Nigeria entry requirements for Senegal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
No 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
Senegalese passport holders can enter Nigeria without a visa for tourism or business visits. As of 2026, you can stay up to 90 days per visit. Just bring your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Nigeria. Airlines check this before boarding, so verify your passport's expiry date before heading to the airport. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Nigeria | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they want to see you're leaving within the visa-free period. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or a credit card that shows you have enough money for your stay. There's no fixed amount, but having at least $500 USD equivalent in cash or available credit helps avoid questions. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
Nigeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. Carry your yellow card — you may be asked to show it at immigration. Without it, you could be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
No visa needed — but be prepared
You don't need a visa, but immigration officers still have discretion. Always carry your return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and enough cash for your stay. Being prepared makes the process smooth.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), or any other Nigerian airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and return ticket. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Get stamped in
The officer will stamp your passport with an entry stamp. Check the stamp says '90 days' or the correct duration. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when leaving.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then head to customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Senegal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$180 USD (equivalent in NGN)
Apply at Nigerian embassy in Dakar. Requires invitation letter and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, valid 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$350 USD (equivalent in NGN)
For frequent travellers. Requires same documents as single entry plus travel history.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$250 USD (equivalent in NGN)
Requires letter of invitation from Nigerian company and company registration documents.
work visa
CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card)
1 year, renewable annually
~$2,000 USD per year (including processing fees)
For expatriates employed by a Nigerian company. Requires a job offer, company sponsorship, and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows multiple entries and residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study program (typically 1–4 years)
~$150 USD (visa fee) + tuition
For enrollment in a recognized Nigerian educational institution. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and medical clearance. Renewable annually.
investor visa
Business Permit and Expatriate Quota
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$5,000 USD (initial setup)
For investors starting a business in Nigeria. Requires minimum investment of ~$100,000 USD and registration with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission. Includes residence rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of 50,000 NGN (~$65 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | 500 NGN (~$0.65 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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 Nigeria
No transit visa needed
Senegal passport holders transiting through Nigeria do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if you need to pass through immigration (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), you must obtain a visa in advance.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Nigerian visa or residence permit may transit without additional documentation.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may have different rules.
Transit hubsMurtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS), Lagos · Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV), Abuja · Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC), Port Harcourt
Health & vaccines for Nigeria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from Senegal (endemic country). Must show valid Yellow Fever certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Nigeria, including urban areas. Prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy season. Mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation. Drink only bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions of Nigeria. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine for prophylaxis. 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 1161, Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, Abuja
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, passport photos, and payment receipt.
Lagos
Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos Zonal Office
23, Marina Road, Lagos Island, Lagos
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visitors in Lagos. Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for SN 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 = 1,372.7 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
Up to 90 days per visit. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for an extension or a different visa type before your 90 days are up.
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need more time, you must leave Nigeria and re-enter, or apply for a visa before your trip.
Yes, Nigeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) with you. You may be asked to show it at immigration.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before travelling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at Nigerian airports.
Yes, but the same visa-free rules apply. You must have a valid passport with 6 months validity and a return ticket. Border crossings can be less predictable — expect longer queues and more questions.
No, there is no online arrival declaration for Nigeria. You just fill out a paper landing card on the plane or at the airport. Keep it with your passport.
The local currency is the Nigerian naira (NGN). Bring US dollars or euros in cash — you can exchange them at banks or licensed forex bureaus. ATMs are available but may have withdrawal limits. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some shops, but cash is king.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.