Nigeria entry requirements for China passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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

Chinese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Nigeria. The application is online only, and you must print the approval letter before traveling. As of 2026, visa-on-arrival is not available for Chinese nationals.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Nigeria eVisa
Apply for a Nigeria eVisa at the official Immigration Service portal before you fly. The eVisa is a single-entry permit, and you must print the approval letter to show at the port of entry. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week ahead.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Original passport with at least 6 months validity
Your Chinese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Nigeria. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at Lagos and Abuja enforce it strictly.Required
Return or onward ticket
Confirmed onward travel
Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Nigeria. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they may deny boarding if you don't have one.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Nigerian host. Immigration may ask for it at the counter, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statement or cash
Have a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds (at least $500 USD equivalent) or carry cash in USD. Immigration officers sometimes ask how you'll support yourself during your stay.Recommended
No visa-on-arrival for Chinese nationals
Do not arrive in Nigeria without an approved eVisa. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Chinese passport holders. You will be denied entry and sent back.
Yellow fever vaccination required
Nigeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) — immigration may ask for it on arrival.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the Nigeria Immigration Service portal (portal.immigration.gov.ng). Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and your passport bio page, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an eVisa approval letter by email. Print it in color — you'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival in Nigeria.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Pack your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
4
Arrive at a Nigerian airport
At Lagos (LOS) or Abuja (ABV) airports, proceed to the immigration counter. Present your passport and eVisa approval letter. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly and calmly.
5
Collect your passport with entry stamp
After verification, the officer will stamp your passport. Check the stamp for the allowed stay duration — typically 30 days. Keep the eVisa letter with your passport during your stay.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Download PDF

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 25,000 (~$60 USD)

Standard tourist visa for short visits.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostNGN 50,000 (~$120 USD)

Ideal for frequent travellers.

Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostNGN 75,000 (~$180 USD)

Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company.

work visa
Temporary Work Permit (CERPAC)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a Nigerian employer. Requires job offer and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Business Permit / Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing in Nigeria. Minimum investment of $100,000 USD required. Grants residency and work rights.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at accredited Nigerian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry eVisa for tourism.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 documentation20%

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

China passport holders transiting through Nigeria do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsMurtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS), Lagos · Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV), Abuja · Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC)

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 MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
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 year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended. Use insect repellent and mosquito nets.

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 1161, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits.

Lagos
Lagos Zonal Office, Nigeria Immigration Service
23, Marina, Lagos Island
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles visa issues for the commercial capital.

Practical information for CN 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 = 1,371.48 NGN
updated May 21
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
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. There is no expedited option.
The eVisa fee varies but is usually around $160–$200 USD. Payment is made online during the application. Check the portal for the current amount.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before your allowed stay expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and reapply.
Yes, Nigeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travelers. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) — immigration may ask for it.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa-on-arrival for Chinese passport holders. Do not travel without an approved eVisa.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all international airports in Nigeria, including Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), and Port Harcourt (PHC).
Your eVisa application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.