Welcome to Nigeria, the giant of Africa. Known for its vibrant culture, diverse ethnic groups, and rich history, Nigeria is a country that offers a unique experience for every visitor. From the bustling city of Lagos to the tranquil landscapes of the Niger Delta, Nigeria is a destination that boasts many attractions for tourists, business travellers, and explorers alike. Yet, to access this African gem, one needs a key – the visa.
In recent years, the Nigerian government has tried to ease the process of obtaining a visa, introducing the concept of a ‘visa on arrival Nigeria’ (VoA). This innovative approach aims to enhance the ease of business in Nigeria, attract foreign investment, and promote tourism.
Check if your country supports Nigeria Evisa or Visa or Visa on Arrival
| Afghanistan | visa required |
| Albania | visa required |
| Algeria | visa required |
| Angola | visa on arrival |
| Antigua and Barbuda | e-visa |
| Armenia | visa required |
| Australia | e-visa |
| Bahamas | visa required |
| Bahrain | e-visa |
| Belarus | visa required |
| Belize | visa required |
| Bhutan | visa required |
| Bolivia | visa on arrival |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | visa required |
| Botswana | visa required |
| Brazil | visa required |
| Burkina Faso | visa free |
| Burundi | visa required |
| Cambodia | visa on arrival |
| Cape Verde | visa free |
| Central African Republic | visa required |
| China | visa required |
| Colombia | e-visa |
| Comoros | visa on arrival |
| Congo | visa required |
| Costa Rica | visa required |
| Croatia | visa required |
| Cuba | visa required |
| Djibouti | e-visa |
| Dominican Republic | visa required |
| DR Congo | visa required |
| Ecuador | e-visa |
| Egypt | visa required |
| El Salvador | visa required |
| Equatorial Guinea | visa required |
| Eritrea | visa required |
| Ethiopia | visa on arrival |
| Gabon | e-visa |
| Ghana | visa free |
| Grenada | visa required |
| Guatemala | visa required |
| Guinea | visa free |
| Guinea-Bissau | visa free |
| Guyana | visa required |
| Honduras | visa required |
| India | visa required |
| Iran | e-visa |
| Iraq | visa required |
| Ireland | visa required |
| Jamaica | visa required |
| Jordan | visa required |
| Kazakhstan | e-visa |
| Kenya | visa on arrival |
| Kiribati | visa required |
| Kosovo | visa required |
| Kuwait | visa required |
| Kyrgyzstan | e-visa |
| Lebanon | visa on arrival |
| Lesotho | e-visa |
| Liberia | visa free |
| Libya | visa required |
| Madagascar | visa on arrival |
| Malawi | e-visa |
| Maldives | visa on arrival |
| Mali | visa free |
| Mauritania | visa on arrival |
| Mexico | visa required |
| Moldova | e-visa |
| Morocco | visa required |
| Mozambique | visa required |
| Myanmar | visa required |
| Namibia | visa on arrival |
| Nauru | visa required |
| Nicaragua | visa required |
| Niger | visa free |
| North Korea | visa required |
| North Macedonia | visa required |
| Pakistan | visa required |
| Palau | visa on arrival |
| Palestine | visa required |
| Panama | visa required |
| Paraguay | visa required |
| Peru | visa required |
| Qatar | e-visa |
| Rwanda | visa on arrival |
| Saint Lucia | visa required |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | visa required |
| Samoa | visa on arrival |
| Sao Tome and Principe | e-visa |
| Saudi Arabia | visa required |
| Serbia | visa required |
| Sierra Leone | visa free |
| Singapore | e-visa |
| Slovakia | visa required |
| Slovenia | visa required |
| Somalia | visa on arrival |
| South Africa | visa required |
| South Sudan | e-visa |
| Sudan | visa required |
| Suriname | e-visa |
| Swaziland | visa required |
| Syria | visa required |
| Tajikistan | e-visa |
| Tanzania | e-visa |
| Togo | visa free |
| Tonga | visa required |
| Trinidad and Tobago | visa required |
| Tunisia | visa required |
| Turkey | visa required |
| Tuvalu | visa on arrival |
| Uganda | visa on arrival |
| Ukraine | visa required |
| United Arab Emirates | e-visa |
| United Kingdom | visa required |
| Uzbekistan | e-visa |
| Venezuela | visa required |
| Yemen | visa required |
| Zambia | e-visa |
| Zimbabwe | e-visa |
Understanding the concept of Visa on Arrival
Visa on arrival is a type of visa that is issued to foreigners upon their arrival in Nigeria. Unlike the traditional method of applying for a visa at a Nigerian embassy in your home country, the VoA allows you to obtain your visa directly at the point of entry into Nigeria.
