Visa on Arrival Countries for Nigerians

Hello, do you desire to know visa-on-arrival countries for Nigerians? Do you want to pay a visit to a foreign country, and you need a visa on arrival for a short stay? Well, if you visit a visa-on-arrival country as a Nigerian, you may not need to go through the hassle and stress of securing a visa at an embassy.

Here in this post, I list out all the countries in the world that accept the visa-on-arrival option for immigrant candidates from Nigeria

Barbados, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Dominica, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, Kenya, and Liberia are among the visa-free countries for Nigerians in 2023. Continue reading to view the complete list.

What does visa-on-arrival mean?

A visa-on-arrival is usually given to Nigerians when they pay a visit to a specific country (that has a visa-on-arrival policy for Nigerians). On arrival to a country that has a visa on arrival policy for Nigerians, you will be issued a visa at the port of entry after your luggage has been checked and your passport inspected. You will be expected to pay for the visa on arrival, and your biometrics may be collected.

The visa-on-arrival will be stamped on your passport, so ensure your passport has empty pages. It is generally simpler to acquire and process a visa-on-arrival than other types of visas. Before collecting a visa-on-arrival, you are not even expected to visit an embassy. However, you might be asked to show a return ticket, hotel reservation, or evidence of adequate funds for the trip.

Read: Visa-Free Countries for Nigerians

What countries issue visas on arrival to Nigerian passport holders?

If you are a Nigerian citizen, you can get a visa on arrival for the 17 countries listed below:

Cambodia
Comoros
Ethiopia
Iran
Kenya
Madagascar
Maldives
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mozambique
Namibia
Palau
Rwanda
Somalia
Timor-Leste
Tuvalu
Uganda

Visa on Arrival to Nigeria

This is to inform the general public that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has implemented a new Visa on Arrival Application Process for all Business Travelers and African Union Countries other than ECOWAS members.

Accordingly, all visitors to Nigeria from these countries must follow the procedure outlined below:

The VOA facility is open to two types of travelers:

Frequently traveled to high-worth Investors with business interests in Nigeria.

Citizen of African Countries.

Eligibility

Frequently Traveled Business Persons of International Reputes

Executive of Multi-national Companies

Members of Government Delegation

Holder of United Nations Laissez-Passer

Holders of African Union Laissez-Passer

Holders of any other Official Travel document of other recognized International organizations who intend to Visit Nigeria.

Business Travelers

Note:

Visa on Arrival is offered to citizens of all nations except ECOWAS nationals, who do not need a visa to visit Nigeria and those countries with which Nigeria has visa-free agreements.

How to Get a Visa on Arrival (For Business Travelers)

Submit an Application and Make a Payment
Please visit the NIS portal at https://portal.immigration.gov.ng and select Apply for Visa on Arrival to begin your application.
Complete the application and make the required payments.

Visa-free countries for Nigerian passport holders

The Nigerian passport ranks 191st in the world as of December 2023. This means that Nigerian citizens can travel to 27 countries without a visa. However, to enter the remaining countries, Nigerian passport holders must first apply for a visa.

Visa-free travel for Nigerian passport holders varies based on the location and the details of your trip.

Here are the top 27 countries and territories where Nigerian passport holders can often enter for short visits without a visa or with visa-free access on arrival:

Antigua and Barbuda
Barbados
Benin
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Cabe Verde
Chad
Cook Islands
Ivory Coast
Dominica
Fiji
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Haiti
Liberia
Mali
Micronesia
Montserrat
Niger
Niue
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Gambia
Togo
Vanuatu

You must still have a valid passport—normally six months after your departure date — and acquire travel health insurance as required by your destination country for visa-free travel.

Read: Procedure for getting Dubai Visa in Nigeria

Let’s get more specific now.

1. Barbados

Barbados, located in the Caribbean Sea, is a tropical paradise famed for its stunning beaches, colorful culture, and kind people.

Nigerian passport holders can travel to this island nation visa-free for durations of up to six months.

While soaking up the Caribbean sun, explore old Bridgetown, relax on pristine beaches, and sample local food.

2. Benin

Benin, a neighboring country to Nigeria, grants visa-free entry to Nigerian citizens.

Explore Benin City’s rich history, visit the Royal Palace, and marvel at the beauty of the Ganvie stilt town on Lake Nokoué. Because of its proximity, Benin is an ideal place for a quick getaway.

3. Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is another visa-free destination for Nigerians in West Africa. This landlocked country has a distinct culture, including the vivid Mossi traditions.

Explore the magnificent scenery of the Sahel area and the bustling atmosphere of the capital, Ouagadougou.

