Nigeria entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
Australian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Nigeria. The eVisa is a single-entry permit valid for up to 90 days. Apply online before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Australians as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Nigeria. Apply online at the Nigeria Immigration Service portal. Processing takes 3-5 business days, so submit at least a week before your flight.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your Australian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Nigeria. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Lagos and Abuja ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Without one, you risk being refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Nigeria. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Bank statements or cash equivalent to cover your stay. No fixed amount is published, but showing at least $500 USD for a short trip is sensible. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You must carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') when entering Nigeria. Immigration officers at Lagos and Abuja airports routinely check for it. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at your own expense.
Keep your entry slip safe
When you pass through immigration, you'll receive a small entry slip stapled into your passport. Don't lose it — you'll need to hand it back when you leave Nigeria. If you lose it, expect delays and possible fines at departure.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Nigeria Immigration Service eVisa portal. Fill in the application form, upload your passport photo and passport data page, and pay the fee (around USD 160 for Australians). Processing takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive an approval letter by email — print it out.
2
Prepare your documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, gather: printed eVisa approval, passport with 6+ months validity, return ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and travel insurance details. Keep a digital copy of everything on your phone.
3
Check-in at the airport
At the airline check-in counter, present your passport and printed eVisa. The agent will verify your visa status before issuing a boarding pass. They may also ask to see your return ticket.
4
Arrival at a Nigerian airport
When you land (typically Lagos or Abuja), follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'Visitors' or 'Foreign Passports'. Hand over your passport and printed eVisa. The officer will take your fingerprints and a photo, then stamp your passport. Keep the stamped entry slip — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostNGN 20,000 (~$50 USD)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostNGN 40,000 (~$100 USD)
Allows multiple entries for tourism or business.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostNGN 30,000 (~$75 USD)
For business-related visits, requires invitation letter.
work visa
Work Permit (CERPAC)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD + processing fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Nigerian company. Requires a job offer and sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$100 USD + school fees
For full-time study at a recognized Nigerian institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD + investment
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in a Nigerian business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry eVisa for tourism. | NGN 20,000 (~$50 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within the visa validity period. | NGN 40,000 (~$100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying the visa duration. | NGN 1,000 (~$2.50 USD) per day, max cap NGN 50,000 (~$125 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Australian passport holders do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter Nigeria (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Nigerian visa or residence permit may transit without a visa.
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 travelers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Nigeria; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Nigeria. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travelers.
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, Abuja
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Lagos
Lagos State Immigration Office
1, Immigration Road, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Busy office; arrive early. For visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for AU 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 = 1,363.53 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
No. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Australian passport holders. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel.
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. Processing can take longer during peak travel seasons or if there are errors in your application.
The eVisa fee is approximately USD 160. This is paid online during the application process. There are no additional visa fees on arrival.
No. The eVisa is a single-entry permit valid for up to 90 days and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new eVisa.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it expires sooner, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The eVisa will be linked to your passport number, so a new passport means a new application.
Officially, you may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay. In practice, this is rarely checked at immigration. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is usually enough.
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry. You'll need to show your yellow fever certificate (the 'yellow card') on arrival. Also recommended: hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.