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.
What the e-Visa is
The Nigeria e-Visa is an online short-visit visa for foreign nationals travelling to Nigeria. You apply online and receive an e-Visa Approval Letter to present on arrival — no embassy queue for eligible travellers.
Who it’s for
It’s for short visits — tourism, business, visiting family — for eligible nationalities. (Some nationalities aren’t listed on the e-Visa system and must obtain a visa from a Nigerian embassy in advance.)
How to apply
- Go to the official e-Visa portal on immigration.gov.ng.
- Register an account and create login details.
- Select the appropriate short-visit category (tourism, business, etc.).
- Complete the form, upload documents, and pay.
- Family/group applications (up to ~10) are possible under a group profile — fees apply per applicant.
The approval letter
On approval you get an email with an e-Visa Approval Letter carrying a QR code and reference number. Print it and present it at the Nigerian port of entry, where officers confirm your details and endorse your entry.
Important limits
A short-visit e-Visa cannot be converted into a residence or work permit inside Nigeria. If you plan to work or stay long-term, use the STR visa before arrival.
Tips
- Apply early and use the official portal.
- Print the approval letter with its QR code.
- Choose the right category for your trip.
The e-Visa (which replaced VOA)
Nigeria's e-Visa, launched 1 May 2025 under the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025, is a fully online short-visit visa for purposes like tourism and business. It replaced the old Visa on Arrival system, which was discontinued the same day. The whole process — application, payment and approval — happens online, end to end, on the official NIS e-Visa portal (evisa.immigration.gov.ng). It's aimed at short stays (broadly 30–90 days) rather than long-term work or residence, which still go through the STR/CERPAC route.
Who can use it
The e-Visa covers a wide range of travelers: the policy designates 13 Short Visit Visa (SVV) categories and lists around 177 eligible countries. A smaller group of countries (roughly 25) is not eligible for the e-Visa and must use the traditional embassy/consular route. ECOWAS nationals generally don't need a visa to visit Nigeria at all. If you're unsure which applies to your nationality and purpose, check the official portal's country and category lists before applying.
How to apply
The steps are straightforward: register on the official e-Visa portal, choose the right visa category, complete the form and upload your passport and supporting documents, then pay online. Approval is fast — the NIS targets 48 hours or less — and the approved e-Visa (with a QR code) is sent to your email. Print it and carry it; on arrival you'll receive a visa sticker/endorsement or electronic entry stamp. Fees vary by category and are payable on the portal, so confirm the current amount there. Use only the official portal — look-alike sites exist.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a Nigeria e-Visa?
Register on the official e-Visa portal at immigration.gov.ng, select a short-visit category, complete the form, upload documents and pay; you receive an e-Visa Approval Letter to print and present on arrival.
Who can use the Nigeria e-Visa?
Eligible foreign nationals travelling for short visits (tourism, business, visiting); some nationalities must instead get a visa from a Nigerian embassy in advance.
What is the e-Visa Approval Letter?
An emailed document with a QR code and reference number that you print and present at the Nigerian port of entry for officers to confirm and endorse.
Can I convert an e-Visa to a work permit in Nigeria?
No — a short-visit e-Visa can’t be converted to a residence or work permit inside Nigeria; use the STR visa before arrival for that.
Can my family apply together?
Yes — some categories allow group/family applications (up to about 10 people) under a group profile, with fees per applicant.
What is the Nigeria e-Visa?
A fully online short-visit visa (for tourism, business and similar purposes) launched on 1 May 2025 under the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025. Application, payment and approval all happen online via the official NIS e-Visa portal, and it replaced the old Visa on Arrival system.
Which countries are eligible for the Nigeria e-Visa?
The policy lists around 177 eligible countries across 13 Short Visit Visa categories; roughly 25 countries are not eligible and must use the traditional embassy route. ECOWAS nationals generally don't need a visa to visit at all. Check the official portal's country list for your nationality.
How long does Nigeria e-Visa approval take?
The NIS targets 48 hours or less. The approved e-Visa, with a QR code, is sent to your email — print it and carry it, and you'll get a visa sticker/endorsement or electronic stamp on arrival.
How do I apply for the Nigeria e-Visa?
Register on the official e-Visa portal (evisa.immigration.gov.ng), choose the right visa category, complete the form, upload your passport and documents, and pay online. Approval is emailed to you. Use only the official portal — look-alike sites exist.
Did the e-Visa replace visa on arrival?
Yes. Visa on Arrival was discontinued on 1 May 2025 and replaced by the e-Visa system. Eligible travellers now apply online in advance rather than seeking a visa at the airport.