Nigerian Visa: Apply For New Entry Visa on Arrival Program | Visa on Arrival
In this article, all information about Visa on Arrival (VoA) in Nigeria will be explained in details. Nigeria Visa on Arrival is a class of short visit visa issued at the port of entry. The VoA facility is available to frequently traveled 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 for Visa on Arrival
- 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.
Related: Nigeria Visa Application Steps/Guidelines @ Nigeria Immigration Service
Related: Nigeria Visa Application Steps/Guidelines @ Nigeria Immigration Service
How to Apply for Visa on Arrival to Nigeria
Step 1: Get Visa on Arrival Approval Letter
There are two methods to obtaining VoA approval letter: applying through email or in person application by representative in Nigeria.
Applying through Email
Applicant/Company already registered with NIS/Representative shall write an Application Letter to The Comptroller General of Immigration, NIS HQ, Abuja stating the following via this email address: oa@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng
- Name of Applicant
- Passport number of Applicant
- Nationality
- Purpose of visit
- Proposed date of visit
- Proposed port of entry
- Flight itinerary
- Address in Nigeria or Hotel Reservation
- Attach the following documents:
- 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, NIS HQ, Abuja 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 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.
Timeline:
The request shall be processed and approval letter issued within 48hrs (2 working days).
Step 2: Pay for Visa on Arrival
Fill in the application form with your correct details and make payment online here.
Note: Successful online payment is not an approval. Applicant should not proceed through Nigeria until receipt of ‘Visa on Arrival Approval Letter’ issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja. 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
Nigerian Immigration Service FAQs
What is Visa on Arrival?
Nigeria Visa on Arrival is a class of short visit visa issued at the port of entry. The 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.
How do I get a Visa On Arrival Approval Letter?
Please check out How To Apply for Visa on Arrival Approval for details.
What is Visa Approval Letter?
Visa Approval Letter is a document (approved by the Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters) that allows a traveller to proceed to Nigeria to pick up entry visa at the point of entry.
How long does it take to get the approval letter?
Visa Approval Letter normally takes 2 (48 hours) working days to process and emailed to you and your representative/contact who applied on your behalf in Nigeria.
How do I receive my visa approval letter?
Through email or your representative/contact in Nigeria.
Are there any restrictions with this type of visa?
Yes, Visa on Arrival is not valid for employment or residence.
Do you require a scan of my passport data page?
Yes, a scanned copy of your passport data page is required.
What is the minimum validity for my passport?
Your passport must be at least six (6) months valid to apply for Nigerian visa.
What are the procedures at the Nigeria Airports/Ports of Entry?
Upon arrival at the port of entry proceed to clearly marked Visa on Arrival Desk for issuance of entry Visa. Present your approval letter, passport and evidence of payment to be issued with an Entry Visa. Proceed to Immigration and other border control agencies for clearance.
Should I provide exact date of arrival?
Not necessarily but must be within the date provided in your itinerary.
How long in advance should I apply for a Visa approval Letter?
Should not exceed validity of Visa Approval Letter of 14 days.
Can I travel without Approval letter and get the Visa when I arrive?
No, Approval letter must be obtained before proceeding to Nigeria.
How much does the Approval Letter cost?
Approval Letter is FREE.
How much does the Visa on Arrival Cost?
All visa fees has been listed: See Visa Fees here.
Can I make payment at the point of arrival?
Yes.
What credit/debit cards are accepted for online payment?
Master Card and Visa cards are acceptable.
My credit number is correct but it was not accepted?
Some of the card details other than the card number might be incorrect, such as Card Verification Value (CVV) or Expiry Date.
- You have reached credit limit / insufficient balance to pay for the service.
- You have entered incorrect One Time Password (OTP) Code/i-Pin/Secure Code.
- You have not registered your card with the Issuer Bank.
How safe are my card details?
For highly secure online payment transaction, we use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) along with encryption to keep your credit card details safe. With this technology, transmission of card details over the internet is always encrypted.
What if I change my flight and arrive at another Airport in Nigeria?
It advisable to stick to flight itinerary submitted at the time of applying.
NIGERIA VISA FEE
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.
Contact Nigerian Immigration Service Headquarters, Abuja
Address: NIS HQ Shehu Shagari Complex, Airport Road, Sauka, Abuja, FCT Nigeria.
Email: info@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng
Phone: +234-9-7806-771
Immigration Complaints/Enquiries:
Email: nis.servicom@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng
Phone: +234-811-9753-844
Facebook: https://facebook.com/immigrationservice.nigeria
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nigimmigration
Instagram: https://instagram.com/immigrationservice_nigeria
Information Source:
- https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/VisaArrivalProgram/freshVisaOnArrivalProgram
- https://imaginebusiness.ng/nis2/visa-on-arrival/
- https://imaginebusiness.ng/nis2/faq/