How to get a Nigerian tourist visa
Planning a visit to Nigeria? The West African country is a destination brimming with experiences from the vibrant city life in Lagos to the Obudu mountain in Calabar and Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi. But before you dive into the adventure, you’ll likely need a tourist visa to enter the country. Here’s everything you need to know about obtaining a Nigerian tourist visa.
Who needs a Nigerian tourist visa?
If you’re not a citizen of an ECOWAS member country, you’ll need a visa to enter Nigeria. Nationals of these ECOWAS countries can travel to Nigeria visa-free for up to 90 days:
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cape Verde
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia
- Mali
- Niger
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
Other countries exempt from a Nigerian visa
Additionally, citizens of countries with special agreements, such as Barbados, Fiji, and Haiti, are also visa-exempt.
If your country isn’t listed above, you’ll need a visa to enter Nigeria. This includes tourists from the UK, US, Canada, and other countries.
What is a Nigerian tourist visa?
A Nigerian tourist visa allows foreigners to enter the country for leisure, sightseeing, and personal visits. It’s a short-term visa valid for 90 days although you can request an extension if you plan to stay longer.
Requirements for a Nigerian tourist visa
To apply for a Nigerian tourist visa, you’ll need to gather the following documents:
- A passport with at least six months of validity beyond your intended stay and at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Completed visa application form via the Nigerian Immigration Service portal.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of accommodation. A hotel booking or an invitation letter from a Nigerian host with their contact details and a copy of their ID.
- Proof of financial capability via bank statements from the last three to six months showing you can support yourself during your stay.
- Travel itinerary
- Return flight ticket
- Visa fee payment receipt
How much does a Nigerian tourist visa cost?
The cost of a Nigerian tourist visa varies depending on your nationality. On average:
- For US citizens: $160 USD
- For UK citizens: £100–£120 GBP
- For most other countries: $160–$200 USD
Additional consular or expedited fees may apply.
RELATED: The best honeymoon destinations in Nigeria for romance and adventure
How to apply for a Nigerian tourist visa
- Visit the Nigerian Immigration Service portal: www.immigration.gov.ng to start your application.
- Fill out the online application form.
- Pay the visa fee
- Book an appointment at the Nigerian embassy or consulate nearest to you for biometric data capture.
- Attend the appointment with all your supporting documents, payment receipt, and the completed application form.
- Wait for processing. This usually ranges from 5 to 15 working days.
- If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport and ready for collection or mailed back to you.
Tips for applying for a Nigerian tourist visa
- Start your application process no later than a month before your travel date to avoid delays.
- Double-check your documents. Missing or incomplete information can lead to processing delays or visa denials.
- Ensure all the information you provide is accurate and matches your supporting documents.
How long does it take to process a Nigerian tourist visa?
Processing times typically range from 5 to 15 working days, depending on your country of application and the consulate’s workload. If you need your visa urgently, expedited processing may be available at an extra cost.
Leave a Reply