Nigeria entry requirements for Uganda 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

Ugandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Nigeria, valid for up to 90 days. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and pay the fee at the airport. Here's exactly what to expect.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on ArrivalYou can obtain your visa upon arrival at a Nigerian airport or land border, but you must meet all entry conditions.
For Uganda passport holders
Uganda passport holders are eligible for a visa on arrival in Nigeria for a maximum stay of 90 days. The visa is not extendable. Prepare to apply at the port of entry and pay the applicable fee.Required
Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within six months of your arrival date.
At least 6 months
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Nigeria.Required
Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport upon arrival, so a blank page is necessary.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your travel itinerary to confirm you plan to leave before your visa expires.
Proof of departure
You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Nigeria within the 90-day allowed stay.Required
Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself while in the country.
Sufficient for stay
You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Nigeria.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination certificateNigeria enforces yellow fever vaccination requirements; you may be denied entry without the certificate.
Required for entry
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Nigeria. Carry the original certificate.Required
Arrival declarationYou do not need to complete any arrival declaration form.
Not required
No arrival declaration is required for Uganda passport holders entering Nigeria.Not required
Visa on arrival is not extendable
The 90-day stay cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible deportation. Plan your exit date carefully.
Have cash ready
The visa fee is paid in cash at the airport. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa desk. Bring USD or NGN in small denominations.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Nigeria enforces this strictly. Without the yellow card, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before you fly.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into any Nigerian international airport (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano). The visa-on-arrival desk is usually before immigration control. Follow signs or ask airport staff.
2
Go to the visa-on-arrival desk
Present your passport, yellow fever certificate, and return ticket. The officer will process your visa and collect the fee. This can take 30–60 minutes depending on the queue.
3
Get your visa stamped
Once approved, the visa is stamped into your passport. Check that the dates and duration (90 days) are correct before leaving the desk.
4
Proceed through immigration
Hand your passport to the immigration officer, who will verify the visa and let you through. Keep your boarding pass and yellow fever card handy in case they ask again.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags and go through customs. You're now in Nigeria.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Uganda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

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:

Standard Visitor Visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 (approx.)

Apply at Nigerian embassy or high commission; may allow multiple entries.

Business Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 (approx.)

Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company; single or multiple entry.

Temporary Work Permit
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$500 (approx.)

Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.

work visa
Work Permit / Expatriate Quota Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$500–$1,000 USD (processing fees)
For foreign nationals employed by a Nigerian company. Requires a job offer and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$200 USD (application fee)
For Ugandans enrolled in a recognized Nigerian educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business / Investor Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$1,000–$2,000 USD (processing fees)
For individuals investing in a Nigerian business. Minimum investment threshold applies (typically $100,000+). Allows multiple entries.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa extension (up to 90 days additional)Apply at Nigeria Immigration Service; subject to approval.$100 (approx.)
Overstay penaltyPer month or part thereof; payable at immigration office.$200 (approx.)

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 Nigeria

No transit visa needed

Ugandan citizens transiting through Nigerian airports do not require a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Must hold confirmed onward ticket and valid visa for destination.
  • Must not leave the international transit area.
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 (including Uganda) or if you have been in an endemic area. Must show valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedMeningococcal MeningitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

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

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito avoidance is key.

CholeraLow risk

Risk in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe food and water.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is high throughout Nigeria, including cities. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under 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, Abuja
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport and application forms.

Lagos
Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos Zonal Office
23, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits; arrive early to avoid long queues.

Practical information for UG 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
updated Jul 3
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

Yes, the visa-on-arrival facility is available at all major international airports: Lagos (Murtala Muhammed), Abuja (Nnamdi Azikiwe), Port Harcourt, and Kano. Smaller airports may not have the facility, so stick to these.
The fee is around $200 USD, but it can change. Pay in US dollars or Nigerian naira. Have small bills to avoid issues with change.
The visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 90 days. It is not extendable, so if you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type.
Yes, Nigeria requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry. Without it, you may be refused entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (if available). Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
No, Ugandan passport holders are not eligible for Nigeria's eVisa program. You must use the visa-on-arrival process at the airport. There's no way to get a visa in advance from an embassy unless you're in a special category (like diplomatic).
Immigration will likely ask for proof of onward travel. If you don't have it, you could be denied entry. Buy a refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight to be safe.
The visa on arrival is generally for tourism, business, and short visits. If you plan to work or study, you need a different visa type, which must be arranged before arrival.

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.