Nigeria e-visa guide

What changed

• The e-visa platform took effect on 1 May 2025. The Federal Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) run it.
• It replaced visa on arrival. Visas on arrival issued before the change stayed valid only until 30 May 2025.
• You apply, pay and track your application online, without visiting an embassy.

Who needs a visa

Most foreign visitors do. The NIS says citizens of ECOWAS member states and of countries that have visa waiver agreements with Nigeria do not need a tourist visa. Check your nationality with the NIS or a Nigerian embassy before you book.

What you need

• A passport valid for at least six months from your planned date of entry.
• Documents usually include the passport photo page, a recent passport-style photo, a return or onward ticket and proof of where you will stay. Other visa types ask for more.
• Requirements can vary by nationality and category, so confirm the list on the official portal before you pay.

Visa types and length of stay

• The platform offers 13 short-stay categories, including tourism, business (single and multiple entry) and transit.
• The maximum stay is up to 90 days, depending on nationality and category.
• A reported rule is that e-visas cannot be extended. For a longer stay, you would need to apply through a Nigerian embassy or consulate.

Fees and processing time

• Fees depend on your nationality and visa type. The portal shows the amount before you pay. We do not list amounts here because they vary and change.
• Processing time is reported to be a few days. Apply early, especially for travel in December, and do not book non-refundable flights before your visa is approved.

Landing and exit cards

• Travellers who are not Nigerian citizens complete a landing card online before boarding. They also complete an exit card online before leaving.
• The cards are on the NIS landing and exit card site.

Planning for December? See the Detty December travel checklist and is Nigeria safe to visit?.

Official sites only

Only use official government websites. Copycat sites exist for visas everywhere. Start from the NIS website at immigration.gov.ng and follow its link to the e-visa application.

Health

Canada says proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you arrive from, or pass through, a country where yellow fever occurs, and recommends vaccination.

Once your visa is sorted, see places to visit in Nigeria.