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Nigeria Visa for United States Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

US citizens must obtain an e-Visa before traveling to Nigeria; apply online at https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/; tourist e-Visa typically costs about USD 125 (visa fee plus service) with processing 1–3 working days.

Guide last updated September 3, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have at least one blank visa page.
  • Specific forms: Use the Nigeria e-Visa online application via portal; no DS-160 or VAF forms for US citizens.
  • Financial proof: No fixed minimum funds published; you may be asked to show funds if requested by the e-Visa officer.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Proof of accommodation for your stay and a return/onward ticket is recommended; not always required upfront but may be requested on entry.
  • Photo spec: A recent passport-style photo (uploaded during application): color, white background, full face forward, no headgear except for religious or medical reasons, file size under 2 MB.
  • Biometrics: Biometrics data is generally collected on arrival in Nigeria; no pre-travel biometrics appointment is required for the e-Visa.
  • Travel health insurance: Not required, but strongly recommended.

Visa types

  • Tourist e-Visa (Tourist Visa — e-Visa): Official name: Tourist Visa (e-Visa); Validity: typically 90 days from issue; Max stay per entry: up to 30 days; Entry: Single; Approx. fee: USD 125 total (USD 100 visa + USD 25 service).
  • Business e-Visa (Business Visa — e-Visa): Official name: Business Visa (e-Visa); Validity: typically 90 days from issue; Max stay per entry: up to 30 days; Entry: Multiple entries allowed depending on approval; Approx. fee: USD 125 total.
  • Medical e-Visa (Medical Visa — e-Visa): Official name: Medical Visa (e-Visa); Validity: typically 90 days from issue; Max stay per entry: up to 30 days; Entry: Single; Approx. fee: USD 125 total.
  • Transit e-Visa (Transit Visa — e-Visa): Official name: Transit Visa (e-Visa); Validity: up to 7 days; Max stay: around 3 days; Entry: Single; Approx. fee: USD 65 total.

How to apply online

  • How to apply online: Go to https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/ and create an account; complete the online application form and upload required documents; pay the visa fee and service charges with a credit/debit card; after payment you will receive an e-Visa approval notice by email; print the approval letter and present it on arrival in Nigeria; processing time is typically 1–3 working days; approvals are issued as an e-Visa grant letter with a QR or reference number and must be presented at entry.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (USD): Tourist 100, Business 100, Medical 100, Transit 40-50; Service fee (USD): 25; Total (USD): Tourist/Business/Medical 125; Transit 65; Local currency (NGN) equivalent shown at application (approximate): Tourist 112,500 NGN; Transit ~58,000 NGN.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: not applicable for e-Visa.
  • Standard processing time: 1–3 working days; Express/priority options: not consistently offered; check portal at application.

Tips for United States travelers

  • Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your intended travel date to allow time for processing and any potential requests for additional information.
  • Common rejection reasons for US applicants: passport validity less than 6 months, data mismatch between application and travel documents, missing/blurred photo, lack of a clear travel purpose or supporting documents, or failure to provide hotel bookings/return ticket when requested.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Nigeria uses the online e-Visa portal for most tourist/business/Medical/Transit e-Visas; no external visa application center is required for e-Visa; contact the Nigeria High Commission for any consular cases outside the online process.
  • Travel advisories: Always check current travel advisories from your government before travel; ensure you comply with Nigeria’s entry requirements.
  • Extension options inside Nigeria: If you need to extend your stay beyond the permitted period, apply for an extension with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) before the current visa expires; extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis.

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.