Acquiring a visa to Nigeria has become an important part of the process for any tourist wishing to visit the country, be it for leisure, work, studies and so forth. Like many other countries, Nigeria has provisions in place for ensuring a fair admission for its visitors and this includes issuing the appropriate visa depending on the purpose of the visit. Therefore, knowing how to apply for Nigerian visa becomes paramount for any tourist.
The main aspect which influences the success or failure of any visa application is knowing and observing the right processes. This includes but its not limited to the gathering of the relevant papers, making the right fees deposits, and even the knowledge of the details of the specific visa one intends to apply for.
Getting the right papers in time and at the right stage is a key strategy in avoiding any issues that might result in the process taking longer than usual or even worse risking a rejection of the request. All applicants are required to present the following documents and others depending on the case: copy of their National ID card, flight tickets, hotel bookings and bank statement among others especially in this era of increased vetting procedures.
Under such instances, compliance with the stipulated visa regulations serves to make the process of applying for the visa less cumbersome and boosts the likelihood of success in the application without any hitches. This post will consider how to apply for a Nigerian visa and navigate all the stages that need to be completed in order to obtain a visa to Nigeria and why it makes sense to comply with all these visa requirements particularly to Nigeria.
What Are the Benefits of Visiting Nigeria?
Following are some of the benefits of visiting Nigeria.
- Nigeria is renowned for being home to one of the greatest concentrations of butterfly species anywhere in the world. This consists of very captivating and rare species of butterflies.
- Nigeria can also boast of one of the biggest street celebrations taking place in Africa. That’s why this event attracts hundreds of many tourists from all over the world to come and witness it in real life. The long celebrations have much more to offer which includes: concerts, parades, fashion displays and many other interesting things.
- Nollywood, the cinematic industry of Nigeria, produces more films than Hollywood. Annually, approximately 1000 films are made in Nigeria.
- You will find all sorts of fruits and vegetables such that one has not seen them anywhere else. Some of these fruits and vegetables are very difficult to find outside Africa.
- More than 521 languages are spoken in Nigeria. This is what makes Nigeria one of the most language diverse countries in the world.
- During the day and also at night, you can engage in numerous activities. You can go visiting water parks, go street trekking, go to museums and many more.
- The remarkable sights of Nigeria consist of very beautiful and different types of land such as mountains, beaches, parks, forests, towns and so on.
- There is a bridge in Nigeria, Africa which is the second longest in the whole continent.
Nigeria Visa Policy
Nigerians are known for their many things-the amazing country called Nigeria Republic is more than others. It is situated in the western region of Africa as one of the leading countries by the concentration of blacks in the entire world. Visas is mandatory for non-citizens wanting to physically go into the country of Nigeria.
Who Requires a Visa?
The following countries’ nationals do not need a visa before entering Nigeria:
- Benin
- Gambia
- Niger
- Burkina Faso
- Ghana
- Senegal
- Cameroon
- Guinea
- Seychelles
- Cabo Verde
- Guinea-Bissau
- Sierra Leone
- Chad
- Liberia
- Togo
- Ivory Coast
- Mali
Some additional exemptions on a visa are:
- Those who are former citizens of Nigeria but possess a valid foreign passport and have surrendered the Nigerian passport, can also enter the country without the visa.
- Holders of Diplomatic and service passports of these countries are not required to have a visa to enter the country: Brazil, China, Namibia, South Africa. There is also a 30-day visa exemption to public affairs passport holders from China.
- Holders of diplomatic passports from Turkey do not require a visa get into the country.
Nigeria Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a visa application for Nigeria is within 48 hours. It should be noted that the time of processing may increase without due notice if there are any abnormalities in the submitted application.
Duration of a Nigeria Visa
In most cases, a Nigeria tourist visa is valid between seven to ninety days and may also be extended. The applicants may get to know the other countries visa period information after they are issued with a Nigeria visa from the embassy of Nigeria.
Nigeria Visa Fees
The Nigeria visa fee changes with the change of visa type that the applicant is applying for. Most of the visa applicants will however pay, $160, $190 or $265 visa fee depending on the visa category being applied for. To know more about the visa fees the applicant will have to get in touch with the Nigerian embassy or consulate.
