Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Guide 2026: Visas, CERPAC & Travel Documents

Please note

Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). This is general information — apply and check requirements only through official NIS channels (immigration.gov.ng). Visa rules, fees and processes change and depend on your nationality and category — confirm current requirements on the official portal. For Nigerian passports, see our dedicated passport guide.

Looking for a Nigerian passport? That’s the NIS’s biggest service and we cover it in full separately — see our Nigerian Passport guide for how to apply, fees, renewal and requirements. This section covers everything else the NIS does.

NIS at a glance

What it is	Nigeria Immigration Service — borders & migration
Apply at	immigration.gov.ng
For visitors	e-Visa & Visa on Arrival (depends on nationality)
For expatriates	STR visa → CERPAC residence permit
For Nigerians	Passport (see passport guide), ECOWAS travel certificate

What the NIS does (beyond passports)

For visitors, Nigeria offers an e-Visa and Visa on Arrival across several visa types. Expatriates coming to work enter on an STR visa then obtain a CERPAC residence permit. Nigerians can also use an ECOWAS Travel Certificate for regional travel, or an Emergency Travel Certificate if a passport is lost abroad.

Browse the guides

Coming to Nigeria (visitors)

Living / working in Nigeria (expatriates)

For Nigerians

About

Frequently asked questions

What is the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)?

The federal agency that manages Nigeria’s borders and migration — issuing passports, visas, residence permits (CERPAC), ECOWAS travel certificates and other travel documents via immigration.gov.ng.

How do I get a Nigerian visa?

Foreign visitors apply online for an e-Visa or (if eligible) Visa on Arrival via immigration.gov.ng; those coming to work/reside use the STR visa then apply for CERPAC. Rules depend on nationality.

Where do I apply for a Nigerian passport?

Passports are a separate, major NIS service — see our dedicated passport guide for the full how-to, fees and requirements.

Is Belmadeng affiliated with the NIS?

No — Belmadeng is an independent study platform. Apply only through official NIS channels.

Independent guide, not affiliated with the NIS. Visa rules, fees and processes change and depend on nationality/category — always confirm on the official NIS portal.