Visas for Nigeria

Most travellers heading to Nigeria, whether for holiday, business, or relocation, will need a visa. However, some foreign citizens are granted visa-free entry, and others are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival.

If you’re a citizen of a member-state of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) or one of 27 other countries (all of them developing countries or small island nations), you are exempt from obtaining a visa and can enter on your passport alone.

For many others, it’s possible to get a visa on arrival at the port of entry to Nigeria, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. If you’re travelling for business, or are from an African Union country or some small island nations, you can apply for a visa on arrival. Just make sure to apply ahead of time via the Nigerian Immigration Service ePortal to ensure everything is ready upon your arrival.

In recent years, the Nigerian Immigration Service has streamlined its processes. Now, you can only apply for visas online through the ePortal. In some cases, you’ll also need to attend an in-person interview at the nearest embassy or high commission, so keep an eye on the latest requirements.

Before heading to Nigeria, check the latest health advice, including recommended pre-travel vaccinations. Knowing what to expect in terms of healthcare in Nigeria is key to preparing for your trip.

The four main types of visas for Nigeria are tourist visas, business visas, temporary work permits, and subject-to-regularisation visas, each with its own application process and requirements.

Useful links

• Nigerian Immigration Service ePortal
• Nigeria Immigration News Updates

Tourist visas for Nigeria

Getting a tourist visa for Nigeria is fairly straightforward. Whether you’re planning to explore the bustling cities, visit family, or take in the natural beauty, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa, which is valid for 90 days.

To start the process, you must complete the application online through the Nigerian Immigration Service’s ePortal and make the required payment. Once this is done, the next steps may involve sending documents by post or delivering them in person to the relevant embassy or visa application centre.

Here’s a quick rundown of the documents you’ll need:

• A passport valid for at least six months with two blank visa pages
• A return or onward travel ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
• A hotel reservation or your host’s address in Nigeria
• An invitation letter, if staying with friends or family

In some cases, you might be called for an interview at your local embassy. If this happens, bring your payment receipts from the ePortal system, a valid passport, and the necessary documents. Don’t forget that you may also need to provide biometric data at designated centres.

Useful links

• Nigerian Immigration Service Official Website

Business visas for Nigeria

Applying for a business visa in Nigeria follows a process similar to that of a tourist visa, with just a few additional requirements. Business visas are ideal if you’re heading to Nigeria for short-term meetings, conferences, or corporate negotiations.

To apply for a business visa, you’ll need the following documents:

• A passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages
• Proof of a return or onward ticket
• Evidence of sufficient funds
• A confirmed hotel reservation or details of your host’s address in Nigeria
• An invitation letter from a registered business in Nigeria detailing the nature and duration of the visit

The business visa is typically valid for 90 days, and extensions aren’t allowed. If you need a longer stay, you’ll have to leave Nigeria and reapply. Some business travellers may qualify for a visa on arrival, depending on their nationality and purpose of visit. For more details, it’s best to check directly with the Nigeria Immigration Service.

Useful links

• Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC)

Work and residence permits for Nigeria

When it comes to working and living in Nigeria, the main permits you’ll need to be aware of are the Temporary Work Permit (TWP) and the Subject to Regularisation (STR) visa. After obtaining an STR visa, you’ll also need a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card, or CERPAC, to work and reside legally in the country long-term.

Temporary Work Permit (TWP)

If you’re travelling to Nigeria to provide specialised skills, such as technical expertise, training, or audits, you’ll need a TWP. These permits are valid for 90 days and are commonly used by technical experts and consultants in the country for short-term assignments.

To get a TWP, your Nigerian employer or organisation must submit a formal application to the Comptroller General of Immigration. This process involves coordinating closely with the company requesting your presence, who will handle the bulk of the application on your behalf. Once the request has been processed, you’ll need to complete the application via the Nigerian Immigration Service’s ePortal and provide additional documentation, including:

• A valid passport with at least six months remaining and two blank pages
• A visa authority letter from the Comptroller General of Immigration
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
• Evidence of your qualifications for the job you are hired for 

As the process can be complex, it’s best to stay in close contact with your employer for direct advice on navigating the system.

Subject To Regularisation (STR) visa

If you plan to work in Nigeria or stay longer than three months, you’ll need to apply for an STR visa. This visa is required for expat employees, staff of non-governmental organisations, international students, dependants, and missionaries.

STR visas are typically single-entry permits valid for 90 days. After entering Nigeria, you’ll need to apply to regularise your stay and convert the STR visa into a long-term work and residence permit. The process starts with your employer obtaining expat quota approval from the Ministry of the Interior, which ensures that your skills are genuinely needed and cannot be filled by a local Nigerian worker.

Once quota approval is granted, you’ll use the ePortal system to submit your application and pay the necessary fees. Be prepared to attend an interview at your local embassy and bring your valid passport and other required documents. This process usually takes around ten working days, but it may vary depending on the embassy or consulate.

Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC)

If you’ve entered Nigeria with an STR visa and plan to work, you’ll need to apply for a CERPAC. There are two types of CERPAC, a green card, which is employment purposes. A brown card is reserved for foreigners who will be visiting Nigeria for an extended period of time or crew members who will be staying ashore. 

This permit legally allows you to work and reside in Nigeria. A CERPAC is typically valid for two years, but you may initially receive one that is valid for a year. The CERPAC is renewable. 

To apply for a CERPAC, you’ll need the following:

• A valid STR visa and its endorsement
• Expat quota approval from the Ministry of the Interior
• A completed CERPAC form
• Proof of employment and sufficient funds

When renewing a CERPAC, you must submit an application letter from your employer, the expiring residence card, and payment of renewal fees. With Nigeria attracting more foreign investment and skilled expats, the demand for CERPAC has steadily risen, especially as the economy rebounds post-pandemic.

Useful links

• Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI)
• Immigration FAQs

*Visa and work permit requirements can change at short notice, and you should contact your respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.