India entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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 must obtain a visa before traveling to India for any purpose, including tourism, business, or transit. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Nigerian citizens, so you need to apply at an Indian embassy or consulate in Nigeria. The process involves paperwork and typically takes about a week, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Indian visaYou must obtain a visa sticker in your passport before flying to India; online eVisa is not available to Nigerian citizens. Apply at Indian embassy/consulate | A visa is required for Nigerian passport holders. You are not eligible for India's eVisa program, so you must apply for a paper visa at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate before travel. Submit your application well in advance of your planned departure. | Required |
| Passport validityIndian immigration will deny entry if your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in India. Check your passport's expiry date now and renew if needed. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page for the visa sticker and the arrival stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the Indian visa and entry stamp. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show that you plan to leave India before your visa expires. Proof of departure from India | Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing departure from India within your visa's validity period. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration officers may ask how you will support yourself; having proof avoids problems. For your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in India, such as recent bank statements, credit cards, or cash. The amount is not fixed but should match your length of stay and planned activities. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival declaration before flying. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for India for Nigerian passport holders. You will complete standard immigration and customs forms on arrival. | Not required |
| Visa application documentsThe embassy will list exact documents; prepare them to avoid delays. Gather for embassy/consulate | When applying for your Indian visa, you will typically need: a completed visa application form, recent passport-size photos, your passport with at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page, proof of travel itinerary, and proof of funds. Check the specific embassy's requirements for any additional documents. | Required |
No eVisa or visa-on-arrival for Nigerians
Despite India's eVisa program for many nationalities, Nigerian passport holders are NOT eligible. Do not attempt to apply online — you'll be rejected. Only an embassy/consulate application works.
Overstaying is serious
Indian visas are not extendable. Overstaying even a few days can result in fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering India. Set a reminder to leave before your visa expires.
Yellow fever certificate required
Because Nigeria is a yellow fever-endemic country, Indian immigration will ask for your yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
What happens at the border
1
Determine the correct visa type
Decide whether you need a tourist, business, or transit visa. Tourist visas are for sightseeing and visiting family; business visas require an invitation from an Indian company; transit visas are for passing through India to another country.
2
Complete the online application
Go to the Indian embassy or consulate's website and fill out the visa application form. Print the completed form and sign it. If the portal asks for a digital photo, upload one that meets specifications.
3
Gather your documents
Collect your passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements, and any additional documents required for your visa type (e.g., business invitation letter). Make photocopies of everything.
4
Submit your application in person
Visit the High Commission of India in Abuja or the Consulate General of India in Lagos with your documents and fee. Book an appointment in advance if required. Submit your application and provide biometrics (fingerprints) if requested.
5
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5-10 working days, but can be longer during peak seasons. Check the embassy's website for current timelines. You'll be notified when your passport is ready for collection.
6
Collect your passport with visa
Return to the embassy/consulate with your receipt to pick up your passport. Verify that the visa details (dates, type) are correct before leaving.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stayUp to 5 years (multiple entry)
Validity1–5 years
Cost$50–$100
Requires invitation letter from Indian company and proof of business.
Employment visa
Max stayUp to 5 years (multiple entry)
Validity1–5 years
Cost$100–$150
Requires employment contract and clearance from Indian authorities.
Student visa
Max stayUp to 5 years (multiple entry)
Validity1–5 years
Cost$50–$100
Requires admission letter from recognized Indian educational institution.
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 |
|---|---|
| Indian Visa (regular, single entry)Fees vary by duration and nationality; check with Indian mission. | $25 (up to 1 year) or $50 (up to 5 years) |
| Indian Visa (e-Tourist Visa)Nigeria is not eligible for India's eVisa program. | Not available for Nigerian passport holders |
| Visa extension (for exceptional cases)Extensions are rarely granted; apply at FRRO in India. | Approx. $50–$100 |
| Exit feeNo exit fee for foreign nationals departing India. | None |
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
Nigerian passport holders require a transit visa even for airside transit through Indian airports.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Holders of valid visas for India are not required to obtain a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
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 = 95.39 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. Nigeria is not on India's visa-on-arrival list, and there is no eVisa option for Nigerian citizens. You must obtain a visa from an Indian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 5-10 working days after you submit your application. It can take longer during peak travel seasons or if additional checks are needed. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure.
Fees vary depending on the visa type and duration. A standard tourist visa (6 months) typically costs around ₦50,000–₦80,000, but check the Indian embassy's website for the current fee schedule. The fee is non-refundable.
You apply at the High Commission of India in Abuja or the Consulate General of India in Lagos. Both offices handle visa applications. You may need to book an appointment online before visiting.
No. Indian visas are not extendable for Nigerian passport holders. You must leave India before your visa expires. Overstaying can lead to fines and future visa denials.
You still need a transit visa if you're passing through an Indian airport to another country. A transit visa is usually valid for up to 72 hours and requires proof of onward travel. Apply for it at the embassy/consulate before you fly.
Yes, if you're arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country (which includes Nigeria), you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at Indian immigration. Carry it with your passport — it's checked.
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.