How to apply for a Nigeria Transit Visa (F3B)

The NIS e-Visa route for a traveller who needs to enter Nigeria briefly while continuing to another destination.

VerifiedChecked 2026-09-28
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CostVaries by nationality
TimelineNIS lists 48 hours for the F3B e-Visa where there is no local objection.
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

Confirm that the traveller actually needs to enter Nigeria during transit; a passenger remaining airside for a qualifying short connection may fall under the separate transit-without-visa rules. Then open the official NIS visa portal, choose Transit Visa F3B and enter the passport, connection and final-destination details exactly as shown on the itinerary.

Physical / assisted stage

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

The current sources for Nigeria Transit Visa 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.

3 Documents3 Other requirements1 Identity / account detail
01
Document

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity

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: Open the official NIS visa portal, choose Transit Visa F3B and enter the passport, connection and final-destination details exactly as shown on the 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.
02
Document

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: Open the official NIS visa portal, choose Transit Visa F3B and enter the passport, connection and final-destination details exactly as shown on the 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
Other requirement

Confirmed onward ticket

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 3: Upload the onward ticket, final-destination visa where applicable, proof of funds, photograph and any overnight accommodation or minor-traveller evidence required.
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.
04
Other requirement

Evidence of sufficient funds using the period required by NIS

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 3: Upload the onward ticket, final-destination visa where applicable, proof of funds, photograph and any overnight accommodation or minor-traveller evidence required.
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.
05
Other requirement

Visa or entry permission for the final destination where applicable

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 onward ticket, final-destination visa where applicable, proof of funds, photograph and any overnight accommodation or minor-traveller evidence required.
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.
06
Identity / account detail

Hotel reservation or host address if staying overnight in Nigeria

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 1: Confirm that the traveller actually needs to enter Nigeria during transit; a passenger remaining airside for a qualifying short connection may fall under the separate transit-without-visa rules.
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.
07
Document

For a minor, birth certificate and parental consent letter

Why you need it
Used as civil evidence of birth or date of birth where the responsible agency lists it for this process.
Where it is used
Most directly connected to step 3: Upload the onward ticket, final-destination visa where applicable, proof of funds, photograph and any overnight accommodation or minor-traveller evidence required.
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

Confirm that the traveller actually needs to enter Nigeria during transit; a passenger remaining airside for a qualifying short connection may fall under the separate transit-without-visa rules.

Have ready for this step
  • Confirmed onward ticket
  • Visa or entry permission for the final destination where applicable
  • Hotel reservation or host address if staying overnight in Nigeria
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
Start

Open the official NIS visa portal, choose Transit Visa F3B and enter the passport, connection and final-destination details exactly as shown on the itinerary.

Have ready for this step
  • Visa or entry permission for the final destination where applicable
  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Recent passport-size photograph
Check before moving on

Use the official route linked on this guide and make sure you are working in the correct applicant/entity account before entering data.

Keep as evidence

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

03
Documents / upload

Upload the onward ticket, final-destination visa where applicable, proof of funds, photograph and any overnight accommodation or minor-traveller evidence required.

Have ready for this step
  • Visa or entry permission for the final destination where applicable
  • Confirmed onward ticket
  • Evidence of sufficient funds using the period required by NIS
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 connection dates carefully, pay the transit-visa fee generated by the official portal and submit the application before the journey.

Have ready for this step
  • Visa or entry permission for the final destination where applicable
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
Follow up

After approval, carry the electronic visa confirmation with the passport and onward-travel evidence; F3B is strictly for transit and does not permit employment.

Have ready for this step
  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Recent passport-size photograph
  • Confirmed onward ticket
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.

After you submit

What exactly happens next?

Keep the evidence for Nigeria Transit Visa

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

Complete the final published step

After approval, carry the electronic visa confirmation with the passport and onward-travel evidence; F3B is strictly for transit and does not permit employment.

Know what counts as completion

NIS lists 48 hours for the F3B e-Visa where there is no local objection.

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

  • NIS describes F3B as a transit visa for a stay not exceeding 7 days.
  • It is not extendable.
  • Travellers remaining in the airport transit area for a qualifying connection may not need F3B; check the NIS Transit Without Visa F3A conditions and airline requirements.

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.

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity — Document
  • Recent passport-size photograph — Document
  • Confirmed onward ticket — Other requirement
  • Evidence of sufficient funds using the period required by NIS — Other requirement
  • Visa or entry permission for the final destination where applicable — Other requirement
  • Hotel reservation or host address if staying overnight in Nigeria — Identity / account detail
  • For a minor, birth certificate and parental consent letter — Document
Can I do this online, or do I need to visit an office?

Mostly online. Confirm that the traveller actually needs to enter Nigeria during transit; a passenger remaining airside for a qualifying short connection may fall under the separate transit-without-visa rules. Then open the official NIS visa portal, choose Transit Visa F3B and enter the passport, connection and final-destination details exactly as shown on the itinerary.

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

How much does this service cost?

Varies by nationality — Use the transit-visa fee generated by the official NIS portal for the traveller's nationality and application.

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

How long should it take?

NIS lists 48 hours for the F3B e-Visa where there is no local objection.

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

Complete the final published step: After approval, carry the electronic visa confirmation with the passport and onward-travel evidence; F3B is strictly for transit and does not permit employment.

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?
  • NIS describes F3B as a transit visa for a stay not exceeding 7 days.
  • It is not extendable.
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

Checking correction-report availability…