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Nigeria Visa for United States Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

US citizens apply for a Nigerian visa online through the government e-visa/visa-on-arrival portal before departure, paying roughly USD 160 for a short-visit visa with a typical processing time of 5 business days and final issuance on arrival.

Guide last updated October 2, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, with at least 2 blank pages
  • Completed online application through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal (portal.immigration.gov.ng)
  • Passport-style digital photo (white background) uploaded during the application
  • Invitation letter (from a host, employer, or hotel) is generally required for approval
  • Proof of accommodation and return/onward ticket
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate
  • Biometrics: fingerprints and photo captured on arrival at the airport
  • Travel health insurance: recommended, not mandatory

Visa types

  • Visa on arrival / short-visit e-visa: single entry, valid for stays up to 90 days, requires pre-approval online before travel, fee approximately USD 160
  • Business visa: single or multiple entry, requires an invitation letter from a Nigerian company, fee varies by validity, typically USD 160-250
  • Tourist e-visa: available for many nationalities including US citizens through the online portal, similar fee range to the short-visit visa
  • Transit visa: for short layovers, lower fee and simpler documentation

How to apply online

  • Create an account and submit your application at portal.immigration.gov.ng, uploading your passport, photo, invitation letter, and itinerary
  • Pay the visa fee online (approximately USD 160 for most short-visit categories) by card
  • Processing time: approximately 5 business days for a pre-approval decision
  • Approval arrives as a pre-approval letter/visa reference you must carry to the airport
  • On arrival in Nigeria, present your pre-approval letter and passport at the visa-on-arrival desk to receive the final visa sticker or stamp

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: approximately USD 160 for a standard short-visit e-visa/visa on arrival
  • No separate VFS/BLS service fee since applications go through the government portal directly
  • Total cost estimate: USD 160-180 including minor processing charges
  • Standard processing: about 5 business days for online pre-approval
  • Express/priority option: not widely advertised; applying early is the main way to avoid delays

Tips for United States travelers

  • Submit your online application at least 2 weeks before travel to allow time for the 5-business-day review plus any follow-up requests
  • Common rejection reasons: missing invitation letter, unclear travel purpose, incomplete or low-quality document uploads
  • Always print your pre-approval letter - airlines and immigration officers will ask to see it before boarding and on arrival
  • Extensions: possible through the Nigeria Immigration Service while in-country, subject to approval and additional fees
  • Double-check the current official portal URL before applying, since Nigeria's e-visa system has changed platforms in recent years

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.