How To Apply For Nigerian Visa
All the obtainable ways of applying for Nigeria visa are as follows:
- Apply online
- Apply at the port of entry
1. Apply online
Foreign applicants wishing to apply for Nigerian visa application online should do as follows:
- Go to the official web page of Nigeria Office of Immigration Services.
- Select the kind of visa you are making an application for.
- Select the country in which you are applying from.
- Initiate the application and complete the application form with all the required details.
- Include other supporting materials to your visa application form.
- Carry out the payment of the required visa fee.
- Remain calm till you are reverted back with a response.
2. Apply at the port of entry
With a visa upon arrival, all travelers coming from Africa can apply for a visa. In order to apply for a Nigerian visa which can be issued on arrival, the applicant has to possess a valid passport. The relevant authorities of the embassy will advise you on the necessary documents to submit.
General Nigeria Visa Requirements
In order to be issued a Nigeria visa, the following documents should be provided on submission of the application.
1. A Valid Passport Requirement
You should have a passport that is valid for at least six months after your date of return to Nigeria, and this should also apply any other time you may wish to travel back in future. Reason for such a requirement whereby applicants must provide passports with a provided duration of validity is because up until the stipulated date, the passport has to be acceptable.
It would not make sense if you have a passport that is so close to expiration which may even bring complications to your travel plan.
2. Visa Application Form Application Form Completed Requirement
The visa application can be filled and submitted online via the Nigeria Immigration Service or at the office one is applying for the visa at the embassy/consulate. It is very important to accurately fill out this form since it plays a critical role in the immigration authorities of Nigeria who will require information about you, the reason for your travels, and any additional details that may be necessary. Please ensure that you double check your entries, because incorrect entries may cause delays or even denial of processing the application.
3. Two Passport-Sized Photos
Two recent passport size pictures taken within the period of three to six months should be attached. The pictures must conform to the standard requirements such as: a white background, plain expression of the face and no hats except for religious reasons.
These pictures are meant for your visa as well as identification during your visit to Nigeria. They also come with specific size and quality requirements to prevent unnecessary delays in processes.
4. Proof of Visa Fee Payment
The visa fee is most often paid during the application process or at a specific bank. It’s necessary to provide proof of payment in form of a confirmation or a receipt so that the visa application can be submitted for processing. The fee differs depending on the type of visa applied for and the nationality of the applicant.
5. Flight Itinerary
Flight itinerary must be provided indicating your return flight to your country. This does not need to be a fully paid for ticket, it can be a reservation. Nigerian Immigration authorities need to see that you are prepared to depart Nigeria at the end of the visa granted. A flight itinerary indicates your intended movements and is in support of your application for a temporary stay in Nigeria.
6. Accommodation Details
Accommodation means proof on your trip in Nigeria could be a hotel booking, rental agreement or a letter of invitation from a host. It is important for the immigration officers to know if you have a place to dwell at during your period in Nigeria.
If one does not pay for lodging and stays with friends or relatives, such an invitation letter must include details about the host’s address and some contacts.
7. Letter of Invitation (If Applicable)
In cases when you are visiting friends or family, you will have to obtain a letter of invitation from your host in Nigeria. Invitation letters must provide the host’s information including full name, the address and contact number, as well as a clear explanation of how the host and the guest are related. It has to state the reason and the period for which you will be visiting the host.
8. Additional Supporting Documents
More documents may be necessary depending on the type of visa you apply for. For example:
- Evidence for the sufficiency of funds: Bank statements indicating that you can sustain yourself during your stay in Nigeria.
- Health coverage plan: In some occurrences, a visa category will request for evidence of health insurance for its duration.
- Policing history: In some long term Visas, a police record might be required in the form of a letter.
N/B. Other relevant documents to that of the visa application form may also be requested by the immigration office. Be informed that any document that is not available may constitute a ground of refusal of a visa.
Nigeria Visa Types
There are five primary categories of visas in Nigeria:
- Visas for tourism and transit.
