India entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Nigerian passport holders need a visa to enter India in 2026. You must apply and receive approval before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival or visa-free options for Nigerian citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for an Indian eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. Fees range from $25 to $80 USD depending on the visa type and duration. Approval usually arrives within 72 hours — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your Nigerian passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of arrival in India. 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 India | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your itinerary ready — a booking reference alone may not be accepted. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in India. Officers at major airports like Delhi and Mumbai occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. Indian immigration rarely asks for a specific amount, but being prepared avoids delays. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival for Nigerian passport holders
India does not offer visa on arrival for Nigerian citizens. You must have an approved visa before boarding your flight. Attempting to travel without one will result in denial of boarding.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in India, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for a visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your Indian visa online
Go to the official Indian visa website (indianvisaonline.gov.in) and fill out the application. Choose the correct visa type (tourist, business, etc.). Upload a recent passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing typically takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and print your visa
Once approved, you'll receive an e-Visa by email. Print a copy and keep it with your passport. For sticker visas, you'll need to submit your passport to the Indian embassy or consulate in Abuja or Lagos.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before your flight, gather: your passport with valid visa, printed return ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and travel insurance documents. Save digital copies on your phone as backup.
4
Arrive at an Indian airport and go through immigration
At the airport, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Visa' queues. Hand over your passport and visa. The officer may ask about your stay, accommodation, and return plans. Answer clearly. After stamping, you're free to enter.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostINR 3,000 (~$36 USD)
Standard option for short visits; must apply at Indian embassy.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue date
CostINR 5,000 (~$60 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; requires proof of sufficient funds.
eVisa (Tourist, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity30 days from arrival
CostINR 2,500 (~$30 USD)
Convenient online application; double entry allowed.
eVisa (Tourist, 1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue date
CostINR 5,000 (~$60 USD)
Multiple entry; must not exceed 90 days per stay.
student visa
Student Visa (S-Visa)
Up to 5 years, renewable
INR 10,000 (~$120 USD) plus university fees
For full-time study at recognized Indian institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply work visa
Employment Visa (E-Visa)
1 year, renewable up to 5 years
INR 15,000 (~$180 USD) plus processing fees
For skilled professionals with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires employment contract, company sponsorship, and minimum salary threshold. Allows family dependents.
Apply business visa
Business Visa (B-Visa)
1 year, renewable
INR 12,000 (~$145 USD)
For business meetings, conferences, or establishing ventures. Requires invitation from Indian company and proof of business. Not for employment.
Apply investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
INR 20,000 (~$240 USD) plus investment proof
For foreign investors making significant capital investment in India. Minimum investment varies by sector. Allows multiple entry and family stay.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Valid for 30 days from date of arrival, non-extendable. | INR 3,000 (~$36 USD) |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Valid for 1 year, max stay 90 days per visit. | INR 5,000 (~$60 USD) |
| eVisa (Tourist, 30 days)Double entry, non-extendable, apply online before travel. | INR 2,500 (~$30 USD) |
| eVisa (Tourist, 1 year)Multiple entry, max 90 days per visit, non-extendable. | INR 5,000 (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay FineApplies to all visa types; must be paid before departure. | INR 500 per day (~$6 USD), max INR 20,000 (~$240 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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 India
Transit visa required
Nigeria passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in India, even if staying airside. Apply at Indian embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Canada, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours at select airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad).
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bangalore
Health & vaccines for India
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., Nigeria). Must present valid certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season (June–September).
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout India, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended for most travellers.
Traveler's DiarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice strict food hygiene and drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout India, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) recommended for all travellers. Use mosquito repellent and nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
New Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
East Block VIII, Level 2, Sector 1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi 110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Handles visa extensions and registration; bring passport, visa, photos, and fee.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, CGO Complex, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai 400614
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
For visa-related issues; appointments recommended online.
Practical information for NG travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.78 INR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. India does not offer visa on arrival for Nigerian citizens. You must obtain a visa before traveling.
Processing usually takes 3 to 7 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to avoid delays. The e-Visa is valid for 30 days for tourism, with double entry allowed.
You will be denied a visa and entry. Renew your passport first, then apply for the Indian visa.
Yes. Immigration officers require proof of onward travel. If you don't have a return ticket, you may be refused entry. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are uncertain.
Extensions are not granted for tourist e-Visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future visa bans.
You can apply online for an e-Visa. For sticker visas (e.g., for longer stays or work), you must visit the Indian High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos. Appointments are required.
Your passport with valid visa, return ticket, hotel booking, and sometimes proof of sufficient funds. Keep them in your hand luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.