Nigeria entry requirements for South Korea passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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

South Korean passport holders need an eVisa to enter Nigeria in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for tourism. The process is straightforward but requires careful document preparation.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply online before travel
Apply for a Nigeria eVisa at the Nigeria Immigration Service portal. The eVisa is a single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days. Processing takes 3–5 business days — apply at least a week before your flight. Print the eVisa approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your South Korean passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Nigeria. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Nigeria
Immigration officers at Lagos and Abuja airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. If you overstay, you face fines and possible detention.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Nigeria. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a booking confirmation speeds things up.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least $1,000 USD. Immigration officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to prove you can cover your stay.Recommended
eVisa required — no exceptions
South Korean passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Nigeria. You must apply and receive approval before you fly. Without it, you'll be denied boarding.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Nigeria, not from your departure date. Double-check before applying.

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 your passport scan and photo, and pay the fee. Processing takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive an approval email — print it or save the PDF.
2
Prepare your documents
Before you fly, gather: passport valid 6+ months, eVisa approval, return ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone and paper backups in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Lagos or Abuja airport
At the immigration counter, hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer will check your documents, take fingerprints, and stamp you in. Expect a short queue. Have your return ticket and hotel address ready if asked.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any large amounts of cash or restricted items. Then you're free to enter Nigeria.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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. ₦120,000)

Standard option for tourism; must apply before travel.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. ₦150,000)

Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple visits.

Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$180 USD (approx. ₦135,000)

Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company.

work visa
Work Permit (CERPAC)
1 year, renewable
~$2,000 USD (approx. ₦1,500,000) including processing
For foreign nationals employed by a Nigerian company. Requires job offer and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. ₦112,500) plus tuition
For enrolled students at recognized Nigerian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Permit / Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$3,000 USD (approx. ₦2,250,000) plus registration fees
For investors with significant capital in Nigeria. Requires business registration and investment proof.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for South Korean passport holders applying online.$160 USD (approx. ₦120,000)
eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.$200 USD (approx. ₦150,000)
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. ₦375,000).$10 USD (approx. ₦7,500) per day

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

South Korean 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
  • Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas 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; South Korea is not endemic, but certificate may be requested if transiting through endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverRecommendedMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout Nigeria; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.

CholeraLow 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 123, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and application form.

Lagos
Lagos State Immigration Office
No. 1, Immigration Road, Ikeja, Lagos
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles extensions and re-entry permits; expect long queues.

Practical information for KR 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 = 1,369.9 NGN
updated May 15
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. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The fee is around $160–$200 depending on the visa type.
No. South Korean passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. There is no visa-on-arrival option for tourism.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6 months are counted from your entry date into Nigeria.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. South Korea is not a risk country, but if you've traveled recently to an endemic area, you'll need proof of vaccination. Check with your doctor.
The eVisa is not extendable for tourism. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Your passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, and first night hotel booking. Have them ready — the officer may ask for any of these.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in private hospitals can be very high, and insurance covers evacuation if needed.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.