Nigeria e-Visa: Types, Requirements and Application Process

Nigeria e-visa (electronic visa) system launches on May 1, 2025, as part of efforts to modernize and simplify the immigration process. The e-visa system allows travelers to apply for visas completely online, eliminating the need for physical visits to embassies or consulates.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new Nigeria e-visa system, the application process, approval, landing and exit card.

Nigeria e-Visa Simplifies Access to Nigeria

Nigeria e-visa is a short stay visa issued electronically for travel to Nigeria. It allows you to stay in Nigeria for a maximum of 30 days. Currently, it cannot be extended and also cannot be used for employment purposes.

The e-visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. This means that you can obtain it today and travel to Nigeria tomorrow or within the next 90 days.

With the e-Visa system, there is no need to physically visit the Nigerian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Foreign travelers who require a visa to enter Nigeria – whether businessmen, tourists, professionals or students – can apply for a visa entirely online, by uploading the necessary documents, paying the applicable fees and obtain a visa approval online.

The introduction of the e-visa system is meant to gradually phase out the visa on arrival program. This transition aims to offer a smoother, faster experience and also combat administrative bottlenecks and bureaucracy.

Nigeria e-Visa (13 Types)

Here are the different visa types that you can obtain under the Nigeria e-visa system:

• Visiting Visa – Single Entry
• Transit Visa
• Business – Single Entry
• Business – Multiple Entry Visa
• Business – Frequently Traveled Business Executives
• Tourism Visa
• Sports Visa
• Creative Arts Visa
• Study Tour Visa
• Academic Exchange Program (Student, Scholar, Lecturer) Visa
• International Cultural Exchange Visa
• Emergency Relief/Work Visa
• Returning holders of foreign passports who are Nigerian by birth

General Requirements and Eligibility Criteria for Nigeria e-Visa

There are specific requirements for each visa type. However, here are the general requirements for Nigeria e-visa application:

• Valid passport (that does not expire in six months)
• Recent passport photo
• Proof of funds (3 months bank statement)
• Round trip flight itinerary
• Letter of invitation with passport data page of host in Nigeria
• Proof of accommodation/hotel reservation confirmation
• CAC certificate of host (for business visa)

Application Process for Nigeria E-Visa

Here are the steps to apply for Nigeria e-visa and obtain an approval:

• Gather Required Documents: You must first prepare ALL required documents and save them in the right format. Any wrong or incomplete documentation will result to outright denial of your visa without any option for appeal. It is advised not to book a flight or pay for hotel accommodation before getting visa approval. You should instead get a round-trip flight itinerary and hotel reservation for your Nigeria e-visa application. Once your evisa is approved, you can then book your flight ticket and hotel.
• Submit Your Application: Fill the online Nigeria e-visa application form on the immigration portal. Be accurate with filling the form and document uploading as any mistake here will lead to rejection.
• Pay the Nigeria e-Visa Fee: Once you’ve submitted your e-visa application, proceed with payment of the immigration visa fee. Your application can only be processed after paying the fees.
• Receive Your e-Visa Approval: If your application is successful, you will receive your Nigeria e-visa approval letter via email within 24 to 48 hours.
• Obtain Your Landing and Exit Card: As per the new Nigeria immigration policy, Landing and Exit Cards are mandatory travel documents required of all passengers entering or departing Nigeria.  To obtain your Nigeria landing and exit card, apply on the immigration portal.

The Nigeria landing and exit card is a digital card introduced by the Nigeria Immigration Service as part of the e-visa application process. This form used to be filled in manually on the plane or at the airport. It is now available online prior to travel. Passengers will be required to submit it before boarding, with airlines responsible for checking compliance.

This will not only save time on arrival but also enable more accurate data to be collected on migratory flows.

FAQs on Nigeria e-Visa