How to apply for a Nigeria e-Visa

A starting guide for eligible foreign nationals applying online for a Nigerian short-visit visa, including choosing the right visa class, document upload, payment and approval letter.

VerifiedChecked 2026-09-28
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CostVaries by visa class and nationality
TimelineNIS states that eligible e-Visa applications are generally processed within 48 hours when there is no local objection, but incomplete documentation can delay approval.
RouteMostly online
AgencyNIS
Checked2026-09-28
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How to get this service

Online, physical or both?

Mostly online
Recommended start

Use the official online route

Open the official Nigeria Immigration Service visa portal and choose the visa class that matches the real purpose of the trip before creating or continuing the applicant account. Then complete the application with the traveller's passport, personal, contact and travel information exactly as shown on the passport and itinerary.

Physical / assisted stage

No mandatory physical visit is stated in the sources we currently use

The current sources for Nigeria e-Visa application do not state a compulsory walk-in stage for the standard route.

Find official offices/centres →
If something blocks you

If this specific process gets stuck

Use the Nigeria Immigration Service's official passport office/contact route and keep the application reference and payment evidence ready.

View agency guidance →

Only authorised routes. We never present an unofficial agent, cybercafé or third-party payment page as an alternative unless the responsible agency authorises it.

Documents, details and prerequisites you need

This is the complete pre-start checklist from the verified guide. Each item below explains what it is for, where it enters the process and whether the official source actually specifies an original, copy or upload.

4 Documents
01
Document

A passport with at least 6 months validity and the blank pages required for the selected visa class

Why you need it
Used to identify the applicant's current passport record or to support the passport transaction described in this guide.
Where it is used
Most directly connected to step 1: Open the official Nigeria Immigration Service visa portal and choose the visa class that matches the real purpose of the trip before creating or continuing the applicant account.
Original, copy or upload?
The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
02
Document

A recent passport-size photograph

Why you need it
Used to identify the applicant's current passport record or to support the passport transaction described in this guide.
Where it is used
Most directly connected to step 2: Complete the application with the traveller's passport, personal, contact and travel information exactly as shown on the passport and itinerary.
Original, copy or upload?
The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
03
Document

Travel and accommodation information matching the purpose of the visit

Why you need it
This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
Where it is used
Most directly connected to step 2: Complete the application with the traveller's passport, personal, contact and travel information exactly as shown on the passport and itinerary.
Original, copy or upload?
The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
04
Document

Supporting documents required by the selected visa class, such as an invitation letter, host details, return/onward ticket or bank statement

Why you need it
Used to locate the taxpayer record connected to the transaction.
Where it is used
Most directly connected to step 3: Upload the documents required for that visa class, checking that invitation letters, bank statements, hotel or host information and tickets are legible and current.
Original, copy or upload?
A digital upload is explicitly part of step 3. Prepare a clear file that follows the portal's size/format rules.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow the process in order. Each step also shows what to have ready, what to check before continuing and what evidence to keep. Where the agency does not publish an extra requirement, this guide does not invent one.

01
Verify details

Open the official Nigeria Immigration Service visa portal and choose the visa class that matches the real purpose of the trip before creating or continuing the applicant account.

Have ready for this step
  • A passport with at least 6 months validity and the blank pages required for the selected visa class
  • Supporting documents required by the selected visa class, such as an invitation letter, host details, return/onward ticket or bank statement
  • Travel and accommodation information matching the purpose of the visit
Check before moving on

Make sure the displayed record is the correct person/entity and that the information matches the evidence you are using.

Keep as evidence

Keep any reference, confirmation, screenshot or acknowledgement generated by the official route.

02
Continue

Complete the application with the traveller's passport, personal, contact and travel information exactly as shown on the passport and itinerary.

Have ready for this step
  • A passport with at least 6 months validity and the blank pages required for the selected visa class
  • A recent passport-size photograph
  • Travel and accommodation information matching the purpose of the visit
Check before moving on

Read the next screen or office instruction before moving on; do not assume an extra payment, document or visit is required unless the responsible agency asks for it.

Keep as evidence

Keep any reference, confirmation, screenshot or acknowledgement generated by the official route.

03
Documents / upload

Upload the documents required for that visa class, checking that invitation letters, bank statements, hotel or host information and tickets are legible and current.

Have ready for this step
  • Supporting documents required by the selected visa class, such as an invitation letter, host details, return/onward ticket or bank statement
  • A passport with at least 6 months validity and the blank pages required for the selected visa class
  • Travel and accommodation information matching the purpose of the visit
Check before moving on

Check that every file belongs to the correct applicant/record, is readable and matches the portal prompt before upload.

Keep as evidence

Keep any reference, confirmation, screenshot or acknowledgement generated by the official route.

