Visa Procedures

To Apply for a Fresh Nigerian Visa, you always need to start the process from the visa section of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) website portal here. If you are applying for the first time, it is wise to understand the general procedure described below. 

Pre-Application Phase

1. Decide on Visa Type

Start by choosing a Visa type suitable for your purpose of traveling to Nigeria. If you are traveling for a short visit, choose a visa under the “Short Visit Visa” (SVV) category. On the other hand, there are also Temporary Resident Visas (TRV) and Permanent Resident Visas (PRV). The easiest way to decide on your appropriate visa class is by knowing your purpose of visiting Nigeria. For example, for work, for studies, to visit friends or family, for tourism, business, investment, etc.  

2. Select Visa Channel

After you decide on the visa class that is appropriate for your purpose of visit, check the available visa channels by which you can obtain that visa. then choose a channel/method to start your visa application. The visa application processes may differ depending on the visa application channel. However, whether you opt for an eVisa, Visa on Arrival (VoA), visa through the Nigerian Visa Application Center (VAC) or visa through the Nigerian Embassy, the required documents will be the same.

3. Gather Requirements 

Prepare documents required for your chosen visa type. In some cases like TWP and STR visas, applicant's employer or institution must obtain approval from the Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI) before the application process begins. Please see TWP or STR requirements for details. For Diplomatic Visas, a note-verbal from Foreign Affairs Ministry is required to start the process. Business visas require invitation letter and other Nigerian company documents. Other visas may require invitation letter. Please see the details in the page of your chosen visa and gather the complete requirements before you proceed.

Application Phase

4. Apply Online

To Apply for a Fresh Nigerian Visa, you always need to start the process from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) website portal. Create an account and fill the online form.

5. Upload Requirements

Follow the instructions online to upload copies of the requirements.

6. Obtain ID and Reference 

The system will generate an Application ID and Reference Number. Print out these numbers for later use throughout your application process. 
 

7. Print out form 

Print out the application form with all the details you entered.

8. Payment 

If necessary, use your Application ID and Reference Number to make payment online. Gratis visas like diplomatic do not require payment.  

9. Hardcopy Requirements 

Depending on your chosen visa type and method of obtaining the visa, you may need to submit hardcopy requirements to the Visa Application Center or Nigerian Embassy in your jurisdiction. 

10. Interview 

Depending on first time application and chosen visa type, applicant may be required to be interviewed before visa is issued at a later date.

Post-Application Phase

11. Flight Ticket 

After you have obtained the visa, you can purchase the flight ticket to Nigeria. Note that there are five main airports authorized for international immigration. Click here for details.

Airports : Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.

12. Health Protocol 

It is important to know and adhere to the latest health policies before your trip to Nigeria. In the case of a “health emergency of international concern” (global pandemic) declared by the W.H.O., there is a separate protocol to follow in order to fulfill travel and entry requirements. Please click here for details.

13. Registration on NITP 

All travelers to Nigeria are required to register on the Nigeria International Travel Portal (NITP) and follow the instructions online to print out the QR Code before arrival in Nigeria.

Arrival in Nigeria

14. Health Screening 

Follow the health screening instructions of the health officials at the airport. You may be required to show proof of health status. See the latest announcements for details.

15. Entry Authorisation 

To be stamped into Nigeria, you have to present the visa that you already obtained. If you have no visa, you may opt for the Visa on Arrival Program. Your chances on this option depends on your passport origin and your desired visa type.

16. Residence Permit (If necessary) 

For long-term visas, it is necessary to start processing residence permit as soon as you settle in. Please see the procedure here.