Nigeria entry requirements for Germany 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

German passport holders need an eVisa to enter Nigeria. The process is entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and business.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Nigeria eVisa
Apply for your Nigeria eVisa at the official Nigeria Immigration Service portal before you travel. The eVisa is a single-entry permit, and you must print the approval letter to present at the border. Processing usually takes 3-5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
Your German passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned departure date from Nigeria. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Lagos and Abuja enforce it strictly. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before booking.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Nigeria
Immigration officers at Nigerian airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. If you're flying out to another country, the ticket must be for a flight within your eVisa's validity period.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Nigeria. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked hotel. A simple booking confirmation from Booking.com or Airbnb works.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statement or cash
Have a recent bank statement showing at least €500 or the equivalent in cash (Naira or USD). Immigration officers rarely check this for German passport holders, but it's better to have it ready if asked. ATMs in Nigeria dispense Naira, but bring some USD as backup.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at your own expense.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa approval, passport photo, and flight booking as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. Phone screenshots work too, but PDFs are clearer if asked to show details.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the 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 — typically around $160–$200 depending on nationality. Processing takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with a PDF approval letter. Print a copy and save it on your phone. The eVisa is electronically linked to your passport, but having a physical copy speeds things up at immigration.
3
Arrive at a Nigerian airport
Most international flights land at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja. Follow signs to 'Immigration' — there's a dedicated queue for eVisa holders. Present your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and clear customs
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Customs may ask to see your bags — declare any items over $3,000 in value. Then exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Download PDF

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
Cost€160 (approx. $175 USD)

Standard eVisa for tourism.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€200 (approx. $219 USD)

For frequent travellers.

Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost€180 (approx. $197 USD)

Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company.

work visa
Work Permit / Expatriate Quota Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
€500–€1,000 (approx. $547–$1,094 USD) depending on category
For foreign nationals employed by a Nigerian company. Requires a job offer and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $109 USD) plus tuition fees
For those enrolled in a recognized Nigerian educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business / Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€300 (approx. $328 USD) plus registration fees
For individuals investing in a Nigerian business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for German passport holders applying online.€160 (approx. $175 USD)
eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.€200 (approx. $219 USD)
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €500 (approx. $547 USD).€10 (approx. $11 USD) per day
Stay extension (if applicable)Extension may be possible at immigration offices, subject to approval.€50 (approx. $55 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

German passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Nigerian airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
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 transiting through an endemic area.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout Nigeria, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito avoidance is key.

CholeraModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food and water; practice good hygiene.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is high throughout Nigeria. 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 1161, Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, Abuja
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.

Lagos
Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos Zonal Office
23/25, Marina Street, Lagos Island, Lagos
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles visa issues and extensions for the commercial hub.

Practical information for DE 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
updated May 13
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

Typically 3–7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. Processing can take longer during peak travel seasons.
The eVisa fee is around $160–$200 USD (roughly €150–€185). Payment is made online during the application. There are no additional embassy fees.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show your International Certificate of Vaccination (the 'yellow card') at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport has less than 6 months validity. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no formal appeal process.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all official ports of entry — airports and land borders. But most travellers arrive by air. If using a land border, confirm the specific crossing is open to foreigners beforehand.
No, there's no police registration requirement for short-term visitors. Just keep your passport and eVisa approval with you at all times.

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.