- Visas for business, study, and religion.
- Temporary work permit – TWP.
- Subject to regularization – STR.
All of these categories of visas can be found across the world. Therefore, people from different parts of the world are free to apply for the category of visa that they wish to.
While appreciating the diverse nature of the tourist and transit visas, it is important to note that these classes of visas are geared towards serving different needs and they are meant for different standards of qualification. Therefore the classes of visas suggested for foreigners wishing to visit Nigeria, or even pass through the country, differ from each other.
1. Visas for Tourism and Transit
A. Tourism Visa
This type of visa is the Nigerian tourist visa whose main aim is for the visitors to be engaged in pleasure filled activities without leaving room for any regrets. Such a visa allows the foreign visitors to experience a wide range of geographical, cultural, historical, architectural within and outside Nigeria. Here is how to go about it:
Essential Attachments:
- An original and a photocopy of a current passport with a validity of not less than six months.
- Duly completed Nigerian visa application form obtained from the website.
- Two recent standard photographs taken of the applicant.
- A document containing proof about accommodation arranged such as hotel booking or invitation letter from a person residing in Nigeria.
- A round trip air ticket as an assurance from the respondent that they will come back.
- Evidence related to availability of funds to sustain the period of stay intended.
B. Transit Visa
This is the type of visa outlined above if the visitor plans to transit through Nigeria on their way to other destinations. A visitor who aspires to enter but not remain in Nigeria, for perhaps a business meeting, as part of traveling to another continent will also require procuring a visa. This visa is restricted to the very short visits to Nigeria only and is applicable to persons who are not within the last point of origin destination in Nigeria.
- Validity: The period of stay within Nigeria on this type of visa during which the traveler is not allowed to leave the airport in Nigeria but for the purposes of transiting only shall not exceed 2 days.
- Eligibility: This class of visa is given to those travelling to a secondary country with Nigeria in between. Usually, it is granted for a short period to allow for the international travel turn around to leave where he is.
Basic Requirements
- A passport with a validity of at least six months remains unexpired.
- Complete and submit a Nigeria transit visa application form electronically on the Nigeria immigration website.
- Passport-size two (2) photos.
- A travel document to enable getting to the next destination after the stopover.
- Entry visa or clearance to the last place of travel.
- Money for expenses for the duration.
2. Nigerian Business, Study, Religious Visa
In addition, If the person intends to visit Nigeria for business, study, or religious purposes, there are different types of Nigerian visas for each of these purposes of travel. Each of them has its own criteria including approved period of stay, necessary documents, other particularities that may indicate that it is issued for the sake of ensuring the fulfillment of immigration laws of Nigeria.
A. Business Visa
A Business Visa is issued to foremas who come into the country with the aim of conducting business, say holding business operations with clients or attending trade fairs and exhibitions in Nigeria. This sub class of visas may be split further into two broad classes:
Short Stay Visa (SVVs)
Short Stay Business Visas are in most cases provided for a period not exceeding 90 days. This visa is designed for business persons on rapid trips for business activities and the visa holders will be able conduct business meetings, sign contracts, and travel for seminars or workshops.
Key Documents Required:
- A passport that is valid for at least six months.
- The Nigerian Immigration Service official visa application form filled in.
- Letter correspondence from the Nigerian host organization or institution.
- An E-Ticket to return flights to the applicant’s home country.
- A bank statement that proves that a person can comfortably afford the trip.
- Business registration documents (if applicable).
Permanent Residence Visa for Business (PRVB)
This type of visa allows extension within a period of one visit upto five years, which is usually based on the nationality of the given visa applicant and the purpose of visit. This visa is granted to foreigners with the intentions of establishing their businesses in Nigeria for a longer duration. Most of the holders of such a visa are entrepreneurs, industrialists, or employees engaged in long term projects within the region.
Therefore, the following documents will be relevant.
- A passport whose validity is not less than six months.
- Duly filled visa application form for the specific visa.
- Certificate of incorporation of the Nigeria registered company.
- Evidence of Joint Venture or Executing contracts.
- Provide Evidence of Hotel Booking for the occasion of the trip.
