Nigeria visa for indians

Here is your Visa Lounge Gurgaon briefing for Nigeria.

1. Mandatory Document Checklist

The application is entirely online via the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal.

• Passport: Original Indian passport valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages.

• Photographs: 2 recent digital photos (35mm x 40mm), white background, neutral expression.

• Invitation Letter (The “Host Rule”): A formal letter from a Nigerian host or company. The host must explicitly state they accept “Full Immigration and Financial Responsibility” for your stay.

• CAC Certificate: For business visits, a scan of the host company’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration certificate is mandatory.

• Financial Proof: Bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months showing a minimum balance of ₹1.5 Lakhs to ₹2 Lakhs.

• Mandatory Health Proof (Non-Negotiable):

  • Yellow Fever Certificate: Valid “Yellow Card” taken at least 10 days before travel.

  • Polio Vaccination Certificate: Mandatory for Indian nationals. You must have proof of an Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) or IPV dose taken within the last 12 months.

• Travel Plan: Confirmed return flight tickets and hotel reservation (or host’s address).

Important Inforamtion

• VoA Discontinued: As of May 2025, the old Visa on Arrival has been replaced by the Short Visit Visa (e-Visa). Do not fly without an approved e-Visa; you will be denied boarding at IGI Airport.

• Digital Landing/Exit Cards: In early 2026, Nigeria launched mandatory Digital Landing Cards. You must complete this form online before you land in Abuja or Lagos.

• High Visa Costs: The total cost for a Nigeria visa for Indians is now among the highest in the region, totaling approx. USD 353 (~₹31,000) including administrative and processing fees.

• Security Triage: Due to the volatile security situation in early 2026, the Visa Lounge Gurgaon strongly advises staying only in high-security hotels and arranging private airport pickups. Avoid local taxis or ride-sharing apps after dark in Lagos or Abuja.

Can I apply for an  Nigeria visa online?

Partially. You can fill the application form online and book appointments through Visa lounge website https://visalounge.in/ .

What is the processing time for the Nigeria e-Visa? 

 Most e-Visas (Business/Visit) are approved within 24 to 48 hours. However, for Technical Work Permits (TWP), allow at least 7 working days.

 Can I work on a Business Visa (F4A)? 

 No. A Business Visa is only for meetings, conferences, or contract negotiations. If you are a technician or engineer going for “hands-on” work, you must apply for a Temporary Work Permit (TWP).

Is the Yellow Fever certificate mandatory for the visa application? 

While you can sometimes submit the visa application without it, you cannot enter Nigeria without the physical yellow card. Airlines will check this before issuing your boarding pass in India.

Can I pay the visa fee in Indian Rupees? 

 The government portal usually requires payment in US Dollars (USD) via an international credit/debit card. Local VFS service charges can be paid in INR.

 What is the “BIVS” equivalent for Africa?

There isn’t one. A Nigerian visa is only for Nigeria. If you plan to visit neighboring Ghana or Benin, you will need separate visas for those countries.

 What is the stay duration for a first-time visitor? 

A standard Visiting/Business e-Visa is usually valid for a 30-day stay (Single Entry) within a 90-day window from the date of issue.

For official  Nigeria Visa guidelines, visit the https://immigration.gov.ng/nigerian-visa/