Nigeria entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Nigeria. Pay the fee and have your documents ready at the airport. This policy has been in place since 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival application Apply via Nigeria Immigration Service portal | Start your visa on arrival application at the Nigeria Immigration Service portal. Upload your passport data page, a passport photo, and your flight itinerary. Pay the visa fee online — expect approval within 24–48 hours. Print the approval letter and bring it to the airport in Nigeria.Apply for visa on arrival | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your South African passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Nigeria. No 6-month validity rule applies — just cover your stay. Airlines at Johannesburg and Cape Town check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Nigeria | Immigration at Lagos and Abuja airports routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone showing your departure flight. Airlines also check this before issuing your boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Nigeria. Immigration officers sometimes ask for this, especially if you're staying more than a few days. A printed booking confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or a credit card showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks for this, but having it ready avoids delays. No specific minimum amount is published — just enough to cover your stay. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (the yellow WHO card) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel. No card = possible denial of entry or quarantine.
Cash is king
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or Naira). Credit cards are not accepted. Bring enough USD in small bills to avoid exchange rate issues.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Go to the visa-on-arrival counter at Lagos (LOS) or Abuja (ABV) international airports. Join the queue and present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa-on-arrival fee in cash (USD or Naira). The fee is around $150–$200 depending on your nationality. Keep the receipt.
3
Get your visa stamped
An immigration officer will stamp the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before you leave the counter.
4
Proceed to immigration
After getting the visa, go to the main immigration queue. Show your passport with the visa stamp and your boarding pass. You'll be allowed through.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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
CostNGN 25,200 (~$60 USD)
Standard option for tourism; apply at Nigerian embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
CostNGN 50,400 (~$120 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostNGN 25,200 (~$60 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company.
work visa
Nigeria Work Permit (CERPAC)
1 year, renewable annually
~$2,000 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals employed by a Nigerian company. Requires job offer, company sponsorship, and approval from Ministry of Interior. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Nigeria Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 4 years)
~$150 USD (visa fee)
For enrolled students at accredited Nigerian institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and medical clearance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Nigeria Business/Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Nigerian business. Requires proof of investment, business plan, and company registration. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Paid on arrival at major airports; requires prior approval letter from Nigeria Immigration Service. | NGN 25,200 (~$60 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, standard)For stays up to 90 days; apply at Nigerian embassy or online. | NGN 25,200 (~$60 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for up to 1 year; allows multiple entries. | NGN 50,400 (~$120 USD) |
| Stay extension feeApply at Nigeria Immigration Service office before current visa expires. | NGN 10,000 (~$24 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. | NGN 1,000 (~$2.40 USD) per day, max NGN 50,000 (~$120 USD) |
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
South African passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Nigerian airports, provided they do not pass through immigration and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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; South Africa is not endemic, but proof may be requested if transiting through endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedMeningococcal 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.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. 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 123, Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, Abuja
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Lagos
Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos Zonal Office
23, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Busy office; arrive early for visa extensions.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 1,371.48 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
The fee is around $150–$200 USD, payable in cash (USD or Naira). Exact amounts can vary, so bring a bit extra. Keep the receipt.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied the visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your entry date, not your departure.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show your vaccination card (the yellow WHO card) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
No, it's only available at Lagos (LOS) and Abuja (ABV) international airports. If you fly into another airport, you'll need a visa in advance.
You'll likely be refused the visa on arrival. Immigration will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. Book a refundable one if you're unsure of your plans.
Expect 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the queue. Lagos can be busier than Abuja. Arrive early and be patient.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.