Nigeria entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
US citizens need an e-visa to enter Nigeria. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option for US passport holders. The process is straightforward, but you'll need to plan ahead and have your documents ready.
Apply for Nigeria eVisaOfficial portal: Nigeria Immigration eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria e-VisaYou must get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be obtained on arrival. Apply online before travel | US citizens must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Nigeria Immigration Service portal (https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/). The e-Visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiration date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. Valid for at least 6 months beyond entry | Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Nigeria. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary or ticket ready to show if asked. Proof of departure | Immigration officials may require proof of a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Nigeria before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry recent bank statements or have access to funds to prove you can support yourself. Sufficient for your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Nigeria. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateGet the yellow fever shot and bring the official certificate — you'll need it at border control. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including the US. Carry the certificate. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for US citizens entering Nigeria. | Not required |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Nigerian immigration will not let you in without a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before your flight and carry the yellow card with you — not in checked luggage.
Apply early — don't wait
While processing is usually 3–5 business days, delays happen. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to avoid last-minute stress. Also, make sure your passport has 6 months of validity left — this is a common reason for denial.
What happens at the border
1
Apply online
Go to the Nigeria Immigration Service portal (https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/), create an account, and fill out the e-visa application form. Upload your photo, passport scan, and travel documents.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the non-refundable application fee online using a credit/debit card. The fee varies by nationality and visa type — expect around $160–$180 for US citizens. Keep the payment receipt.
3
Receive your e-visa approval
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive an email with your e-visa approval. Print a copy — you'll need it to board your flight and to show at Nigerian immigration.
4
Arrive at the airport in Nigeria
At Lagos (LOS) or Abuja (ABV), go to the immigration desk for e-visa holders. Present your passport, printed e-visa, and yellow fever certificate. Have your return ticket and proof of accommodation ready if asked.
5
Get your entry stamp
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with your entry date and the duration of stay (typically 90 days). Check the stamp before leaving the desk — if the dates are wrong, ask to correct it immediately.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (e-Visa)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost$160
For business activities; can be extended.
Business visa (Visa on Arrival)
Max stay30 days
ValiditySingle entry
Cost$200
Requires prior approval from Nigeria Immigration Service; not for tourism.
Temporary residence permit (STR)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$500 (approx.)
For work or long-term stay; requires employer sponsorship and in-country application.
work visa
Nigeria Work Permit (CERPAC)
1 year, renewable annually
~$2,000 USD / year
For foreign employees with a Nigerian sponsor. Requires a job offer and company registration. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
~$1,500 USD
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Nigerian business. Requires proof of investment and company registration.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$200 USD
For enrolled students at accredited Nigerian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Nigeria e-Visa (single entry, up to 90 days)Fee varies by processing speed; official e-visa portal only. | $160 (standard processing) |
| Nigeria e-Visa (single entry, up to 90 days) - expeditedOptional faster processing. | $200 |
| Visa on arrival (for eligible business travelers only)Requires prior approval from Nigeria Immigration Service; not available for tourism. | $200 |
| Visa extension (for stays beyond 90 days)Apply at Nigeria Immigration Service office in Abuja or Lagos; subject to approval. | $100 (approx.) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
US citizens transiting through Nigeria (e.g., at Lagos Murtala Muhammed or Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe) do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area or staying overnight, a visa is required.
- Travelers with a Nigerian visa are not subject to transit restrictions.
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; recommended for all visitors due to local transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMeningococcalRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Nigeria; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Outbreaks occur in areas with poor sanitation; food and water precautions essential.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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.
Lagos
Lagos State Immigration Office
1, Immigration Road, Ikeja, Lagos
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Busiest office; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Practical information for US 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
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, but it can take longer during peak travel seasons or if additional checks are needed. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to be safe.
The fee is around $160–$180, depending on the visa type. It's non-refundable, even if your application is denied. You pay online with a credit or debit card.
No. US citizens must obtain an e-visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival option for US passport holders. You'll be denied boarding without a valid e-visa.
The e-visa typically allows a stay of up to 90 days. The exact duration is stamped on your passport upon arrival. The visa is not extendable, so if you need to stay longer, you'll need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type.
Yes. You must have the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) showing yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before arrival. Without it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
You'll receive an email explaining the reason. Common issues include incomplete documents, poor photo quality, or passport validity issues. You can reapply, but the fee is non-refundable. Double-check everything before submitting.
The e-visa is valid for entry at all international airports in Nigeria, including Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), and Kano (KAN). You must enter through one of these airports — not by land or sea.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.