Nigeria entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Updated weekly · 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
Zambian passport holders need an e-visa to enter Nigeria. You can apply online before you travel, and the process is straightforward — just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Apply for Nigeria eVisaOfficial portal: Nigeria Immigration eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria e-VisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must have the e-Visa approved before you fly. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an e-Visa before departure. Apply through the official Nigeria Immigration Service portal (https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/). The e-Visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before traveling. Valid for at least 6 months | Your Zambian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Nigeria. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and immigration often require proof that you're not planning to stay indefinitely. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward flight ticket confirming you will leave Nigeria before your e-Visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you'll support yourself; having proof avoids delays. Sufficient for your stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your expenses during your stay in Nigeria. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateCarry the official certificate — you may be asked to show it at border control. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from Zambia, which is a yellow fever risk country. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra health or customs form before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Nigeria. | Not required |
Don't skip the e-visa
Zambian citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Nigeria. Arriving without an approved e-visa means you'll be refused entry and sent back. Apply online well in advance.
Official e-visa portal only
Use the official Nigerian Immigration Service portal at https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/ to apply. Third-party websites may charge inflated fees or provide incorrect information.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Have your yellow fever vaccination certificate ready — it's a hard requirement for entry from Zambia. Without it, you'll be denied entry, even if your e-visa is approved.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your e-visa online
Go to https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/ and create an account. Fill in the application form, upload your photo and supporting documents, and pay the visa fee online. Keep a copy of the confirmation email.
2
Receive your e-visa approval
Once approved, you'll get an e-visa document by email. Print it out — you'll need a physical copy to show at the airport. Check that all details (name, passport number, dates) are correct.
3
Arrive at a Nigerian airport
Fly into any major international airport like Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja. Join the immigration queue for 'Visa on Arrival / E-Visa' and present your passport, printed e-visa, and yellow fever certificate.
4
Get your entry stamp
The immigration officer will verify your documents, take your fingerprints and photo, and stamp your passport. You'll be allowed entry for the duration specified on your e-visa. Keep the stamped entry slip — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business e-Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$160
Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company.
Multiple Entry Visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$300
For frequent business travelers; apply at Nigerian embassy.
Temporary Work Permit
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$500
Requires Nigerian employer sponsorship and approval.
work visa
Expatriate Quota Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$1,000–$2,000 USD (processing fees)
For foreign workers employed by a Nigerian company. Requires company sponsorship and quota approval.
investor visa
Business Permit / Investor Visa
1–2 years, renewable
~$2,000–$5,000 USD (depending on investment)
For individuals investing in Nigeria. Minimum investment of $100,000 USD typically required.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
~$150 USD (visa fee)
For enrolled students at recognized Nigerian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Nigeria e-Visa (single entry, up to 90 days)Standard fee for Zambian citizens; payable online. | $160 |
| Visa on arrival (if pre-approved)Only for those with prior approval from Nigeria Immigration Service. | $200 |
| Visa extension (per 90-day period)Apply at Nigeria Immigration Service office in Abuja or Lagos. | $100 |
| Exit fee (airport departure tax)Most international flights include this; no separate payment. | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
Zambian citizens transiting through Nigeria require a visa, even if staying airside. Apply for a transit visa before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Crew members with valid airline ID may be exempt.
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 Zambia, as Nigeria is at risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is widespread throughout Nigeria, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, particularly in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
Typhoid FeverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water; vaccination and careful food/water choices advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Nigeria, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito 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, Abuja
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions and residency matters.
Lagos
Lagos Zonal Office, Nigeria Immigration Service
1, Immigration Road, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for ZM 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 periods. Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned travel to be safe. You'll receive the e-visa by email once approved.
The fee varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa. For Zambian citizens, the standard single-entry e-visa fee is around $160 USD, but check the official portal for the exact amount at the time of application. Payment is made online via credit/debit card.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave Nigeria before the expiry date on your visa. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to exit and re-enter with a new visa, or apply for a different visa type before you travel.
Yes, Nigeria requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers coming from Zambia. You'll need to show it at immigration, and you may be denied entry without it. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
You'll be refused entry and sent back on the next available flight. There's no visa-on-arrival facility for Zambian citizens. Don't risk it — apply online before you travel.
It's risky. Nigerian immigration officers generally expect a printed copy. Print your e-visa approval and carry it with your passport. If you only have a digital copy, you may face delays or be turned away.
No, there's no separate arrival declaration required for Nigeria. You'll just go through immigration with your passport, e-visa, and yellow fever certificate. However, you may be asked to fill in a simple health declaration form at the airport, especially if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
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.