- Need to show that they have enough money.
Application Process
This type of visa is burdensome as it entails the long -term category hence why it seeks the approval of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission. It also necessitates the assessment of the proposed investments as well as the applicant’s past business experience.
B. Study Visa
A study visa from Nigeria is issued to foreigners who wish to further their studies in accredited learning institutions within Nigeria. Whatever the case may be, if one nigger is seeking long or short courses, undergraduate or masters degree programs, the said visa allows the student to remain in Nigeria for the duration of studies.
Validity: Holders of study visa will only be permitted in the country for the duration given in the study visa and which may be renewed each year or upon continuing the course at some stages, the visa is issued for the entire duration of the program.
Required Documents
- A current passport existing for six months or more.
- Completed application for Nigeria study visa which can be submitted at the Nigeria Immigration Port.
- Admission offer letter from relevant Nigerian institution.
- Proof of payment of tuition fee.
- Provision of bank statement(s) or other documents to support claims of available living expenses of the visa applicant.
- Travel and health insurance cover for the entire duration of stay.
- Transfer certificates and other education records obtained from other institutions if applicable.
C. Religious Visa
This visa category is available for people who are going to Nigeria for the purpose of religious activities which among others include attending conferences, crusades and religious propagating work and fellow members of the church.
In the usual course of events, a religious visa is valid for up to 90 days after which the applicant will be required to apply for an extension depending of the religious activities being practiced.
3. Temporary Work Permit (TWP) in Nigeria
A Temporary Work Permit (TWP) is granted to non-nationals with special skills for a specific period, for instance, while doing installations, repairs and maintenance works in Nigeria. This type of visa allows expatriate workers to put into practice their skills in other sectors of the Nigerian economy, promotes transfer of skills and caters for urgent supply of labour. Below is detailed information on TWP application procedures as well as requirements for individual countries.
To qualify for a Temporary Work Permit, the applicant must demonstrate beyond reasonable doubt that he or she has been offered work by a Nigerian agency or company which requires those particular skills. This provision assumes significance to appreciate the focus of the TWP which is so much about project based skill importation.
Required Documentation
- Employment Contract.
- A signed document detailing the terms of employment, including job title and responsibilities, duration, and salary.
- Employer’s Acceptance Letter.
- This refers to a letter issued by a Nigerian employer detailing the job and the needs of the applicants skills for the offered position.
- Official R11 Application Form: This is a form completed by an employer who intends to employ a foreign national. It is a document wherein an employer accepts the employer specific immigration responsibilities that arise due to the hiring of a foreign national.
- Nigerian Missions or Visa Application Centers may ask for other information or documents concerning TWP submission depending on the particulars of the application. This may include the following:
- Evidence of establishment and current operation of the employer.
- Proof of academic qualifications and work experience of the subject of the application.
4. Subject to Regularization (SRT) Visa
STR simply means Subject to Regularization. A local sponsor is gorgeous offered by an inviting entity to any business. This allows developing and growing enterprises, but also the transfer of capable people in Nigeria to Nigerians. Following the issuance of an STR, the expatriate will be placed under the Occupational Quota (OQ) of the recruiting company for the period of the expatriate’s services.
As stated in section 8(1) of the Nigeria Immigration Act, no alien shall engage in any employment in Nigeria, except with the consent of the Comptroller General of Immigration in respect of employment with the Federal or State Government of Nigeria.
Thus, every immigrant who desires to work in Nigeria must possess the STR. Documents requisite for acquiring STR in Nigeria are as listed below;
- A passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
- Job Acceptance Letters Contract Letter Foreigners Educational and Work Background
- IMM 22 Form filled Application Biographical Information of Expatriate Country Intensive Purpose of Employment Employment Permit of the Organization Keeping Organization Registration Certificate Legal Framework for the Work
- Expatriate Quota Certificate Copy Passport Size Photographs
- Visa fee payment should be done through the NIS portal neoteric Services
- Birth Certificates and Marriage Certificates (if applicable)
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Nigeria Visa
Follow these steps so that Nigeria visa application will not be a big headache to you!
