One of the main reasons Nigerian visa on arrival (VoA) applications are often declined is improper documentation. Most applicants provide the wrong documents and/or upload them incorrectly.
If you want to successfully apply for a Nigerian visa on arrival and obtain an approval, you must first understand what documents are required of you.
Generally, these documents are grouped into two: the applicant requirements and the host company requirements.
Before you start your application for Nigerian visa on arrival, you must understand the following:
- Nigerian visa on arrival is issued as a business visa to all non-African nationals.
- African nationals who require visa to enter Nigeria can get a Nigerian visa on arrival as tourist/visitor visa.
- If you are a non-African national, you must be 18+ years to qualify for a Nigerian visa on arrival. Though, African nationals irrespective of age (even infants) can get a visa on arrival.
- The Nigerian visa on arrival is valid for 30 days, however it can be extended for one month, three months or a maximum of six months for an additional charg
Documents Required for Nigerian Visa on Arrival Processing
What documents must you have before you can get a Nigerian visa on arrival? Here is what it takes:
1. Valid International Passport/Travel Document
One of the compulsory documents you must have in order to apply for a Nigerian visa on arrival is an international passport or travel document that is at least valid for six months.
This means that your international passport/travel document must not expire at least in the next six months.
You must scan the data page of your passport (the page containing your photo and info). This will be uploaded on the Nigerian immigration portal, alongside other documents.
2. Passport Photo
Applicant’s recent passport photo is also required for Nigerian visa on arrival application.
Passport should preferably have white background, with eyes facing forward without glasses and head not covered. Smile should be neutral (or no smile).
3. Letter of Application (Self Introduction)
Another important document from the applicant in order to obtain a Nigerian visa on arrival is the letter of application/self introduction.
Applicant is expected to submit a letter of application, which must contain his exact passport details, address in Nigeria, date of entry to Nigeria and departure from Nigeria.
4. Letter of Invitation
To successfully apply for and obtain approval for Nigerian visa on arrival, applicant must present a letter of invitation from a host company in Nigeria.
The letter, which is addressed to the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, must be written on the company’s letterhead, and signed by an approved company representative/executive, accepting full immigration responsibility for the visitor.
The letter will also contain the visitor’s passport information and the duration of stay in Nigeria.
5. CAC Certificate of Host Company
The CAC certificate is the Certificate of Incorporation of the company inviting you to Nigeria (host), issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission in Nigeria.
CAC certificate of host company in Nigeria is required if you want to successfully apply for and obtain a Nigerian visa on arrival.
If you get invitation from us, we will also send you a copy of CAC certificate. Or you can simply let us process a Nigerian visa on arrival for you with guaranteed approval in a maximum of 48 hours.
The CAC certificate is proof/confirmation that the company inviting you has legal status in Nigeria.
6. Flight Itinerary
A round trip flight itinerary is one of the mandatory documents you must present in order to get a Nigerian visa on arrival.
This mustn’t necessarily be a confirmed ticket. A mere itinerary is fine, as long as it shows your entry to Nigeria and departure from Nigeria, corresponding with the dates on the invitation and letter of application/self introduction.
Get Support Documents for Nigeria Visa on Arrival
Letter of Invitation. CAC Certificate. Letter of Self Introduction (Template). Delivered to You via Email in 60 Minutes.
Additional Documents
The following documents, even though not compulsory, may also be submitted to make your case for a visa on arrival stronger:
- Hotel reservation confirmation
- Yellow fever vaccination
Turnaround Time
The turnaround time/processing duration for Nigerian visa on arrival (VoA) is two business days. If approved, you should receive a letter of approval within two working days that looks like the following:
Note that the letter of approval is verifiable online on the immigration portal.
Validity
The letter of approval is valid for 14 days. This means you must arrive Nigeria within 14 days from the date of approval, otherwise you will have to re-apply.
However, the validity period for Nigerian visa on arrival (VoA) is 30 days (one month). This means that when you arrive the port of entry in Nigeria and receive the actual visa, you can stay in the country for a period of one month.
Can you extend your Nigerian visa on arrival?
Yes, if you have exhausted your first month in Nigeria, you may apply for visa extension for one month, two months, three months or a maximum of six months.