Nigeria entry requirements for Zimbabwe 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

Zimbabwean passport holders need an e-visa to enter Nigeria for tourism, business, or transit. The application is completed online through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal, and you'll need your passport and a few documents ready. Plan ahead — the e-visa is not issued on arrival, so apply before you travel.

Apply for Nigeria eVisaOfficial portal: Nigeria Immigration eVisa

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Nigeria e-VisaYou must get this visa online before you travel; it cannot be obtained on arrival.
Apply online before travel
Zimbabwean 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 validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival date.
At least 6 months
Your Zimbabwean passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Nigeria.Required
Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you plan to leave Nigeria.
Proof of departure
You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing your departure from Nigeria.Required
Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry proof that you can support yourself financially while in Nigeria.
Sufficient for stay
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, or credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Nigeria.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination certificateYou must have proof of yellow fever vaccination; without it you may be denied entry.
Required for entry
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Nigeria. Carry the original certificate with you.Required
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing.
Not required
No arrival declaration is required for Zimbabwean citizens entering Nigeria.Not required
Don't rely on visa-on-arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival for Zimbabwean passport holders. You must have the e-visa approved before you fly. Airlines will check this at check-in, and without it, you won't be allowed to board.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Have your yellow fever vaccination certificate ready to show at immigration. It's a strict requirement, and you may be turned away without it. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.

What happens at the border

1
Apply online
Go to the Nigeria Immigration Service e-visa portal (https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/). Create an account, fill in your details, upload your documents, and pay the fee. The whole process takes about 30 minutes if you have everything ready.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, but it can take longer during peak times. You'll receive an email notification once your e-visa is approved. Check your spam folder if you don't see it.
3
Print your e-visa
Once approved, log back into the portal and download/print your e-visa approval letter. You'll need to show this at the airport check-in and again at immigration in Nigeria.
4
Arrive in Nigeria
At the airport (e.g., Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, printed e-visa, and yellow fever certificate. The officer will check your details and stamp your passport. Have your return flight itinerary and accommodation details handy in case they ask.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$180 (approx. NGN 270,000)

Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company; can be extended.

Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$250 (approx. NGN 375,000)

For frequent business travelers; requires proof of prior visits or strong business ties.

Temporary residence permit (STR)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$500 (approx. NGN 750,000)

For employment or long-term assignment; requires employer sponsorship and police clearance.

work visa
Nigeria Work Permit (CERPAC)
1 year, renewable annually
~$2,000 USD (approx. 1.6 million NGN) including processing
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Nigerian company. Requires company sponsorship, proof of qualifications, and tax clearance.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor Category)
1 year, renewable
~$1,500 USD (approx. 1.2 million NGN)
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 (1–4 years)
~$200 USD (approx. 160,000 NGN) plus tuition
For enrollment in a recognized Nigerian educational institution. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and medical clearance.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Nigeria e-Visa (single entry, up to 90 days)Paid online via Nigeria Immigration Service portal; non-refundable.$160 (approx. NGN 240,000)
Visa on Arrival (if pre-approved)Requires prior approval from Nigeria Immigration Service; pay at point of entry.$200 (approx. NGN 300,000)
Visa extension (per 90-day period)Apply at Nigeria Immigration Service office in Abuja or Lagos; subject to approval.$100 (approx. NGN 150,000)
Exit fee (departure tax)No separate payment at airport.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

Zimbabwean passport holders transiting through Nigeria require a visa, even if staying airside. However, a transit visa (single entry, valid 7 days) can be obtained online as an e-visa.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
  • Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no intention to leave the international transit area may still need a visa; check with the airline.
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 travelers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout Nigeria; prophylaxis recommended for all travelers.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.

CholeraLow risk

Risk in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe food and water.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is high throughout Nigeria, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.

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
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and fee.

Lagos
Lagos Zonal Office, Nigeria Immigration Service
1, Immigration Road, Alausa, Ikeja
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Busiest office; arrive early for extensions.

Practical information for ZW 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 3-5 business days, but it can stretch to 7-10 days during busy periods or if your application needs extra review. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
No. The e-visa must be obtained before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Zimbabwean passport holders. You'll be denied boarding without a valid e-visa.
The fee varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa. For Zimbabweans, it's typically around $160 USD, but you'll see the exact amount when you fill out the application on the portal. The fee is non-refundable.
The e-visa typically allows a stay of up to 90 days. The exact duration is printed on your approval letter. It's not extendable, so if you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type.
Yes. Nigeria requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated at the airport (at your own cost) or denied entry.
If your application is rejected, you'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply, but the fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include incomplete documents, poor photo quality, or errors in your application. Double-check everything before submitting.
Yes, the e-visa is valid for entry at any international airport in Nigeria, including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt. You must present the printed e-visa at immigration.

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.