1. Cross Check Your Information
Where similar content appears within the form and official documents, consistency must be achieved. In general, when completing the visa application to travel to a certain country, all individuals need to fill in the necessary information in the corresponding fields and according to the travel documentation they possess. Inconsistencies about misspellings on a visa application are inevitable examples for example using a name different from the one on the passport or another passport number or giving a date of birth not in the passport.
This may sound easy, however, a great number of people would, however, give information that in fact does not correspond with the documents or identity verification. For example, if the name in the documents allows interchanging first and last names, if anyone decides to write it in another way, the authorities will issue a visa with the wrong information.
2. Examine The Checklist Per Country
A checklist works best in ensuring that one prepares a perfect application. The most common error applicants are guilty of, is not look in the checklist or the no where inter list specific for visa applications and as a result leaving out important documents for submission.
Even one absence of documentation can make the application considered unfiled. Hence, ensure that you consider the country specific checklist on what is to be attached to the application form before filling the visa application form.
3. Get your Bank Statements Verified
Some nations request that the bank statement of every visa applicant be provided with a true stamp on them. It is normal for tourists to submit bank statements and many of them know this very well however, that most of the time, tourists are not asked to provide these bank statements, is a common mistake. The certified bank statements are required to indicate your financial capability to go on the trip as well as credit readiness.
4. Preparing For A Trip Too Close To The Departure Date
The period within which one can expect to be issued a visa does change for each country and does also change in relation to the peak travel periods. Most of the times, travelers leave their visa applications for the last few days before a trip leading to very few hours to undertake the checklist effectively and make sure every requirement is met.
In most cases a period of up to 90 days is allowed for the lodging of applications prior to the travel date in which circumstances it is recommendable to apply for a visa early enough in order to cater for any hiccups that may arise.
These may look like minor mistakes, however they may lead to a denial of visa for a traveler’s application. It is advised that every minute detail be provided, as requested in the appropriate order and with the required materials in order to avoid any inconveniences during the application for a visa.
5. Make Use Of The Support Services for Nigerians Applying for Visas
When going through the process of how to apply for a Nigerian visa, there are resources and support services available to help with every aspect of the application process. If it is help you require for the actual application or if you want to check your application at any time, the following may be useful:
- Visa Application Centres (VACs): VACs are recognised to provide help as regards the submission of visa applications to the embassies or the consulates of Nigeria. Visa applicants are able to file their visa application papers biometric data as may be required and later retrieve their passports if the visa applied for is out. Most of the VACs are situated in the municipal cities and to avoid over the counter services at the embassies, this is much easier and affordable.
- Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Portal: The Nigeria Immigration Service NIS is the national agency with the responsibility of controlling immigration in Nigeria and provides an official website through which visa applicants can process their applications as well as make payments for the services and check agricultural economics application monitoring. This site also covers a detailed guide on the available categories of visa, the processes and the costs involved.
- Visa Application Tracking Services: For example, this can be done on a website provided by several Nigerian embassies and consulates that allows the applicants to monitor the progress of their visa application. The user is able to utilize this feature only after all the necessary documents have been submitted, and such a report serves as a follow-up on the appropriate authorship.
- Help Desks and Kent Tariffs: Many of the Embassies and visa issuing departments have help desk or call center facilities for applicants to seek clarifications on any issues regarding their visa applications. Such services help to relieve clients psyche who had any doubts concerning their documents, money paid or duration of waiting on some services.
- Government and E-Embassy Facilitation Websites: All current and new trends including visa requirement, application forms can be found on the Nigerian embassies, high commissions and consulates official websites as well. Furthermore, such sites are important in giving step by step Nigerian visa application guidelines about the announcements and visa policies of specific countries.
Nigerian Visa-Related Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Procedure For Obtaining A Nigeria Visa?
- Go to the online portal and complete the visa application and print the completed form afterward.
- Make an online payment and print out the receipt of payment.
- Paste two passport-size images (35/40mm) with a white background.
- Take the filled form for submission along with other supporting documents and biometrics.
