Nigeria entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Canadian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Nigeria in 2026. It's a single-entry permit valid for up to 90 days, and you must apply online before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Nigeria eVisa | Apply for your Nigeria eVisa at the Nigeria Immigration Service portal before you fly. The online form asks for your passport details, travel dates, and a recent photo. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, and you'll receive an approval letter by email — print it and carry it with you.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Canadian passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from your departure date from Nigeria. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately in your luggage. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Nigeria | Immigration officers at Lagos and Abuja routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you risk being refused entry and put on the next flight out. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are flexible. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Nigerian host ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying on arrival, and a vague answer can lead to secondary screening. A simple booking confirmation with the hotel address works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash, card, or bank statement | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. Immigration rarely asks for it, but if they do, they want to see you're not planning to work illegally. A recent statement with a few thousand dollars in balance is enough. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (the yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at your own expense.
eVisa is single-entry
The eVisa allows one entry. If you leave Nigeria (even for a day trip), you'll need a new visa to re-enter. Plan your travel accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Nigerian Immigration Service eVisa portal. Fill out the application form, upload your passport photo and passport data page, and pay the fee (around $160 USD). Processing takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive your eVisa approval letter
Once approved, you'll get a PDF approval letter via email. Print it out and keep it with your passport. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Nigeria.
3
Pack your documents
Bring your printed eVisa approval, passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and travel insurance details. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at a Nigerian airport
Most international flights land at Lagos (LOS) or Abuja (ABV). At immigration, present your passport, eVisa approval letter, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 tourist visa for a single visit.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostNGN 40,000 (~$100 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostNGN 30,000 (~$75 USD)
For business-related travel.
work visa
Work Permit (CERPAC)
1 year, renewable annually
~$2,000 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals employed by a Nigerian company. Requires a job offer and sponsorship from the employer.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$150 USD (visa fee)
For those enrolled in a recognized Nigerian educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Permit / Investor Visa
1–2 years, renewable
~$3,000 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. | NGN 25,000 (~$60 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | NGN 50,000 (~$120 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | NGN 1,000 (~$2.40 USD) per day, max NGN 50,000 (~$120 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
Canada passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Nigeria, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsMurtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) · Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV)
Health & vaccines for Nigeria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Nigeria; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; food and water precautions advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. 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, Abuja
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Lagos
Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos Zonal Office
2, Immigration Road, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Busiest office; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Practical information for CA 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 = 1,361.56 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
Yes, Canadian passport holders need an eVisa. You must apply online before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Canadians.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The fee is about $160 USD.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the 90-day validity expires. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before your current one expires.
You will be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of arrival in Nigeria.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) with you. It's checked at immigration.
It's safer to carry a printed copy. Some airlines and immigration officers may not accept a digital version on your phone. Print at least two copies.
The currency is the Nigerian naira (NGN). ATMs are available in cities, but bring some US dollars or euros as backup. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside hotels and upscale restaurants.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.