VFS Services and Optional Services charges in cash or card.
- All charges are non-refundable.
- Ensure that demand drafts submitted with the visa application are valid for at least one month from the submission date; otherwise, they may be rejected.
- Amended and Handwritten demand drafts are not accepted.
- The content on the Demand Draft should be clearly visible and not overwritten.
The Nigeria electronic visa is issued for tourism and business purposes. If you plan to visit Nigeria for a short period of time, you can apply for an e-visa to Nigeria.
Step-by-step guide (In Person)
Let us walk you through the process
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Identify visa type
- First, figure out the type of visa you need and check if you qualify to apply. Find out what documents you need to submit, how long the process takes, and the fees involved.
- Make sure your application follows the guidelines for your visa category. If your documents aren't in English, consider getting translations done before applying.
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Begin your application
- When you're prepared to apply, kindly complete the visa application form and organize your documents according to the provided checklist.
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Book an appointment
- After completing your visa form, schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre for fingerprinting and photo capture, collectively known as 'biometric information.' Upon booking, you will receive an appointment confirmation email along with the appointment letter.
- If you are part of a family or group, ensure to book separate appointments for each member.
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Pay your fees
- After completing your online application and paying the visa fee, print the cover letter and payment fee receipt.
- These documents are essential when submitting your application at the Visa Application Centre. Additionally, be aware that, in addition to the visa fee, there is a service fee that you must pay when submitting your application at the Visa Application Centre.
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Visit a Visa Application Centre
- Submit your completed visa application form in person at the Visa Application Centre.
- Learn more about the processes and procedures that take place at the Visa Application Centre.
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Track your application
- You'll get an email about your visa decision at the Visa Application Centre. If email is not convenient, you can choose to get updates via SMS on your phone—check if it's available.
- You can also track your visa online using the Reference Number and your last name from the invoice.
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Collect your passport
- Once a decision on your visa application is made, you can retrieve your passport from the Visa Application Centre or have it delivered to you by courier for an extra fee.
- To collect it in person, bring the issued receipt and a form of government identification. If allowed, a representative can collect it on your behalf with a signed authorization letter, the receipt, and their government identification.
- Verify the Visa Application Centre's opening hours for document collection options.
Step-by-step guide (Online)
- Initiate the e-Visa application process online.
- Complete the application form and upload all required documents as specified in the guidelines.
- Pay the applicable visa fees online according to the instructions.
- After payment, print out the payment slip or receipt for your records.
- Confirm that you have received an email confirming your application submission.
- Patiently wait for the approval of your e-Visa application. This typically takes about 16 to 48 hours.
- Confirm that you have received an email confirming your application submission.
- Print out the eTAL, as it serves as your official travel authorization. Travel to Nigeria using authorized entry points, limited to Abuja and Lagos Airports.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Here is a complete list of documents you’ll need when applying for a Short Term Visa to visit Nigeria for various purposes, such as holidays, visiting friends/family, attending a wedding, and more.
- Valid Travel Document: Ensure you possess a National passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of the visa application.
- Passport-Size Photographs: Provide two recent passport-size photographs adhering to the specifications outlined on the website.
- Online Application Forms: Complete and sign two online application forms, available at Nigeria Immigration Portal.
- Payment Acknowledgment Receipt: Print the payment acknowledgment receipt for visa fees from either Innovate1 Services or Nigeria Immigration Portal.
- Proof of Financial Means: Demonstrate financial means through:
- Bank statements
- Salary advices
- Undertaking(s) by host(s) in the Federal Republic of Nigeria
- Bursaries
- Medical cover
- Cash availability, including credit cards or traveler’s cheques, to cover living expenses during the stay in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- For Minor Dependent Children: Provide:
- Proof of guardianship or custody for those under guardianship
- Consent from the guardian for unaccompanied minors.
- Return Air Ticket: Include a copy of a valid return air ticket.
- Confirmed Accommodation: Present evidence of confirmed accommodation for the duration of your stay in Nigeria.
Note: Submit one set of hard copies for documents. Bring the original supporting documents only for verification.
Purpose of Visit Documents:
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Passport-size photographs
- Travel itinerary
- Proof of accommodation in Nigeria
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Similar to Single-Entry Visa requirements
- Additional documentation may include a letter explaining the need for multiple entries and supporting business or travel plans.
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Passport-size photographs
- Proof of onward travel (flight reservation, etc.)
- Visa for the final destination
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Passport-size photographs
- Letter of invitation from a Nigerian company or organization
- Business itinerary
- Proof of financial means
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Passport-size photographs
- Confirmed hotel reservation
- Return flight ticket
- Travel itinerary
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Passport-size photographs
- Letter of admission from the Nigerian educational institution
- Proof of financial means
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Passport-size photographs
- Letter of invitation from the Nigerian medical institution
- Medical treatment confirmation
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Passport-size photographs
- Letter of invitation from the Nigerian cultural institution
- Details of the cultural event or activity
- Visa fee payment receipt
To download the document checklist for each visa, please click here
Note: This is a general guide, and specific requirements may vary. Applicants should check with the official authorities or the official website of Nigerian embassy for the most accurate and up-to-date information on document requirements for each visa type.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the risk of your visa application being rejected due to incorrect or insufficient documentation.
Nigeria Online Visa Application Portal
An Electronic Visa lets you speed up the visa application online by submitting documents electronically. The 90-day Short Visit e-Visa requires pre-approval through an Electronic Travel Authorization Letter (eTAL), which should be printed before your arrival in Nigeria.
