***This procedure has been updated – visit https://londongirlinlagos.com/travel/25/new-nigeria-visa-on-arrival-procedure-2019/ for latest visa on arrival process ***

Travelling to Nigeria as a foreigner inevitably means navigating the stressful Nigerian visa application process. This normally involves hours completing an online application, gathering documents to comply with the relevant visa checklist, and two trips to the Nigerian visa processing service based in London.

But there is another way, which is faster and cheaper for primarily business travellers.

Visa on arrival (VoA) is issued at the point of entry in Nigeria. However, before you proceed to Nigeria, you first need to be in receipt of a visa on arrival approval letter.

Eligibility

Visa on arrival is available to citizens of all countries except ECOWAS Nationals, who do not require a visa to visit Nigeria, and any countries which Nigeria has entered into visa abolition agreements.

Who can obtain visa on arrival?

• Frequent business travellers
• Executives of multinational companies
• Government delegations
• Holders of Laissez-Passer from UN, African Union or ECOWAS
• Holders of official travel documents of other recognised international organisations.

Criteria

VoA 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, or due to requirement of urgent business travel.

How to apply for Visa on Arrival

There are 3 steps:

1. Get visa on arrival approval letter
2. Complete online visa application form
3. Pay for visa on arrival

Step 1: Apply for Visa on Arrival approval letter

You can apply direct by email yourself, or a representative in Nigeria can apply on your behalf.

Apply for visa on arrival yourself

The applicant can write an application letter to The Comptroller or Immigration, NIS HQ, Abuja via email to oa@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng

Include the following in your application letter:

• 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

Attach the following documents:

• Copy of passport data page
• Copy of airline return ticket reservation

Processing time is 48hours. No processing fee – however, bio data capture fee may apply on arrival

After approval, a letter will be forwarded to you by email. A copy will be sent to the airline and to the port of entry.

However please make sure you take this letter with you to present at the airport on departure. You will not be allowed to board the plane without the approval letter.

Apply for visa on arrival through your representive in Nigeria

Your representative can write an application letter to The Comptroller of Immigration, NIS HQ, Abuja via email to oa@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng.

Your representative can be a business partner, company representative, protocol/liaison officer, etc.)

They should include the following in their application letter:

• Name of applicant including 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 include the following documents in support of the application.

• Copy of passport data page
• Copy of airline return ticket reservation

Processing time is 48hours. No processing fee – however, bio data capture fee may apply on arrival.

After approval, a hard copy letter must be obtained by your representative. Copies of the same document will be forwarded to the Airline, and the port of entry. You may also be sent a copy by email if this has been provided.

Please make sure your take this letter with you to present at the airport on departure. You will not be allowed to board the plane without the approval letter.

Step 2: Complete online visa application form

To obtain entry to Nigeria, all applicants must complete an online visa application form. If you fail to complete a form or are unable to complete and print the form prior to departure you will be able to complete the application at the port of entry. However, your entry will be delayed as a result.

Please note the application form for Entry Visa on Arrival is a different application form for Entry Visa. Even if you have completed and paid for an entry visa you will still have to complete and pay for visa on arrival.

Apply online > Visa on Arrival

Step 3: Pay for Visa on arrival

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.

If you are unable to pay online, you can pay by card at the port of entry.

For more information about the visa on arrival process visit Nigerian Immigration Services.