Nigeria entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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
Kenyan passport holders need an e-Visa to enter Nigeria. You can apply online through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal before you travel. The process is straightforward, but make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Apply for Nigeria eVisaOfficial portal: Nigeria Immigration eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria eVisaYou must get this visa online before you travel; it cannot be obtained on arrival. Apply online before travel | Kenyan citizens must obtain a Nigeria eVisa before departure. Apply through the official Nigeria Immigration Service portal (portal.immigration.gov.ng) and receive approval before flying. The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. At least 6 months remaining | Your Kenyan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Nigeria. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean, blank page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the Nigerian entry stamp. Ensure no pages are torn or damaged. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you plan to leave Nigeria. Proof of departure | Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Nigeria within the allowed stay period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to have proof you can support yourself financially while in Nigeria. Sufficient for stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, or traveler's checks) to cover your expenses during your stay in Nigeria. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateNigeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for travelers from Kenya. Required for entry | Kenyan travelers to Nigeria must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Carry the original certificate. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Kenya citizens entering Nigeria. | Not required |
Don't rely on visa-on-arrival
Kenyan citizens are NOT eligible for visa-on-arrival in Nigeria. You must have the e-Visa approved before you fly. Airlines will check this before boarding.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You will be asked for your yellow fever certificate at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated on the spot or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Print your e-Visa
Carry a printed copy of your e-Visa approval. Digital copies on your phone may not be accepted at all checkpoints. Keep it with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online application
Go to the Nigeria Immigration Service portal (https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/), create an account, and fill out the e-Visa application form. Upload your passport photo and supporting documents. Double-check all details before submitting.
2
Pay the visa fee
After submitting the form, you'll be directed to pay the e-Visa fee online. Use a valid credit/debit card. Keep the payment receipt — you may need it later.
3
Receive your e-Visa approval
Once your application is processed (usually within a few days), you'll receive an e-Visa approval via email. Print a copy to carry with you.
4
Arrive at the Nigerian airport
At Lagos (LOS) or Abuja (ABV) airports, proceed to the immigration desk. Present your passport, printed e-Visa, and yellow fever certificate. The officer will check your details and stamp your passport.
5
Complete biometric verification (if required)
Some travellers may be asked to provide fingerprints or a photo at the airport. This is quick and routine.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company and proof of business purpose.
Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$200
Requires invitation letter and proof of previous business visits.
Temporary residence permit (STR)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$500
For employment or long-term business; requires sponsor and approval from Nigeria Immigration Service.
work visa
Nigeria Work Permit (CERPAC)
1 year, renewable
~$2,000 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Nigeria. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
investor visa
Business Permit / Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,500 USD
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Nigeria. Allows residency and business activities.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$150 USD
For those enrolled in a recognized Nigerian educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable at Nigerian port of entry; valid for 30 days. | $25 (or equivalent in NGN) |
| Visa extension (first 3-month extension)Apply at Nigeria Immigration Service; additional extensions possible. | $100 (or equivalent in NGN) |
| Visa extension (subsequent 3-month extensions)Each additional extension beyond the first. | $150 (or equivalent in NGN) |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for most travelers. | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
Kenyan nationals transiting through Nigeria require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. A visa on arrival is not available for transit; apply in advance.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID
Transit hubsMurtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) · Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) · Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC)
Health & vaccines for Nigeria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries, including Kenya; must show certificate 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 from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
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
Handles visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport and application form.
Lagos
Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos Zonal Office
23, Marina Street, Lagos Island
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa issues in Lagos; expect long queues.
Practical information for KE 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 = 1,370.99 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
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, but it can take longer during peak periods. Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date to be safe.
The e-Visa fee varies depending on the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). As of 2026, the fee for a single-entry tourist visa is around $160 USD, but check the portal for the exact amount at the time of application.
No, the e-Visa is not extendable. You must leave Nigeria before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
Yes, if you're entering Nigeria, you must show a yellow fever certificate. Even transit passengers may be asked for it, so carry it with you.
You will be denied entry and put on the next flight back. There is no visa-on-arrival for Kenyan citizens. You must have the e-Visa approved before you travel.
Yes, the e-Visa is accepted at all international airports in Nigeria, including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt. Just present the printed copy at immigration.
The standard e-Visa is single-entry. If you need multiple entries, you'll have to apply for a different visa type at the Nigerian embassy. Check the portal for options.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.