VISA PROCESS FOR FOREIGNERS
The first step to doing business in Nigeria for a non- Nigerian is to get a Nigeria visa. Although there are some countries whose citizens can enter Nigeria without VISA. These are citizens of Economic community of West African states hereinafter ECOWAS. There are thirteen countries within ECOWAS. There are: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Outside ECOWAS countries the nationals of countries which have entered into Visa abolition agreements with Nigeria may also enter Nigeria without need for a Visa. Outside ECOWAS citizens and citizens of countries which have Visa abolition agreement with Nigeria every other person wishing to do business in Nigeria requires a Business visa.
The procedure is simple
- Application Procedure / How to apply for Business Visa
- Obtainable at Nigerian Missions
- Eligibility
Foreign Travelers who wish to visit Nigeria for the purpose of Meeting, Conference, Seminar, Contract Negotiation, Marketing, Sales, Purchase distribution of Nigerian Goods, Trade Fairs, Job Interviews, Training of Nigerians (Humanitarian Services), Emergency/Relief work, Crew members, Staff of NGOs, Staff of INGOs, Researchers, and Musical Concerts.
Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages for endorsement
- Two (2) recent passport sized (35/40mm) photograph.
- Return ticket.
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Evidence of Hotel Reservation/host address in Nigeria
- Validity
- Validity of stay is 90 days (not extendable)
How to apply
Step 1:
Apply online
Complete the online visa application https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/visa/freshVisa and print completed form.
Step 2:
Pay online https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/visa/freshVisa and print payment receipt.
ATTENTION:
CASH PAYMENTS for visa applications is PROHIBITED by order of Nigeria Immigration Service. Travelers must present proof of payment in the form of a printed payment receipt AND acknowledgement slip, visas paid for in cash will NOT be accepted upon arrival.
Step 3:
Affix 2 passport sized photographs to completed Visa Form IMM22, along with the other requirements and submit through any of the following:
- Via Post to the Embassy/High Commission/Consulate of Nigeria where applicant is Resident
- In person at designated Visa Application Centre (where applicable) or,
- In person at the Embassy/High Commission/Consulate of Nigeria where applicant is Resident
Note: Applicant may be invited for interview if necessary.
Timeline
2 – 3 working days from receipt of application.
The validity of visa issued under here is 90 days. This is not extendable. Business visa is also not valid for employment.
There are also countries where a visa applicant may be required to provide a letter of invitation or may be invited for physical interview this is at the discretion of the embassy.
VISA ON ARRIVAL [VOA]
Visa on Arrival hereinafter ‘VOA’ is issued at the port of entry in Nigeria.
The Visa on Arrival facility is available to frequently travelled High Net worth Investors and Intending Visitors who may not be able to obtain visa at the Nigerian Missions/Embassies in their countries of residence due to the absence of a Nigerian mission in those countries or exigencies of urgent business travels.
Eligibility
- Frequently travelled Business Persons of International Repute
- Executives of Multi-national Companies
- Members of Government Delegations
- Holders of United Nations Laissez-Passer
- Holders of African Union Laissez-Passer,
- Holders of ECOWAS Laissez-Passer,
- Holders of any other Official travel documents of other recognized International Organizations who intend to visit Nigeria.
Note: Visa on Arrival is available to citizens of all countries except ECOWAS Nationals who do not require visa to visit Nigeria and other countries which Nigeria has entered into visa abolition agreements.
How to Apply for Visa on Arrival
Step 1: Get Visa on Arrival Approval Letter
There are two methods to obtaining VoA approval letter: applying through email or in person or application by representative in Nigeria.
Applying through Email
Applicant/Representative shall write an Application Letter to The Comptroller General of Immigration, Nigeria Immigration Service Head Quarters, Abuja stating the following via this email address: oa@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng
- Name of Applicant indicating Nationality
- Passport number of Applicant
- Purpose of visit
- Proposed date of visit
- Proposed port of entry
- Flight itinerary
- Address in Nigeria or Hotel Reservation
The following documents should be attached:
- Copy of Passport Data Page
- Copy of Airline Return ticket reservation
Note: After Approval, a letter will be forwarded to your email with a copy sent to the Airline stated in your application and Immigration port of entry.
Applying through your representative in Nigeria
Contact your Representative (Business partners, Company Representative, Protocol/Liaison Officer, etc) in Nigeria.
The Representative files a formal request for Visa on Arrival Approval on your behalf by writing an application letter to The Comptroller General of Immigration, Nigeria Immigration Service Head Quarters, Abuja stating the following:
- Name of Applicant indicating Nationality, Passport number of visitor
- Purpose of visit
- Proposed date of visit
- Proposed port of entry
- Proposed airline
- Flight itinerary
- Address in Nigeria
- Email address of the visitor
Acceptance of Immigration Responsibility
The representative shall attach the following documents in support of the application
- Copy of visitor’s passport data page
- Copy of Airline Return ticket Reservation
Note: After Approval Letter is obtained, (Hard Copy) by your representative, copies of the same document will be forwarded to the Airline stated in the application and Immigration port of entry.
Step 2: Pay for Visa on Arrival
Fill in the application form with your correct details and make payment online https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/VisaArrivalProgram/freshVisaOnArrivalProgram
Online Payment may also be made at point of arrival subject to presentation of Visa on Arrival Approval Letter. Master Card, Visa and American Express card are acceptable.
Step 3: Arrive at the Port of Entry and proceed for Immigration Clearance
Upon arrival at the Port of Entry, proceed to the desk marked ‘Visa on Arrival’ for issuance of entry Visa. Present the following documents in hard copy at the Port of Entry:
- Visa Approval Letter (Pre-approved visa letter), valid for 14 days from the date of issuance
- Evidence of online payment
- Valid Passport with minimum of six months validity
- Valid return ticket
- Two recent passport sized photographs
Timeline:
The request shall be processed and approval letter issued within 48hrs (2 working days).
Please note:
CASH PAYMENTS for visa applications is PROHIBITED by order of Nigeria Immigration Service. Travelers must present proof of payment in the form of a printed payment receipt AND acknowledgement slip, visas paid for in cash will NOT be accepted upon arrival.
TOURIST VISA
For tourists who wish to visit Nigeria for tourism they are required to get visa. Those exempted from visa here are citizens of countries which has visa abolition treaty with Nigeria.
Requirements Application Procedure / How to apply for Tourist Visa
Eligibility
Tourist Visa is available to citizens of all countries except ECOWAS Nationals who do not require visa to visit Nigeria and other countries which Nigeria has entered into visa abolition agreements.
Categories:
- Foreign Travelers who wish to visit Nigeria for the purpose of Tourism.
- Foreign Travelers who wish to visit family and friends.
Requirements
- For the purpose of Tourism
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages for endorsement
- Valid return ticket
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Evidence of Hotel Reservation
- To visit family and friends
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages for endorsement
- Valid return ticket
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Address of host in Nigeria or Evidence of hotel reservation.
- Invitation letter from host in Nigeria
- Validity
- Valid for 90 days
How to apply
Step 1:
Apply online.
Complete the online visa application https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/visa/freshVisa and print completed form.
Step 2:
Pay online https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/visa/freshVisa and print payment receipt.
Step 3:
Affix 2 passport sized photographs to completed Visa Form IMM22, along with the other requirements and submit through any of the following:
Via Post to the Embassy/High Commission/Consulate of Nigeria where applicant is Resident
In person at designated Visa Application Centre (where applicable) or,
In person at the Embassy/High Commission/Consulate of Nigeria where applicant is Resident
Timeline
2 – 3 working days from receipt of application.