The concept of VoA is common in Nigeria. Many countries worldwide have adopted this system to facilitate the ease of travel and promote tourism. However, the process and requirements for obtaining a VoA may differ from one country to another. In the case of Nigeria, the VoA system is designed to be straightforward and convenient for eligible travellers.
Advantages of Visa on Arrival in Nigeria
The introduction of the VoA system in Nigeria comes with several advantages. Firstly, it eliminates needing to visit your home country’s Nigerian embassy or consulate. This not only saves time but also reduces the amount of paperwork required for the visa application process.
Secondly, the VoA system offers flexibility. You can apply for the visa a few days before your travel date, making it a convenient option for last-minute travellers or those with urgent business matters to attend to in Nigeria.
Thirdly, the VoA system promotes transparency. The entire process is done online, allowing you to track the status of your application and receive real-time updates.
Who is eligible for Nigeria’s Visa on Arrival?
The VoA system in Nigeria is open to all foreigners who require a visa to enter the country. However, specific categories of travellers are particularly suited for this system. These include business travellers, tourists, and individuals visiting Nigeria for a short period for meetings, seminars, lectures, or similar activities.
It’s important to note that the VoA is not meant for those seeking permanent residence in Nigeria or those intending to engage in gainful employment there. For such cases, the appropriate visa should be obtained from a Nigerian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country.
The step-by-step process for obtaining Visa on Arrival in Nigeria
Applying for a VoA in Nigeria involves a simple, three-step process.
- Application: Submit your application online via the Nigerian Immigration Service website. You must provide your travel document details, proposed date of entry, and purpose of visit. Upon successful submission, you will receive an application ID and reference code.
- Payment: Pay the necessary visa fees online using a credit or debit card. After payment, you will receive a receipt and acknowledgement.
- Visa Issuance: Upon arrival in Nigeria, present your application ID, reference code, and evidence of payment to the immigration officers at the point of entry. Your visa will then be issued on the spot.
Documents required for Nigeria’s Visa on Arrival
The documents required for a VoA in Nigeria include the following:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
- A completed VoA application form.
- Two recent passport photographs.
- A copy of your return ticket or flight itinerary.
- Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Nigeria.
Additionally, you may be required to provide an invitation letter from a host in Nigeria, if applicable.
Fees associated with Nigeria’s Visa on Arrival
The fees for a VoA in Nigeria depend on the visa type and duration. For instance, the cost for a single-entry, short-stay visa (up to 30 days) is currently $160. It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change, and you should always check the official Nigerian Immigration Service website for the most up-to-date information.
Common Misconceptions about Visa on Arrival in Nigeria
Despite the benefits of the VoA system in Nigeria, a few common misconceptions need to be clarified. Firstly, the VoA is not a ‘visa-free’ entry. It is a visa issued on arrival, meaning you still must go through the application and payment process.
Secondly, the VoA does not guarantee entry into Nigeria. The final decision on admission into the country lies with the immigration officers at the point of entry.
Lastly, while the VoA system is designed to be convenient, it’s not a shortcut or a way to bypass immigration rules. All the standard immigration requirements and procedures still apply.
Troubleshooting issues with Nigeria’s Visa on Arrival
While obtaining a VoA in Nigeria is generally smooth, you may encounter some issues. These could range from technical glitches on the website to delays in receiving your application ID or reference code.
In such cases, it’s advisable to contact the Nigerian Immigration Service directly for assistance. The service has a dedicated VoA unit that handles all issues related to the VoA system.
Final Thoughts on Visa on Arrival in Nigeria
Introducing the VoA system in Nigeria marks a significant step towards promoting ease of travel and business. It serves as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to opening its doors to the world and firmly establishing itself as a prime destination for tourism, business, and investment.
Whether planning a leisure trip, a business visit, or an academic exchange, the VoA system provides a convenient and efficient way to unlock the gateway to Nigeria. So, pack your bags, apply for your VoA, and get ready to explore the vibrant, dynamic, and culturally rich nation that is Nigeria.
Read: How to apply and get Thailand visa on arrival
Note: Always check the official Nigerian Immigration Service website for the most recent and accurate information on the VoA system in Nigeria. The information provided in this guide is subject to changes in government policy and immigration regulations.