Applying for a Nigerian Visa

Applying for Nigerian visas may generally take up to 3 working days. However we suggest that you contact the Nigerian embassy or High Commission in your country for more information on this. In order to successfully obtain a visa to visit Nigeria, you should ensure that you meet the requirements of the country’s mission in your country. The general requirements are as follows:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months prior to application.
• Non–refundable visa application fee (contact Nigeria's mission in your country for actual amount).
• Duly completed application form.
• 1–4 passport pictures, depending on type of visa application.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for the period of your stay in Nigeria or proof of other satisfactory arrangements for your support while in the country.
• All other information deemed necessary by the visa officer.

Types Of Visa/Entry Permit

Since the return to democratic rule, visa procedures have been simplified. There are three main types of visa:

Ordinary Visa

The Ordinary Visa is further differentiated as follows: Transit; Single journey; Multiple journeys.

Transit Visa

This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to pass through Nigeria to a further destination. It may be obtained at a Nigerian mission and is given for a period not exceeding seven days without reference to the Comptroller–General of Immigration. An applicant seeking this type of visa must be in possession of an express approval (visa or any form of permission) to enter a specified third country, as well as a confirmed ticket or sufficient funds to pay for any means of transit. Visas may also be given at the port of entry on the specific approval of the Comptroller General of Immigration. A transit pass takes the form of an endorsement by rubber stamp on the passport of the applicant which shall contain particulars of the port of entry, the date of entry and the period the person is permitted to remain in transit.

Single Journey Visa

This is valid for a single entry into Nigeria and may be issued as:

• Short Visit Visa is issued to applicants who require a single entry to Nigeria for the purpose of tourism, to see places of interest, or visit friends and/or relations resident in Nigeria. It is also issued to applicants who wish to visit Nigeria for business purposes. This visa is also issued at Nigerian missions abroad without reference to the Comptroller–General of Immigration provided that, the applicant who fills Form (IMM 22), is in possession of a return air ticket to and from Nigeria or an onward ticket for a further destination, together with a visa or any other acceptable form of permission to enter that country. Should a passenger arrive at the port of entry without a return ticket or onward ticket to a further destination but is otherwise found to be admissible, he/she may be required to deposit the appropriate amount for the purchase of such ticket as may be necessary to enable him/her return to his/her country of domicile, or proceed to a further destination.

• STR Visa (subject to regularisation) is required by foreigners seeking to take up employment in Nigeria. Section 8, sub–section 1, of the Immigration Act provides that „no person, not being a citizen of Nigeria, may take up employment in Nigeria other than employment with the federal or state government without the consent of the Comptroller–General of Immigration”. Section 33 of the Act further provides that an application must be made to the Controller–General by the prospective employer, in writing, confirming that he/she has a vacancy on the expatriate quota and at the same time stating the position in which the prospective employee is to be employed and confirming acceptance of immigration responsibility.

  The employer company applies to the Nigerian embassy or consular office in the country where the prospective employee/applicant resides, requesting that the individual (and accompanying spouse/children, if applicable) be granted STR Visa (subject to regularisation for residence work permit) upon arrival in Nigeria. In such application, the employer company undertakes to assume immigration and other responsibilities for the employee (and accompanying spouse/children, if applicable) in Nigeria

  The STR Visa is issued at a Nigeria mission without reference to the Comptroller-General of Immigration provided that the applicant presents specified documents. STR visa is normally given for 90 days without reference, during which an application must be made to the Comptroller-General of Immigration, to regularise the stay of the prospective employee, when such application is approved and a Residence Work Permit granted.

• Temporary Work Permit (TWP)

  Companies and organisations wishing to engage in services of expatriates for short period assignment are required to apply direct to the Comptroller–General in Abuja for visa/entry permits for such expatriate. This is the temporary work permit visa and it is not issued without reference to the Controller–General Immigration. If such applications are submitted at the Nigerian missions abroad, they will be referred to the Comptroller–General of Immigration for approval. The temporary assignments which are eligible for such approval include:

  • Erection /installation work;
  • Feasibility studies;
  • Repairs of machinery/equipment;
  • Auditing of accounts;
  • Research work and such other assignments as may fall into this category.

  The visa is normally approved by cablegram sent through NITEL offices in Nigeria to the Mission from where it will be issued. The cost of the transmission is borne by the company/organization applying for the facility. The TWP Visa is given for a further period, upon application to the Comptroller–General of Immigration who will determine the desirability of such an extension.

• Multiple Journey Visa

  This type of visa is normally issued without reference to the Comptroller–General of Immigration by Nigerian missions abroad for a period not exceeding 12 months, and may be for a specified number of journeys within the period granted.

  It is normally given mostly to non-resident directors of Nigerian-based companies and other foreign businessmen and women for the purpose of attending meetings and for other frequent visits to pursue business interests singly or with their Nigerian contacts. Both the single and multiple journey visas are also given in Nigeria to employees of companies/organisations whose stay had been duly regularised, in order to enable them return to their employment whenever they travel out either for business or holidays. This is called a return or re-entry visa.

  Applications must be made personally by the employee in Nigeria and not from outside the country. The application must be supported by the employer confirming that the employee is returning to his job, and reaffirming acceptance of Immigration responsibility on behalf of the applicant, as well as showing proof of the continued availability of the expatriate quota position to be occupied.

Gratis Courtesy Visa

This type of visa is normally issued to persons who do not qualify for a diplomatic visa, but who are foreign government officials travelling on official business. It may be granted in cases where it is considered undesirable to accede to an application for a diplomatic visa, but where it is desirable on grounds of international courtesy.

Registration of Aliens

Having undergone the various legal formalities for residency status, all foreigners are expected to register their presence at the immigration offices closest to their places of residence or occupation. It should be noted that for this purpose, all the state immigration offices are representatives of the Controller-General of Immigration and application for regulation should be made to them.