Nigeria Visa Requirements 2026 — Complete Guide
Planning to visit Nigeria? Find out if you need a visa, how to apply through the e-Visa system, and which countries enjoy visa-free access under ECOWAS.
Quick Guide — Entry Categories
ECOWAS Nationals
15 West African countries. Stay up to 90 days with valid passport or travel certificate.
Most Nationalities
Apply online. Approval in 24-48 hours. Tourism, business, transit.
Restricted Countries
Must apply in person at a Nigerian embassy before travel.
Visa-Free — ECOWAS Member States
Citizens of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) member countries can enter Nigeria visa-free for up to 90 days under the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons.
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cape Verde
- Cote d'Ivoire
- The Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia
- Mali
- Niger
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
e-Visa System (Launched 2026)
Nigeria launched its e-Visa system in early 2026, replacing the previous Visa on Arrival (VoA) program. The system is integrated with global security databases and offers streamlined processing.
How to Apply for an e-Visa:
- Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) e-Visa portal
- Create an account and select your visa category (tourism, business, or transit)
- Upload required documents (passport, photo, invitation letter if applicable)
- Pay the visa fee online
- Receive approval within 24-48 hours
- Download and print your e-Visa approval for presentation at entry
Required Documents:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
- Recent passport-sized photograph (white background)
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Business invitation letter (for business visa)
Embassy Application Required
Citizens of the following countries cannot use the e-Visa system and must apply at a Nigerian embassy in person:
- Afghanistan
- Ethiopia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Libya
- North Korea
- North Macedonia
- Palestine
- Russia
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Turkey
- Yemen
Types of Nigerian Visas
| Visa Type | Purpose | Validity | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Tourism, visiting family | Up to 90 days | Return ticket, accommodation proof, funds |
| Business Visa | Business meetings, conferences | Up to 90 days | Business invitation letter, company registration |
| Transit Visa | Passing through Nigeria | Up to 48 hours | Onward ticket, transit itinerary |
| STR Visa | Subject to Regularization | 90 days (must regularize) | Employer sponsorship, CERPAC application |
| TWP Visa | Temporary Work Permit | Varies by contract | Employment contract, company sponsorship |
| Diplomatic Visa | Diplomatic/official travel | Duration of assignment | Diplomatic note, official passport |
CERPAC — For Long-Term Residents
The Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) is required for non-ECOWAS nationals residing in Nigeria for work or extended stays.
- What it is: A biometric residence permit combining work authorization and identification
- Who needs it: All non-ECOWAS nationals working or residing long-term in Nigeria
- e-CERPAC: The system is transitioning to a fully electronic platform, accessible before arrival
- Validity: Serves as a 30-day entry permit initially, then converted to full residence status
- Application: Through your employer or sponsoring organization via the NIS portal
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Reminders
- Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory
- Passport must have 6+ months validity
- At least 2 blank passport pages required
- e-Visa approval in 24-48 hours
- Always carry printed visa approval