Nigeria Visa Application Form
This is the online visa application form. Please ensure you have a printed copy of the filled form, the payment receipt for visa fees, and a copy of the online appointment letter when submitting your application at the visa center.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES (In Person):
The process for applying for Nigeria visitor visa from India typically involves the following steps:
- Decide on the Visa: Ensure that the visitor visa category is suitable for your purpose of travel to Nigeria. There are different types of visitor visas available, each with its own set of requirements and validity period. For example, if you are visiting Nigeria for tourism, you will need to apply for a tourist visa. If you are visiting Nigeria to attend a business conference, you will need to apply for a business visa.
- Gather Requirements: Prepare all the necessary requirements for the visa. The requirements for a Nigerian visitor visa from India typically include: A valid passport, Two recent passport-sized photographs, A completed visa application form, Proof of payment of the application fee, Evidence of accommodation and sufficient financial means to support oneself in Nigeria and etc.
- Apply Online: Complete the NIS Online Visa Application and print out the completed form. You can find the online application form on the website of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).
- Pay Online: Pay for the visa application fee online. The payment receipt should be printed out and attached to the application form.
- Affix Passport Photographs: Affix two recent passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm) on a white background, showing the applicant’s full face, to the completed application form.
- Submit Application: Submit the completed application form, payment receipt, and supporting documents to the Nigerian Mission or VAC in India. You can find the contact details of the Nigerian Mission or VAC on the website of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Visa Interview: There may be a scheduled interview depending on the visa type and/or if it is the first time you apply. The interview is an opportunity for the visa officer to verify your identity, purpose of travel, and eligibility for the visa.
- Check Your Visa Status: You will receive an email or SMS about your visa decision at the Visa Application Centre. Choose your preferred notification method. You can also track your visa online using the Reference Number and your last name from the invoice.
- Retrieve Your Passport: Once a decision is made on your visa application, you can collect your passport from the Visa Application Centre or have it delivered for an extra fee.
- To collect it in person, bring the issued receipt and a government ID. If someone else is collecting it for you, they need a signed authorization letter, the receipt, and their government ID.
- Check the Visa Application Centre’s opening hours for collection options.
Processing Time:
Getting a Nigerian visa usually takes two to fifteen working days, and it depends on the type of visa, where it’s processed, and why the person is applying. For instance, a Business/Investor Visa takes longer than a Tourist Visa.
Health Requirements:
Everyone traveling to Nigeria must have a yellow fever vaccination. Make sure your international health vaccination certificate is up to date before you leave. Depending on where you’re coming from and where you’ll be in Nigeria, you might need recent malaria prevention measures. Click here for more detail.
Important Note:
- Check the latest Covid-19 Travel Guide before booking or boarding your flight to Nigeria.
- Start the application process well in advance of your planned travel date.
- Make sure all your documents are complete and accurate.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans and intentions in Nigeria.
- After completing the earlier steps, you might have an interview for first-time visa applicants, depending on the visa type. The interview is the final stage of the visa process.
- If your payment card doesn’t work, it means the government’s fraud prevention is active. Don’t worry. Contact the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) or its Payment Gateway Contractor before the transaction. You can also consult a reliable Nigerian Visa Agent with registered cards to complete the payment.
- Before exploring these visa procedures, be familiar with the basic requirements for each regular visa type: Transit, Tourist, Business, TWP, STR, and Official/Diplomatic Visa. Remember
- The procedures for e-Visa are different.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES (E-Visa):
The process for applying for a Nigeria visitor visa from India typically involves the following steps: Use a computer with internet access and a modern browser, and then follow the instructions below.
- Start Online Application: Begin your e-Visa application by accessing the official online portal.
- Fill Form and Upload Documents: Complete the online application form with accurate and up-to-date information, ensuring all fields are filled correctly. Upload all required documents, including a valid passport, passport-sized photograph, and any other supporting documents specified in the guidelines.
- Complete Online Payment: Proceed to make the online payment for the e-Visa application using the available payment methods. Ensure the payment is successful and keep a record of the transaction reference number for future reference.
- Print Payment Slip/Receipt: After successfully completing the payment, print out the payment slip or receipt as proof of payment. Keep the payment slip or receipt for your records and attach it to the application documentation if required.
- Verify Email Confirmation: Check your email inbox to confirm that you have received an email acknowledging the submission of your e-Visa application. This email will provide a reference number for tracking the status of your application.
- Wait for Approval: Allow sufficient time for the processing of your e-Visa application. The approval process typically takes between 16 to 48 hours. Monitor the status of your application regularly through the online portal or by contacting the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) if necessary.
- Receive eTAL by Email: Upon approval of your e-Visa application, you will receive an electronic Travel Authorization Letter (eTAL) via email. The eTAL will contain your visa details and authorization to travel to Nigeria.
- Print eTAL and Travel to Nigeria: Print out the eTAL document for your travel records. Present the eTAL along with your passport upon arrival at authorized ports of entry in Nigeria, which are Abuja and Lagos Airports.
Important notes:
- To get an eTAL, first, choose the eVisa type that suits your purpose in Nigeria. Check if you qualify for that visa type.
- Create a checklist of the requirements needed for that specific visa.
- Use a computer with an internet connection and a modern browser.
- Check the latest Covid-19 Travel Guide before booking or boarding your flight to Nigeria.
- Start the application process well in advance of your planned travel date.
- Make sure all your documents are complete and accurate.
- Before exploring these visa procedures, be familiar with the basic requirements for each regular visa type: Transit, Tourist, Business, TWP, STR, and Official/Diplomatic Visa. Remember