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 VOA is
Visa on Arrival (VOA) lets eligible travellers obtain a visa upon entry to Nigeria — but it still requires applying online first for a pre-approval / Electronic Travel Authorization that you present at the border.
Who it’s for
It’s typically aimed at business travellers and nationals of certain African countries (outside ECOWAS, whose citizens generally don’t need a visa). Eligibility depends on nationality — confirm on the NIS portal.
How it works
- Apply online on immigration.gov.ng and submit the required documents (often including an invitation letter from a Nigerian host/company accepting immigration responsibility).
- Receive an Electronic Travel Authorization / approval letter.
- Present it (with your payment receipt and documents) at the port of entry to be issued the visa.
VOA vs e-Visa
Both start online. The e-Visa is a broader short-visit online visa; VOA is a pre-approved authorization for eligible categories to collect the visa at the border. Choose based on your nationality and purpose — see visa types.
Tips
- VOA still needs online pre-approval — don’t just show up.
- Carry the authorization, receipt and documents.
- Confirm eligibility for your nationality.
Visa on arrival is discontinued
The most important update: Nigeria discontinued Visa on Arrival (VOA) on 1 May 2025. Following a February 2025 announcement citing national-security reasons, the VOA category was scrapped as part of the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 reforms. VOAs that had already been issued before 1 May 2025 remained valid only briefly (until the end of May 2025). So if you're relying on older guides that describe getting a visa at the airport, that route no longer exists.
Use the e-Visa instead
VOA was replaced by the e-Visa — a fully online system you apply through before you travel. Rather than seeking approval on landing, eligible visitors now apply on the official e-Visa portal, pay online, and receive an approved e-Visa (with QR code) by email within about 48 hours. You print it, carry it, and get your endorsement on arrival. For most short visits (tourism, business), the e-Visa is now the standard path into Nigeria.
What this means for travellers
The practical upshot: plan ahead, don't count on the airport. Apply for your e-Visa in good time before travel, since there's no longer a fall-back of getting a visa on landing. Check whether your nationality is e-Visa eligible (about 177 countries are; some must use an embassy), and note that ECOWAS nationals generally don't need a visa at all. Also be aware Nigeria now enforces overstay penalties, so travel on the correct visa and leave before it expires.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nigeria Visa on Arrival?
A route for eligible travellers to obtain a visa on entry — but you must apply online first for a pre-approval (Electronic Travel Authorization) to present at the border.
Who is eligible for Visa on Arrival?
Typically business travellers and nationals of certain African countries (outside ECOWAS); eligibility depends on nationality — confirm on the NIS portal.
Do I need to apply before travelling for VOA?
Yes — you apply online for pre-approval and often need an invitation letter; you then collect the visa at the port of entry.
How is VOA different from the e-Visa?
Both start online; the e-Visa is a broader short-visit online visa, while VOA is a pre-approved authorization for eligible categories to collect the visa at the border.
What do I present at the border for VOA?
Your Electronic Travel Authorization/approval letter, payment receipt and supporting documents.
Is visa on arrival still available in Nigeria?
No. Nigeria discontinued Visa on Arrival on 1 May 2025. Eligible travellers must now apply for an e-Visa online before travelling — there's no longer a route to get a visa at the airport.
When was visa on arrival discontinued in Nigeria?
On 1 May 2025, following a February 2025 announcement citing national-security reasons, as part of the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 reforms. VOAs issued before that date remained valid only until the end of May 2025.
What replaced visa on arrival in Nigeria?
The e-Visa — a fully online short-visit visa you apply for before travelling. You apply on the official portal, pay online, and receive an approved e-Visa with a QR code by email within about 48 hours.
Can I still get a Nigerian visa at the airport?
No. With VOA discontinued, you can't obtain a visa on landing. Apply for your e-Visa (or the appropriate visa through an embassy) in advance — plan ahead rather than relying on the airport.
How do I get a Nigerian visa now?
For short visits, apply for the e-Visa online before travel (about 177 countries are eligible; some must use an embassy). ECOWAS nationals generally don't need a visa. For work/residence, use the STR visa then CERPAC route.