Nigeria entry requirements for Japan passport holders

Verified May 14, 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

Japanese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Nigeria in 2026. The process is entirely online — no embassy visit required. Plan ahead, as approval can take up to two weeks.

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 border. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before departure.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Japanese passport
Your Japanese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Nigeria. Airlines at Narita and Haneda will 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 return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may also check that the ticket is within the eVisa validity period.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Nigeria. Officers at the border sometimes ask where you are staying, and having a booking ready avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statement or cash
Have a recent bank statement showing at least $1,000 USD or the equivalent in Naira. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay, especially if you are visiting for tourism.Recommended
Apply early — no rush service
The eVisa can take up to 14 days to process. There is no expedited option. Apply at least two weeks before your departure to avoid last-minute stress.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa PDF, passport photo, and return ticket to your phone. Internet can be spotty — having offline copies saves headaches.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to portal.immigration.gov.ng, create an account, fill out the application, upload your passport scan and photo, and pay the fee. Processing takes 3–14 days.
2
Receive and print approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll show this at immigration on arrival.
3
Arrive at a Nigerian airport
Fly into Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), or Port Harcourt (PHC). At immigration, present your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. They'll stamp you in.
4
Prepare for biometrics
At the airport, you'll have your fingerprints and photo taken. This is standard — just follow the officer's instructions.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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₦20,000 (~$50 USD)

Standard single-entry visa for tourism.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost₦40,000 (~$100 USD)

Allows multiple entries for tourism.

Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost₦30,000 (~$75 USD)

For business meetings, conferences, etc.

work visa
Work Permit / Expatriate Quota Visa
1–3 years, renewable
~₦150,000 (~$375 USD) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Nigerian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
investor visa
Business Permit / Investor Visa
1–2 years, renewable
~₦200,000 (~$500 USD) plus registration costs
For individuals investing in a Nigerian business. Requires proof of investment and company registration.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
~₦50,000 (~$125 USD) plus school fees
For enrolled students at recognized Nigerian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa.₦20,000 (~$50 USD)
eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.₦40,000 (~$100 USD)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity.₦1,000 (~$2.50 USD) per day, max ₦50,000 (~$125 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

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

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

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid Nigerian visa or residence permit may transit without additional 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 travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
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; food and water precautions advised.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present 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 123, 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, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits.

Practical information for JP 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

Processing time is typically 3 to 14 days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. There's 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 it 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 travelers. Bring your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) — you may be asked at immigration.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa on arrival for Japanese passport holders. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel.
You can enter through Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), or Port Harcourt (PHC). Land borders are generally not recommended for eVisa holders — stick to these airports.
Yes, you need at least one blank page for the entry stamp. More is better if you travel frequently.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.