Nigeria entry requirements for United States passport holders
Verified May 14, 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 passport holders need an eVisa to enter Nigeria in 2026. You apply online before you travel, then show the approval at immigration in Lagos or Abuja.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Nigeria eVisa | Apply for an eVisa at the Nigeria Immigration Service portal before you travel. The online form takes about 15 minutes — upload a passport photo and your passport data page. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and you'll receive an approval letter by email. Print that letter and bring it with you to the airport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Nigeria. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Two blank pages are required for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Nigeria | Immigration officers at Lagos and Abuja ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Airlines also enforce this at check-in. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Nigeria ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying — a printed booking confirmation covers this. If staying with family, a signed letter with their address and phone number works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough funds for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, $500–$1,000 equivalent in cash or a recent statement is sufficient. ATMs are available in major cities but bring some USD or GBP for the first day. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You will be asked for your yellow fever vaccination card at immigration in Nigeria. If you don't have it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at your own expense.
eVisa processing times vary
Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip. Processing can take 3-5 business days, but delays happen. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the approval.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the Nigeria Immigration Service portal (https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/). Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and your passport data page, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3-5 business days.
2
Receive and print eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. Print at least two copies — one for your bag, one for your carry-on. Immigration will check it at the airport.
3
Arrive at the airport in Nigeria
At Lagos (LOS) or Abuja (ABV), head to the immigration counter. Have your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation address ready. The officer will stamp your passport.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. You may be asked to show your yellow fever vaccination card at customs. Then you're free to exit.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$160 USD (approx. $160 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$300 USD (approx. $300 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company.
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 |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for US citizens applying online. | $160 USD (approx. $160 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Higher fee for on-arrival processing at major airports. | $200 USD (approx. $200 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extension possible at immigration offices, subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $500 USD. | $20 USD (approx. $20 USD) |
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 do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsMurtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) · Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) · Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC)
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 = 1,363.53 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
Typically 3-5 business days, but it can take up to 2 weeks during peak periods. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
No. US passport holders must have an approved eVisa before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for US citizens.
The eVisa fee varies but is usually around $160-$200 USD. Check the official portal for the current fee — it can change without notice.
Yes. You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the yellow card) at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be turned away or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to apply for a different visa category before your current one expires.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet the validity requirement. You can reapply after fixing the issue. There's no appeal process.
Not usually required for US citizens, but it's smart to have a bank statement or credit card handy if asked. Immigration officers have discretion.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.