Nigeria entry requirements for Malaysia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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

Malaysian passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to Nigeria. The application is fully online. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Malaysian citizens.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply online before travel
Apply for your Nigeria eVisa at the Nigeria Immigration Service portal. The eVisa is a single-entry permit valid for up to 90 days. Processing takes 3–5 business days — apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your Malaysian 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 of your flight booking ready. Without one, you may be refused entry.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Nigerian host. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a booking avoids delays at the counter.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have bank statements or a credit card showing at least $1,000 USD available for your stay. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to demonstrate you can cover expenses.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter Nigeria. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
eVisa is the only option
Malaysian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival or a visa at the Nigerian embassy. The entire process is online via portal.immigration.gov.ng. No walk-ins accepted.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Nigeria Immigration Service portal (portal.immigration.gov.ng) and complete the eVisa application. You'll need to upload a digital passport photo and your passport data page. Pay the visa 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 the airport in Nigeria
At Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), or any other international airport, proceed to the immigration desk. Present your passport, printed eVisa approval, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. 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 through customs.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Malaysia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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
CostNGN 20,000 (~$50 USD)

Standard tourist visa for single entry.

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

Allows multiple entries within validity.

Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
CostNGN 30,000 (~$75 USD)

Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company.

work visa
Work Permit (CERPAC)
1 year, renewable
~$2,000 USD (processing fee)
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Nigerian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 4 years
~$150 USD (visa fee)
For students enrolled in accredited Nigerian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For investors with significant business interests in Nigeria. Requires proof of investment and company registration.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online.NGN 20,000 (~$50 USD)
eVisa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period.NGN 40,000 (~$100 USD)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity.NGN 1,000 (~$2.50 USD) per day, max NGN 50,000 (~$125 USD)
Stay extension (if applicable)Extension may be possible at immigration office, subject to approval.NGN 10,000 (~$25 USD) per extension

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

Malaysia passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Nigerian airports, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay in the international transit area.

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 or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout Nigeria, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy season.

CholeraModerate risk

Risk in areas with poor sanitation and during outbreaks.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is high throughout Nigeria, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.

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 State Command, Nigeria Immigration Service
1, Immigration Road, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles extensions and re-entry permits for visitors in Lagos.

Practical information for MY 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 = 1,371.62 NGN
updated May 22
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 paid online during application.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Malaysian passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
Yes. Nigeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 9 months old. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) — you may be asked at health screening on arrival.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Nigerian immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
The eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before the visa expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a different visa type before travelling.
It is not a formal requirement for the visa application, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Nigeria can be very high, and insurance covers evacuation if needed.
Immigration officers may ask to see the approval letter. Having a printed copy is safest — digital copies on your phone can work but may cause delays if the network is slow.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.