How to Apply for a Nigerian Visa on Arrival

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has rolled out a new Visa on Arrival Application Process for all business travellers and African Union countries, except ECOWAS member countries.

Nigeria Visa on Arrival is a short visit visa issued at the port of entry.

The VoA facility is available to frequently travelled high-net-worth investors and intending visitors who may not be able to obtain visas at the Nigerian missions or embassies in their countries of residence due to the absence of the Nigerian missions in those countries or exigencies of urgent business travel.

Eligibility
Visa on Arrival is available to citizens of all countries except ECOWAS nationals, who do not require a visa to visit Nigeria and other countries in which Nigeria has entered into visa abolition agreements.

Class of Persons Eligible to VoA

• 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 recognised International organisations who intend to visit Nigeria.

Requirements for Issuance of Visa on Arrival 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 a minimum of six months’ validity
• Valid return ticket
• Two recent passport-sized photographs

How to Apply for Visa on Arrival

Step 1: Get Visa on Arrival Approval Letter

• Contact your Representative (Business partners, Company representatives, Protocol/Liaison officers, etc) in Nigeria.
• The Representative files a formal request for Visa on Arrival Approval on your behalf, stating the following:
  Name of visitor
  Passport number of visitor
  Nationality
  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 data page of visitor’s passport
  Copy of valid Return ticket

Timeline:

The request shall be processed and Approval issued within 48 hours (2 working days)

After the Approval Letter is obtained (hard copy) by your representative, an advanced copy will be forwarded to you by email, and copies of the same document will be forwarded to the Airline stated in your application, the immigration officer at the ports of entry

Step 2: Pay for Visa on Arrival

• Fill out the application form with your correct details and make payment online: https://portal.immigration.gov.ng

Note: Successful payment online is NOT AN APPROVAL. DO NOT PROCEED to Nigeria until you have received the “Visa on Arrival Approval Letter” issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja.

• Online payment may also be made at the point of arrival, subject to the presentation of the Visa on Arrival Approval Letter. Master Card, Visa and American Express cards are acceptable.

Step 3: At the Port of Entry

• Upon arrival at the port of entry, proceed to the marked Visa on the Arrival Desk for the issuance of an entry visa.
• Present your approval letter, passport and evidence of payment for you to be issued with an Entry Visa.

Step 4: Proceed for Immigration Clearance