2. How Long Does It Take For A Nigerian Visa To Be Stamped?
Depending on the location of the applicant and the nature of visa required, the processing period of dates may vary. It usually takes five to fifteen working days, but if there is additional documentation required or it is during the high season of traveling, it may take longer.
3. How Much Is A Visa From A UK Passport Holder To Nigeria?
The amount of money charged for the visa from the UK to Nigeria depends on the category of the visa and the period of stay to be permitted. Below is a rough analysis of the costs involved:
- Tourist Visa (Single Entry): Approximately £125 – £150
- Business Visa (Single Entry): Approximately £150 – £200
- Multiple Entry Visa: £200 to £300 depending on the number of entries and the length of stay.
It is important that where a visa application centre is used, extra service fees will be charged. Do not forget to ask the Nigerian High Commission UK or check their official visa processing sites to inquire about the current charges.
4. How to Prepare for the Visa Interview
- Keep the scheduled date for your visa interview. Failure to attend an interview is not allowed. Carry relevant documents. Brace yourself for travel-related queries and purpose of travel.
- Take time to Wait for the Submission of Your Application “Visas” and Other Relevant Documents.
- Post the interview session, relax for some time as the focus shifts to administrative tasks. If your application is successful, your deliverable will be a visa affixed into your passport. Processing times are not standard.
5. What Are The Visa Fees For Nigeria?
Depending on the type of visa, the nationality of the applicant and also the time frame, the visa fees for Nigeria differs. Most short term visas are within the range of $160 to $270 beyond which other long term visas such as work or residency permits fall tunable. It’s advisable to contact the Nigeria consulate or embassy in your country of residence for the exact visa prices.
6. How Long Is a Nigerian Visa Valid For?
Short term tourist and business visas issued to foreigners normally have a validity duration which range between 30, 60, and 90 days. The specific length of a visa is determined by the classification of that visa and the reason for which the applicant is travelling. Multiple entry visas are also issued to some individuals in which case the individual makes visits more than once within a given time frame.
7. Can I Extend or Renew My Nigerian Visa?
The answer is Yes, extensions or renewals for Nigerian visas are often available. If you have a visa that may not be enough for the travel and wish to push your stay, you will have to apply for an extension to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). This process should be initiated before the current visa being held is exhausted. Extensions are usually given at the discretion of the relevant authority and may require additional fee and documents.
8. Must I Demonstrate Some Form of Sustenance?
If so, this is important because it shows that the applicant for e visa assistance in Nigeria will be able to pay for their expenses during their visit. This is usually indicated in the Nigeria visa application form that bank statements, or assurance of a financial sponsor , or a letter from the employer in the case of business visit is needed. In most cases the duration of stay and the type of visa determines the required amount.
10. Does One Need Travel Health Insurance for Nigeria Visa?
There is no specific requirement about travel health insurance for a Nigerian visa, however one is rather encouraged to have it. Certain types of visa, for example with a longer duration such as work visas may ask for proof of health travel insurance. In other words, even if obtaining insurance for travel would be inapplicable, it enables you to effectively mitigate for all emergencies arising from health issues, cancellation of trips and other contingencies.
What is most important however is to commence the application for the visa course of action as early as possible relative to the intended date of travel, so that there is enough time for the processing of the visa. Be clear on the Know the reason for your trip, and select the appropriate visa that is consistent with your plans and conduct during the visit.
Final Words
To successfully get a Nigerian visa entails knowing how to apply for Nigerian visa, planning, and care must be taken in adhering to the visa application processes precisely as they have been outlined. This entails ensuring that all requisite papers are in order, knowing all the visa costs and how long they take, as well as ensuring that the application is put in the correct way to fasten the processes and avoid wastage of time. Tourist or Business visas or even Work visas, there are always procedures that one has to follow which are the official ones so as to make the application process easy and successful.
Those who are not quite sure or need additional help should not worry because there are a multitude of options for example the visa application center, embassy or consulate, online portal and many others. Contact someone for further assistance if you feel that it’s necessary, such as an embassy, a professional agency, or a government portal. You can successfully undertake the visa application process and take your well-deserved holiday in Nigeria with the proper preparation and help.