Nigeria entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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.
Apply for Nigeria eVisaOfficial portal: Nigeria Immigration eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival application Apply via Nigeria Immigration Service Portal | South African passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt airports. Pre-approval is required — submit your application at portal.immigration.gov.ng at least 2 weeks before travel. Pay the visa fee online (around $200 USD for single entry) and bring the approval letter printed.Apply for visa on arrival | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Nigeria. Airlines at Johannesburg and Cape Town will check this before boarding — they won't let you fly if it's close to expiring. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Nigerian airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Airlines may also request to see it at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Nigeria. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're arriving without a pre-arranged tour or business contact. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can support yourself during your stay. Immigration rarely asks for this, but it's smart to have proof of at least $500 USD equivalent available. | 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 June 28, 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 (VoA) feePaid on arrival at Nigerian airport. Must have pre-approval letter. | $200 USD (approx. R3,600 ZAR) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap, but fines can accumulate quickly. | $50 USD per day (approx. R900 ZAR) |
| Stay extension feeFor extension of VoA or tourist visa, if granted. | $100 USD (approx. R1,800 ZAR) |
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 = 1,370.99 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
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 June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.