Everything You Need to Know About Nigeria’s Visa-on-Arrival Process

Foreigners and investors have recently criticized Nigeria’s visa-on-arrival (VoA) process as being very difficult. Experts say many people do not understand how to apply for this visa and what is needed.

This article will explain the requirements for the VoA, who can get it, and how to apply.

The VoA is a short-visit visa given at the port of entry. It is available to wealthy investors and frequent travellers who cannot get visas in their own countries because there are no Nigerian embassies or missions there.

Who is Eligible?

The visa-on-arrival (VoA) is available to citizens of all countries, except for nationals of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), who do not need visas to visit Nigeria. It also excludes citizens of countries with which Nigeria has visa abolition agreements.

The following groups are eligible for the VoA:

1. Frequently traveled business persons with international reputations.

2. Executives of multinational companies.

3. Members of government delegations.

4. Holders of United Nations laissez-passer.

5. Holders of African Union laissez-passer.

6. Holders of ECOWAS laissez-passer.

7. Holders of any other official travel document from recognized international organizations who intend to visit Nigeria.

Requirements

To obtain a visa-on-arrival (VoA) at the port of entry, you will need the following:

1. Visa approval letter (pre-approved visa letter) valid for 14 days from the date of issuance.

2. Proof of online payment.

3. Passport with at least six months of validity remaining.

4. Valid return ticket.

5. Two recent passport-sized photographs.

How to Apply

To apply for a visa-on-arrival (VoA), follow these steps:

1. Obtain a Visa-on-Arrival Approval Letter:

   – Contact your representatives in Nigeria (business partners, company representatives, protocol/liaison officers, etc.).

2. Representative’s Role:

   – Your representative in Nigeria must file a formal request for visa-on-arrival approval on your behalf.

   – The request should include:

     – Your name

     – Passport number

     – Nationality

     – Purpose of visit

     – Proposed dates of visit

     – Proposed port of entry

     – Proposed airline

     – Flight itinerary

     – Address in Nigeria

     – Your email address

3. Supporting Documents:

   – Your representative must attach copies of the following:

     – Data page of your passport

     – Valid return ticket

Once the approval letter is received, you can proceed with the remaining requirements for the VoA at the port of entry.

Timeline

The requests for visa-on-arrival approval are typically processed and issued within 48 hours (two working days). 

Once the approval letters are obtained by the applicants’ representatives, they will forward hard copies to the applicants via email. 

Additionally, copies of the approval letters will be sent to the airlines mentioned in the applications and to immigration officers at the ports of entry. This ensures a smooth arrival process for the applicants.

Payment

Applicants must fill in the application forms with accurate details and make the payment online. 

However, successful online payment does not mean the visa is approved. Applicants should not travel to Nigeria until they have received the “Visa on Arrival Approval Letter” from the Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters in Abuja. 

Alternatively, payment can be made at the point of arrival, provided the approval letter is presented. MasterCard, Visa, and American Express cards are accepted for payment.

Upon arrival at the port of entry, applicants should go to the clearly marked Visa on Arrival Desk to get their entry visas.

They need to present their approval letters, passports, and proof of payment to receive their entry visas.