Nigeria entry requirements for France 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

French passport holders need an eVisa to enter Nigeria in 2026. Apply online before travel; it covers tourism, business, or visiting family. Processing takes a few days, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Nigeria eVisa
Apply for your Nigeria eVisa at the Nigeria Immigration Service portal before you fly. The eVisa is a single-entry permit, typically processed within 3–5 business days. Print the eVisa approval letter and carry it with your passport to present at immigration.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Nigeria
Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Airlines check this before boarding — 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 airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. If you cannot show one, you may be refused entry and put on the next flight out.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Nigeria. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and a vague answer can trigger additional questioning.Recommended
Proof of funds
Cash, bank statement, or credit card
Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show at least $1,000 equivalent in available funds.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination at health screening upon arrival. 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, and return ticket as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose your printed documents, digital copies can save you at immigration.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the Nigeria Immigration Service portal (portal.immigration.gov.ng) and fill out the eVisa application. Upload a passport-style photo and your passport data page. Pay the fee online with a credit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive an approval letter by email. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at Lagos or Abuja airport
At Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV), proceed to the immigration desk. Present your passport, eVisa approval letter, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. You may be asked to show your yellow fever vaccination card at health screening. Then proceed to customs and exit.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · France 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 USD (approx. €150)

Standard eVisa for tourism.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. €185)

Ideal for frequent travellers.

Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$180 USD (approx. €167)

Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company.

work visa
Nigeria Work Permit (CERPAC)
1 year, renewable annually
~$2,000 USD (approx. €1,850) per year
For foreign employees with a Nigerian employer. Requires a job offer and company sponsorship.
investor visa
Business Permit and Expatriate Quota
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$5,000 USD (approx. €4,600) initial fee
For investors establishing a business in Nigeria. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. €185) application fee
For enrolled students at accredited Nigerian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, valid for 90 days from issue.$160 USD (approx. €150)
eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.$200 USD (approx. €185)
Overstay fine per dayCharged per day overstay, with no official cap but may lead to deportation.$50 USD (approx. €46)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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

France passport holders transiting through Nigeria do not require a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

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 endemic countries; 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 advised.

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 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, Abuja
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits.

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

Handles visa issues for the commercial hub.

Practical information for FR 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 3–5 business days, but can take up to 10 days during peak periods. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The eVisa fee varies by nationality and visa type. For French passport holders, expect around €100–€150. Payment is made online during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Yes, Nigeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving passengers. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) — you may be asked at health screening.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa on arrival for French passport holders. The eVisa must be obtained before travel.
No, the eVisa is single-entry. If you leave Nigeria, you'll need a new visa to re-enter.
Rejections are rare but can happen if documents are incomplete. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Nigerian embassy in Paris for guidance.

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.