Nigeria entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Traveling from Madagascar to Nigeria in 2026? You'll need an e-visa, which you can apply for online before your trip. The process is straightforward if you prepare your documents in advance and submit your application at least 2-3 weeks ahead. Here's exactly what you need to know.
Apply for Nigeria eVisaOfficial portal: Nigeria Immigration eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria eVisaWithout an approved eVisa, you will be denied boarding and entry. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an eVisa before arriving in Nigeria. Apply through the official Nigeria Immigration Service portal (https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/). The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip. At least 6 months remaining | Your Madagascar passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Nigeria. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | 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 before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always requested, but having proof avoids delays. Sufficient for stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Nigeria. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateYou may be asked to show this at Nigerian border control. Required for entry | Carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate; it is required for travelers arriving from Madagascar. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out an online arrival form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Madagascar passport holders entering Nigeria. | Not required |
Apply early – don't cut it close
E-visa processing can take longer than expected, especially during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 3 weeks before your departure to avoid last-minute stress. Also, the e-visa is not extendable – make sure your travel dates are firm.
Yellow fever certificate is non-negotiable
Nigeria strictly enforces the yellow fever vaccination requirement. Without a valid certificate, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport – which can be a hassle and a health risk. Get vaccinated well in advance and carry the certificate with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Before you start the online application, have your passport, digital photo, flight itinerary, and accommodation details ready. Also make sure your yellow fever vaccination is up to date – you'll need the certificate later.
2
Apply online at the Nigeria Immigration portal
Go to https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/, create an account, and fill out the e-visa application form. Upload your photo and supporting documents, then pay the fee online. Save the application reference number.
3
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes a few business days, but it can take longer – apply at least 2-3 weeks before your trip. You'll receive an email with your e-visa approval. Check your spam folder regularly.
4
Print your e-visa
Once approved, print a copy of your e-visa approval letter. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Nigeria. Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup.
5
Arrive in Nigeria and go through immigration
At the airport (likely Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja), join the queue for visa holders. Present your passport, e-visa, and yellow fever certificate. The officer will stamp your passport – you're in.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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 stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$180
Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company and proof of business purpose.
Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$300
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent business travelers.
Temporary residence permit
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$500
For long-term work or study; requires employer or institution sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit / Expatriate Quota Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Nigerian company. Requires company sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$150 USD (processing fee)
For students enrolled in a recognized Nigerian educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business / Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing in a Nigerian business. Requires proof of investment and company registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Nigeria eVisa (single entry, 90 days)Paid online via Nigeria Immigration Service portal; non-refundable. | $160 |
| Visa on arrival (if pre-approved)Requires prior approval from Nigeria Immigration Service; not guaranteed. | $200 |
| Visa extension (per 90-day period)Apply at Nigeria Immigration Service office in Nigeria; subject to approval. | $100 |
| Exit fee (airport departure tax)Most international flights include departure tax; no separate payment at airport. | 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
No transit visa needed
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Nigeria (e.g., at Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport) do not require a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Must have confirmed onward ticket and valid visa for destination country.
- Must not leave the international transit area.
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, including Madagascar.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Nigeria; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; food and water precautions essential.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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
Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos Command
1, Immigration Road, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa issues for the commercial capital.
Practical information for MG 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 usually takes 3-5 business days, but it can take longer depending on the volume of applications. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure to be safe. You'll receive an email notification once your e-visa is approved.
The exact fee is set by the Nigeria Immigration Service and is payable online during the application. It's typically around $160-200 USD, but the final amount will be shown on the portal before you pay. The fee is non-refundable, so make sure your application is correct.
No – the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave Nigeria before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a different visa type from outside the country, which is complicated. Plan your trip accordingly.
Yes, absolutely. Nigeria requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year old. You must get the vaccine at least 10 days before arrival – the certificate is checked at immigration. Without it, you could be refused entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot (which is not ideal).
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline, as they check visa documents before departure. If you somehow make it to Nigeria without the printout, immigration officers may not be able to verify your visa quickly – you could be delayed or refused entry. Always carry a printed copy.
No – the e-visa must be approved before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Madagascar passport holders. You must complete the online application and receive approval before you fly.
If your e-visa application is rejected, you'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply, but the fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include incorrect information, poor photo quality, or missing documents. Double-check everything before submitting to avoid this.
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.