Applying for a Nigerian visa is one of the first steps to take when you are planning a trip to Nigeria. Just like every other country, you will need to apply for a Nigerian visa before you can visit Nigeria. To get started, follow the application guidelines and ensure you meet all the requirements. If you follow these steps, you are one step from obtaining a Nigerian visa.
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Why a Nigerian Visa
You can not visit Nigeria without a valid Nigerian visa. For some countries, applicants must apply before leaving their country, while for others, applicants may apply for an ETA (electronic Travel Authorisation). Without these, you may be deported or prevented from entering Nigeria. This is why you need a Nigerian Visa.
Who Needs a Nigerian Visa
Anyone coming to Nigeria for a visit, tourism, study, events, business, work or religious-related activities needs a Nigerian visa. However, applicants from some countries are exempt from getting a Nigerian visa. They can visit Nigeria visa-free. For example, members of the ECOWAS countries can visit Nigeria visa-free.
Requirements and Eligibility for a Nigerian visa
There are two ways to apply for a Nigerian visa. You can either apply at the Nigerian embassy or consulate closest to you, or you can apply online. Applying at the embassy can be stressful, time-consuming and slow. While applying online can be faster. Here are some of the requirements for a Nigerian visa.
International Passport – You must present a valid international passport with extra pages to be stamped. The passport should be valid for at least six months.
Passport Photo – You will also provide a recent passport photograph. The passport must be a coloured passport on a white background.
Itinerary – Another requirement for a Nigerian visa is an itinerary, which can include flight reservations and details of all your planned activities in Nigeria
Hotel Reservation/Invite – You must also provide details of where you plan to stay in Nigeria. You will need a hotel reservation or an invitation that shows the address where you intend to reside in Nigeria.
Bank statement – Another requirement for a Nigerian visa is a six-month account statement. The statement of account is proof that you have the financial capacity to take care of yourself.
Visa Application Form – You must also include an application as part of your requirements. The application form should be printed from the official Nigerian immigration website.
Invitation letter – If you are visiting a friend, family or a business partner, you must present an official letter showing that they have invited you to visit Nigeria. The letter will also contain details about your proposed trip.
Visa Fee Payment / Payment confirmation receipt – You must also present evidence to show that you have made payment for the visa fee.
Validity
The Nigerian visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. It is important to apply for a Nigerian visa within the period you intend to travel.
Need Help With a Nigerian Visa?
If you need a travel agency in Nigeria to assist with a Nigerian e-Visa, Travelwaka can help you apply for a Nigerian visa.
Why Choose Travelwaka for Your Nigerian Visa
Tested and Trusted: Travelwaka has been operating for the past five years. We have assisted thousands of applicants from multiple countries to apply for a Nigerian visa. We have clients in over thirty countries, which include: the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Kenya, South Africa, China, Japan, New Zealand, India, the United Arab Emirates etc.
Professional Guidance: Our Consultants will guide and assist you in every way to ensure a free application process.
Fast Processing Time: Our processes are super fast, you can be rest assured that you will get the visa within a few days.
Types of Nigerian Visa
Tourist Visa
Business visa
Visitors visa
Tourist Visa: You can apply for a Tourist visa if you are visiting a family member or a friend. You can also apply if you are visiting for tourism. The validity is 90 days.
Business Visa: If you are visiting Nigeria for business, you must apply for a business visa. You can also request an invitation from the company you are planning to visit.
How to Apply for a Nigerian Visa
Before applying for a Nigerian visa, you need to confirm if you can travel visa-free to Nigeria. If your country is not eligible to travel to Nigeria visa-free, or is not on the list of countries that can visit Nigeria on a visa on arrival. Then you need to apply for a Nigerian visa. Here is the step-by-step process for applying for a Nigerian visa.
Identify the right visa Category: The first step is knowing the type of visa you want to apply for. Please refer to the type of visa that applies to you.
Fill out the Online Application or apply in person at the embassy.
Upload Your Documents: Upload all the required documentation
Pay the Biometrics and visa fees: Once you complete the application, pay the biometrics and visa fees.
Visit the embassy for your biometrics.
Nigerian Visa Processing Time
The processing time varies depending on whether you are applying online or through the embassy in your country. Processing time could range from 5 days to as long as 2 months.
Tips for a Successful Nigerian Visa Application
Always apply in advance. Ensure you apply early, at least 2 to 4 weeks before your travel date for an e-visa and between 1 to 3 months for a sticker visa at the embassy.
Provide all the required documents, and ensure all your documents are up to date.
Ensure that your passport is valid for up to 6 months before your travel date.
Submit accurate details and information.
Do not provide a fake account statement and documents.
Keep copies of all submissions and payment receipts.
Follow embassy or consulate instructions carefully.
Common Reasons for Visa Denial
Inaccurate or Incomplete Information
Missing or incomplete documents
Providing False information
inconsistent information
Applying for the wrong visa type
Insufficient proof of funds
Previous visa violation or overstay
Lack of travel history or proof of return to your home country.
If you are a person of security concern
Things to Note when you get into Nigeria
To have a smooth entry. Have all your documents ready, and provide all the information you need regarding your purpose of visit. Be respectful to the immigration officers. Sometimes, to make your journey easier, you may need to book the service of a professional to assist you with airport protocol and clearance.
There are a couple of international Airports in Nigeria. You would probably be coming through the Lagos Murtala International Airport or the Abuja Azikiwe International Airport. There are other international airports, namely Enugu, Kano and Port Harcourt International Airports.