Nigeria entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Emirati passport holders need an eVisa to enter Nigeria. The application is done entirely online before you travel, and approval is typically quick. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard way to visit for tourism or business.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | Apply for a Nigeria eVisa at the Nigeria Immigration Service portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so submit at least a week before travel. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to the airport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your UAE passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Nigeria. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Lagos and Abuja ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy ready — a one-way ticket without proof of onward travel can get you refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Nigeria. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a booking confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least $1,000 USD for short visits. Immigration rarely asks, but if you cannot show funds, they may limit your stay or deny entry. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) when entering Nigeria. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport — which can be a hassle.
eVisa is digital — no sticker
Your eVisa is an electronic document linked to your passport. Print the approval letter and keep a copy on your phone. There's no sticker or stamp in your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the Nigeria Immigration portal (portal.immigration.gov.ng) and fill out the eVisa application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 1-3 business days.
2
Receive and print eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an eVisa letter via email. Print a copy and also save a PDF on your phone. The eVisa is linked to your passport number — no sticker in your passport.
3
Arrive at a Nigerian airport
Most travellers fly into Lagos (LOS) or Abuja (ABV). At immigration, present your passport, eVisa letter, and return ticket. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. They'll stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Then proceed to customs. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel. Outside, you'll find taxis, ride-hailing apps, and hotel shuttles.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostNGN 20,000 (~$25 USD)
Standard option for tourism; must apply before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostNGN 40,000 (~$50 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple visits.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostNGN 30,000 (~$38 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company.
work visa
Expatriate Quota Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers employed by a Nigerian company. Requires company sponsorship and quota approval. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$100 USD (application fee)
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Nigerian institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a Nigerian business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | $160 USD (approx. 587 AED) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $200 USD (approx. 734 AED) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | $50 USD (approx. 184 AED) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Nigeria
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders do not require a transit visa for airside transit at Nigerian airports, provided they do not pass through immigration and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsMurtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS), Lagos · Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV), Abuja · Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC), Port Harcourt
Health & vaccines for Nigeria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Nigeria; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Typhoid FeverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Nigeria, with highest risk in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Abuja
Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters
Plot 123, Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Lagos
Lagos State Immigration Office
2, Immigration Road, Alausa, Ikeja
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Busiest office; expect longer wait times.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalAbuja
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months.
Money
CurrencyNigerian naira (NGN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,372.7 NGN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GType D (3-pin round) and Type G (3-pin rectangular) plugs
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 1-3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The fee is around $25-50 depending on the type.
No. The eVisa is required before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Emirati passport holders.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa with the new passport.
Yes, it's mandatory. You must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate (the yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new eVisa from outside Nigeria.
Immigration will likely deny you entry. You'll be put on the next flight back. Always have a confirmed onward ticket.
Safety varies by region. Stick to major cities like Lagos and Abuja. Avoid travel to the northeast and other high-risk areas. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.