Nigeria Visa on Arrival for South African Citizens

Nigeria visa on arrival for South African citizens is intended for travelers who intend to visit Nigeria for a short stay not more than 30 days. With the Nigerian visa on arrival for South African citizens, you can visit the country, have meetings, carry out business and spend up to 30 days for single visit, though you can optionally extend your stay for a maximum period of 6 months.
What is Nigeria Visa on Arrival for South African Citizens?
Nigeria visa on arrival for South African citizens is an official travel authorization document that is issued to South Africans and citizens of other nationalities who intend to travel to Nigeria for a short stay, typically for a period not more than 30 days.
Travellers must first apply and obtain a travel authorization document (also referred to as visa approval letter) before they can qualify to arrive in Nigeria.
Nigeria Visa on Arrival Requirements for South African Citizens
South African citizens will need the following documents in order to apply for and obtain a Nigeria visa on arrival:
- Recent Passport Photo (colored)
- Letter of Self-Introduction/Application Letter
- Copy of Passport Data Page
- Round-Trip Flight Itinerary
- Invitation Letter from Host Company
- Corporate Affairs Commission Certificate (CAC) from Host Company
How Do I Get an Invitation Letter and CAC Certificate of Host Company?
If you are conversant with the visa process and want to submit the application by yourself, then you can get an invitation letter and CAC certificate here to enable you complete the application and obtain an approval.
Alternatively, you can let us handle the entire e-visa application for you, submit all required documents and get an approval for you in 24 to 48 hours. Apply here.
Do I present any documents at the port of entry (airport) upon arrival?
Yes. You’ll be required to present the following documents to the immigration officers on arrival:
- Visa Approval Letter (valid for 14 days from the date of issuance)
- Online payment receipt and acknowledgement slip
- International passport with minimum of six months validity
- Valid return ticket
After verification of your documents, you will then undergo biometrics at the port of entry at no further cost.
How long does it take to get a Nigeria Visa on arrival?
Typically, it takes two business days only to apply for a Nigeria visa on arrival and obtain an approval for Indian citizens.
How many times can I enter Nigeria with the visa on arrival?
The Nigeria e-visa on arrival is only intended for single entry only for citizens of India.
How Does Nigeria Visa Work and How Do I Get Started?
- First, place your order for Nigeria e-Visa on Arrival Processing here.
- Send your details (flight itinerary, passport data page, and recent passport photo) to us via email to: hello@destinali.com.
- We prepare all required documents (letter of introduction, letter of invitation to Nigeria, CAC certificate of host, flight itinerary, passport copy, etc.), and submit your visa application to the Nigeria Immigration Service.
- You receive a link to the Immigration portal to confirm your details and pay the actual visa fee.
- Receive your Visa on Arrival (VoA) Approval Letter via email within two business days.
- Verify the letter of approval received on the immigration portal using your application number and reference number to confirm its authenticity.
- Make printouts of your documents.
- Arrive at the airport in Nigeria, enroll for biometrics and get the actual visa at no other cost again.
Sample Nigeria Visa on Arrival Approval Letter
Nigeria Visa on Arrival approval letter is a signed document by the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and issued to visa on arrival applicants, qualifying them to travel to Nigeria and get a visa at the port of entry.
It is a pre-approved visa letter issued to intending visitors to Nigeria, and also forwarded to the airline (booked by the applicant) and the immigration at the port of entry for clearance to enter the country.
If you want to visit Nigeria and get a visa on arrival, then this document is a must. Otherwise, you will be returned from the airport!

More Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Nigeria Visa on Arrival for South African Citizens
How do I verify the status of my Nigeria visa on arrival or confirm the authenticity?
To verify or confirm your Nigeria e-visa on Arrival, visit the Nigeria Immigration portal; choose Visa on Arrival Program under Application and enter your Application ID and Reference Number (as contained in the letter of approval received).
How much is Nigeria visa on arrival for South African citizens?
We charge a processing fee of $97 USD for Nigeria e-visa on arrival plus an applicable immigration fee of $168 for Indian citizens.
How do I make payment?
You can make secure payment online here.
How do I receive my Nigeria visa on arrival approval letter?
Upon paying the government/immigration fee, your application will be processed, and a letter of approval sent to you via email within two business days. You are required to make a printout of the documents and present at the airport. The visa on arrival approval letter is what qualifies you to travel and arrive at the airport in Nigeria where the actual visa will be issued to you.
Do I pay anything again on arrival at the airport in Nigeria?
NO! All fees are paid upfront before an approval can be obtained, so you won’t pay anything again on arrival.
What documents must I submit before you process my Nigeria visa on arrival?
Here are the documents we require from you: passport data page, passport photo and a round trip flight itinerary.
Is a confirmed air ticket mandatory?
No, not necessarily. An itinerary will do.
Can I travel to Nigeria without the letter of approval?
No, you cannot. You must obtain a visa pre-approved letter of approval before you can travel to Nigeria, otherwise you will be sent back from the airport.
Can South African citizens get a Nigerian visa at the airport?
Yes. But first, you must apply and get a letter of approval before you can qualify to travel and get a Nigerian visa on arrival.
For how long is Nigeria visa on arrival for Indian citizens valid?
The Nigerian Visa on Arrival (VoA) is valid for 30 days. Though it is extendable for a maximum of 6 months.
Can South African children under 18 years get Nigeria visa on arrival?
Yes. South African citizens under 18 can get Nigeria visa on arrival. The fee is the same as with adults.
What is Nigeria Visa on Arrival Program?
The Nigeria e-visa on arrival program is a fast visa application process (e-visa) that lets you fill out an online visa application, get an approval within 48 hours so that you can qualify to travel and get a visa at the port of entry (airport) in Nigeria.
What guarantees do I have for obtaining Nigeria visa on arrival?
At NigeriaVisaHub, we have a near-perfect Nigeria visa application success rate. In the rare case that we can’t get you an approval, we will return your money within 14 days.
Who can apply for Nigeria visa on arrival (VoA)?
Anyone who requires a visa to enter Nigeria; i.e. all South African citizens and citizens of other countries who require a visa to enter Nigeria can apply for visa on arrival.
Once I apply for a Nigeria Visa on Arrival, when will I receive the approval?
It takes within one to two (2) business days to get a Nigerian e-visa on arrival approval letter. What we guarantee is that your application through NigeriaVisaHub will be the fastest and most guaranteed way to get a Nigeria visa on arrival.

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