04
Payment

Review the application and the visa class before paying the fee generated by the official portal, then submit the application and keep the reference or payment evidence.

Have ready for this step
  • A passport with at least 6 months validity and the blank pages required for the selected visa class
  • Supporting documents required by the selected visa class, such as an invitation letter, host details, return/onward ticket or bank statement
Check before moving on

Confirm the service, applicant/entity details and amount on the official payment screen before paying. Do not continue from an unsolicited payment link.

Keep as evidence

Keep the official receipt, payment reference or transaction ID.

05
Collect / finish

Monitor the applicant email and portal for the decision; when approved, print or securely save the e-Visa Approval Letter with its QR code/reference and carry it with the passport for immigration inspection on arrival.

Have ready for this step
  • A passport with at least 6 months validity and the blank pages required for the selected visa class
  • Supporting documents required by the selected visa class, such as an invitation letter, host details, return/onward ticket or bank statement
  • A recent passport-size photograph
Check before moving on

Check the finished document/result for spelling, identity details, reference numbers and status before relying on it.

Keep as evidence

Keep the final document/result plus any receipt or reference used to obtain it.

After you submit

What exactly happens next?

Keep the evidence for Nigeria e-Visa application

Keep the application reference, payment receipt, appointment details and any acknowledgement generated by the NIS process.

Complete the final published step

Monitor the applicant email and portal for the decision; when approved, print or securely save the e-Visa Approval Letter with its QR code/reference and carry it with the passport for immigration inspection on arrival.

Know what counts as completion

NIS states that eligible e-Visa applications are generally processed within 48 hours when there is no local objection, but incomplete documentation can delay approval.

Escalate with the right reference

Use the Nigeria Immigration Service's official passport office/contact route and keep the application reference and payment evidence ready.

Important notes

  • The correct visa class depends on nationality and purpose of visit; an e-Visa is not a substitute for an employment or residence visa.
  • NIS says short-visit e-Visas are not extendable beyond their stated duration.
  • Avoid third-party websites claiming guaranteed or expedited approval; start from the official NIS website or visa portal.

Common questions

These answers are generated from the verified requirements, route, fee, timeline and official-source notes for this specific service.

What should I prepare before I start?

Prepare before you begin by gathering every item below. The detailed checklist above explains why each one is needed, where it is used, and whether the official source specifies an original, copy or upload.

  • A passport with at least 6 months validity and the blank pages required for the selected visa class — Document
  • A recent passport-size photograph — Document
  • Travel and accommodation information matching the purpose of the visit — Document
  • Supporting documents required by the selected visa class, such as an invitation letter, host details, return/onward ticket or bank statement — Document
Can I do this online, or do I need to visit an office?

Mostly online. Open the official Nigeria Immigration Service visa portal and choose the visa class that matches the real purpose of the trip before creating or continuing the applicant account. Then complete the application with the traveller's passport, personal, contact and travel information exactly as shown on the passport and itinerary.

The current sources for Nigeria e-Visa application do not state a compulsory walk-in stage for the standard route.

How much does this service cost?

Varies by visa class and nationality — NIS visa fees depend on the visa category and applicable reciprocity. Use the amount generated by the official NIS visa portal for the selected applicant and class.

Pay only through the responsible agency or the official payment channel linked in this guide.

How long should it take?

NIS states that eligible e-Visa applications are generally processed within 48 hours when there is no local objection, but incomplete documentation can delay approval.

Processing can still take longer where identity checks, document corrections, payment confirmation or manual review are required.

What happens after I submit or complete the main step?

Keep the evidence for Nigeria e-Visa application: Keep the application reference, payment receipt, appointment details and any acknowledgement generated by the NIS process.

Complete the final published step: Monitor the applicant email and portal for the decision; when approved, print or securely save the e-Visa Approval Letter with its QR code/reference and carry it with the passport for immigration inspection on arrival.

What should I do if the portal, payment or application gets stuck?

Use the Nigeria Immigration Service's official passport office/contact route and keep the application reference and payment evidence ready.

Keep any application number, receipt, acknowledgement, transaction reference or screenshot that can help the agency trace the request.

What should I be careful about?
  • The correct visa class depends on nationality and purpose of visit; an e-Visa is not a substitute for an employment or residence visa.
  • NIS says short-visit e-Visas are not extendable beyond their stated duration.
How do I verify that these instructions are current?

This guide was last checked on 2026-09-28. The official government or agency sources used to verify it are listed directly below this section.

Where an agency changes a fee, deadline or procedure, the official source takes priority over this independent guide.

Is MyNigeriaGuide the government website for this service?

No. MyNigeriaGuide is an independent information service. Applications, payments, approvals and final decisions remain with the responsible government agency.

Official sources

These are the government or agency pages used to verify this guide. Open them directly whenever you want to confirm the source.

Accuracy

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