Nigeria Visa Policy
The New Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP 2020) was introduced to make visa processing clearer, more specific, and aligned with modern travel needs. It defines visa classes for tourists, skilled professionals, business investors, and other categories of travelers.
Under the new policy, there are two main visa groups:
- Visa-Free Policy
- Visa-Mandatory Policy
1. Visa-Free Policy
The Visa-Free (or Visa Exemption) policy applies to travelers whose nationality or travel status allows them to enter Nigeria without applying for a visa in advance.
There are four main visa classes under this policy:
F1A – ECOWAS Member States
Citizens of ECOWAS countries can enter Nigeria visa-free.
Eligible countries:
Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger Republic, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
F1B – Visa Abolition Agreement Countries
Citizens of countries with Visa Abolition Agreements with Nigeria can also visit without a visa.
Eligible countries: Cameroon and Chad.
F1C – International Organization Visa Waiver
Holders of travel documents issued by certain international organizations can enter Nigeria visa-free through authorized entry points.
Recognized organizations include:
- ECOWAS
- African Union (AU)
- United Nations (UN)
- African Development Bank (AfDB)
F1D – Reciprocity Visa Waiver Agreement
Diplomatic and Official passport holders from countries with reciprocity agreements can enter Nigeria visa-free.
Eligible countries (as of October 2020):
Kenya (Diplomatic Passport only), Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Brazil, Cuba, Venezuela, China, and Singapore.
Note: Regular passport holders from these countries still require a visa.
All visa-free travelers under classes F1A–F1D can obtain a single-entry visa on arrival, valid for up to 90 days.
2. Visa-Mandatory Policy
This applies to citizens of all other countries who need a visa to enter Nigeria.
Depending on the purpose and length of stay, travelers may apply for:
A. Short Visit Visa (SVV)
For short-term visits such as tourism, business, or family visits.
- Contains 24 visa classes, each tailored to the visitor’s purpose.
- Valid for up to 90 days.
Examples:
- Tourist Visa
- Business Visa
- Conference Visa
- Nigerian-Born Foreigner Visa
- Honorary Consul Visa
B. Temporary Residence Visa (TRV)
For travelers who need to stay longer for work or diplomatic reasons.
- Contains 36 visa classes.
- Usually multiple-entry, valid for up to 24 months (2 years).
Examples:
- Temporary Work Permit (TWP)
- Accredited Diplomat Visa
- NGO Staff Visa
C. Permanent Residence Visa (PRV)
For individuals seeking to live permanently in Nigeria.
- Contains 15 visa classes.
- Applicable to:
- Spouses of Nigerian citizens
- Senior dependents (65+) of PRV holders
- Highly skilled professionals
- Exceptional investors
- Retirees
Implementation and Updates
- The NVP 2020 came into effect on October 1, 2020.
- Implementation began in phases, starting with the Visa on Arrival (VoA) channel.
- The eVisa system was introduced to simplify applications for travelers under the Visa-Mandatory group.
Currently Active Visa on Arrival Classes
- F4C – Business (Frequent Executive)
- F5A – Tourism
- F7K – Emergency/Relief Work
- F9A – Returning Nigerian by Birth
Travelers with older visa categories can still enter Nigeria if their visas are valid. Renewal or reclassification is only needed when the visa expires or upon renewal.
Nigeria Visa Fees
Visa fees under the new policy vary depending on nationality and visa class.
👉 Applicants should select their nationality when applying to view the total applicable cost.
Summary Table
| Visa Group | Visa Type | Entry Type | Validity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free | F1A–F1D | Single Entry | 90 days | Regional, diplomatic, or organizational travel |
| Visa-Mandatory | SVV | Single Entry | 90 days | Tourism, business, short visits |
| Visa-Mandatory | TRV | Multiple Entry | 24 months | Work, residence, diplomatic |
| Visa-Mandatory | PRV | Permanent | — | Long-term residence, investment, or family reasons |
FAQs
1. Can I still use my old Nigerian visa?
Yes. As long as it’s valid, you can enter Nigeria. Renewal under the new policy is only required when it expires.
2. How can I check the visa fee for my nationality?
When applying, select your nationality to see the exact fee.
3. Can I apply for eVisa instead of at the embassy?
Yes. Travelers from eligible countries can apply online and obtain pre-approval for eVisa, especially for short business or conference visits.