Nigeria entry requirements for Rwanda passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Rwandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Nigeria, valid for up to 90 days. This means you don't need to apply beforehand — just show up with the right documents and pay the fee at the airport. Here's exactly what you need to know for a smooth entry in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou get the visa when you land, not before you travel. Obtain at Nigerian port of entry | Rwandan passport holders are eligible for a visa on arrival in Nigeria, valid for a stay of up to 90 days. The visa is not extendable. Apply at the immigration desk upon arrival with your passport and pay the applicable fee. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months remaining | Your Rwanda passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Nigeria. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to put your visa stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa on arrival stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see that you plan to leave before your visa expires. Proof of departure from Nigeria | Carry a printed or digital copy of a return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Nigeria within the 90-day visa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but it's good to have proof you can support yourself. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your expenses during your stay in Nigeria. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateWithout this certificate, you may be denied entry or forced to vaccinate on arrival. Required for entry | Rwanda is a yellow fever risk country, so you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Nigeria. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form before you travel. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for Rwanda passport holders entering Nigeria. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationSkip any eVisa websites — you'll get your visa when you land. Not applicable | Rwandan passport holders are not eligible for Nigeria's eVisa program. Do not attempt to apply online; instead, obtain the visa on arrival at the port of entry. | Not required |
Yellow fever certificate is non-negotiable
Without the yellow fever vaccination certificate, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (if available). Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
Your 90-day stay is fixed. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into any Nigerian international airport (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano). Head to the immigration area after landing.
2
Locate the Visa on Arrival desk
Look for the 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Visa on Arrival for Rwandan Citizens' counter. It's usually before the main immigration booths.
3
Submit your documents
Hand over your passport, vaccination certificate, and onward ticket. The officer will verify your details.
4
Pay the fee
Pay the visa fee in cash. Keep the receipt — you'll need it for the stamp.
5
Get your visa stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa-on-arrival. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
6
Proceed to immigration
Go to the regular immigration queue. Show your passport with the new visa stamp, and you're through.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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
CostApprox. $150 (₦225,000)
Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company and proof of business purpose.
Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
CostApprox. $300 (₦450,000)
For frequent business travellers; requires supporting documents.
Temporary residence permit
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
CostApprox. $500 (₦750,000)
For employment or long-term stay; requires employer sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit / Expatriate Quota Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a Nigerian employer. Requires company sponsorship and quota approval. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at accredited Nigerian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business / Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (processing fee)
For investors with significant business interests in Nigeria. Requires proof of investment and company registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)As of 2026, Rwandan passport holders are exempt from visa fees for Nigeria. | Free for Rwandan citizens |
| Visa extension (if staying beyond 90 days)Apply at Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) before expiry. | Approx. $100 (₦150,000) |
| Exit fee (airport 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
Rwandan citizens transiting through Nigerian airports (e.g., Lagos, Abuja) do not require a visa if staying airside and not clearing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight in a hotel, a visa on arrival is required.
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; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Nigeria; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
Typhoid FeverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water; vaccination and safe eating/drinking habits advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Nigeria, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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 supporting documents.
Lagos
Lagos Zonal Command, Nigeria Immigration Service
1, Immigration Road, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa issues for the commercial hub; expect long queues.
Practical information for RW 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
Yes, the visa-on-arrival facility is available at all major international airports: Murtala Muhammed (Lagos), Nnamdi Azikiwe (Abuja), Port Harcourt, and Kano. Smaller airports may not have the facility, so stick to these.
The fee is not fixed in public schedules, but expect to pay around $100–$200. It's best to carry both USD and Naira. The exact amount is set by Nigerian immigration and can change, so have a buffer.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave Nigeria before the 90 days expire. Overstaying can lead to fines or a ban.
If you're transiting through Nigeria without leaving the airport, you may not need it. But if you're entering the country, the certificate is mandatory. It's safer to have it regardless.
You'll likely be refused entry. Immigration officers ask for proof of onward travel. If you don't have it, you may be asked to buy a ticket on the spot or be denied entry.
No, cash is the standard. Some airports may have ATMs, but they're unreliable. Bring cash in USD or Naira.
For Rwandan citizens, no pre-approval is needed. You can just show up. However, always check with the Nigerian embassy if you're unsure, as policies can change.
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.