4. Cape Verde

Cape Verde, an island nation off the coast of West Africa, grants Nigerians visa-free entry for stays of up to 90 days. The country is a one-of-a-kind place with African and Portuguese influences.

Discover its stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, and dance-inducing music.

5. Dominica

The country, Dominica, not to be mistaken with the Dominican Republic, is a lush and beautiful Caribbean island that welcomes Nigerian passport holders without a visa for up to six months.

Dominica, known as the “Nature Island,” has gorgeous rainforests, waterfalls, and some of the greatest hiking and diving in the region.

6. Fiji

Fiji, located in the South Pacific, is a dream location for beachgoers and water sports fans. Nigerians can stay in Fiji for up to four months without a visa, making it a fantastic choice for a long tropical vacation.

Discover coral reefs, participate in water sports, or simply relax on the lovely beaches.

7. Gambia

Nigerians can visit The Gambia, a small West African country famed for its kind people and diverse wildlife, without a visa.

Discover Banjul’s unique culture, tour the bustling markets, and enjoy a boat trip on the Gambia River to see animals such as crocodiles and hippos.

8. Ghana

Ghana, another West African neighbor, allows Nigerians to travel visa-free for durations of up to 90 days.

This country is a cultural hotspot with a rich past that includes historical sites associated with the transatlantic slave trade. Visit Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, and other regions to learn about Ghana’s rich traditions and history.

9. Haiti

Haiti, located in the Caribbean, allows Nigerian passport holders to enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

This country is well-known for its distinct mix of African, French, and Caribbean influences.

Explore the capital, Port-au-Prince, or visit the island’s magnificent beaches and historical landmarks.

10. Kenya

Kenya, in East Africa, allows Nigerians to enter without a visa for durations of up to 90 days. This diversified country is well-known for its biodiversity and gorgeous scenery.

Experience the Great Migration on a safari in the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the rich culture of Nairobi.

11. Liberia

Liberia, on the West African coast, permits Nigerian passport holders to visit for up to 90 days without a visa.

Discover the natural splendor of Liberia, including Sapo National Park, and learn about the country’s history and culture in the capital, Monrovia.

12. Maldives

The Maldives, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, allows Nigerians to visit for up to 30 days without a visa.

This area is well-known for its overwater bungalows, coral reefs, and pristine water. Enjoy a romantic getaway or a thrilling diving excursion.

13. Mauritius

Another Indian Ocean island nation that enables Nigerians to stay visa-free for up to 90 days is Mauritius.

Explore this tropical haven’s gorgeous beaches, lush scenery, and cultural diversity. Don’t pass up the opportunity to see Port Louis’ vibrant marketplaces.

14. Micronesia

The Federated States of Micronesia, located in the western Pacific Ocean, allows Nigerian passport holders visa-free entry for up to 30 days. With its immaculate coral reefs and warm, clear seas, this isolated spot is ideal for divers.

15. Niger

Niger, Nigeria’s northern neighbor, allows Nigerian nationals to travel visa-free for durations of up to 90 days. Explore the immense Sahara Desert, explore the old city of Agadez, and learn about the Tuareg and Fulani cultures.

16. Palau

Palau, a haven in the western Pacific Ocean, allows Nigerian visitors for visa-free stays of up to 90 days.

Explore Palau’s coral reefs, gorgeous beaches, and breathtaking rock islands. It’s an excellent location for snorkeling and scuba diving.

17. Saint Kitts and Nevis

Nigerian passport holders can visit Saint Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean without a visa for durations of up to 90 days.

Discover the historic charm of Saint Kitts’ Basseterre and the natural splendor of Nevis, including its volcanic peaks.

18. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

This is yet another Caribbean treasure that you can visit without having to deal with Visa issues. Explore this island nation’s stunning beaches, rich scenery, and colorful culture.

Don’t pass up the chance to cruise around the gorgeous Grenadine Islands.

19. Senegal

Senegal, on the West African coast, allows Nigerians to enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Immerse yourself in Dakar culture, explore old Gorée Island, and enjoy Senegal’s unique music and dance.

20. Seychelles

Seychelles, one of the visa-free countries for Nigerians, allows up to 30 days of stay.

This tropical archipelago’s granite rock formations, white-sand beaches, and colorful marine life may all be explored here.

21. Sierra Leone

Another West African destination that enables Nigerian passport holders to visit visa-free for up to 90 days is Sierra Leone. Discover the natural splendor of the beaches, woods, and wildlife, as well as Freetown’s rich history.

22. Tanzania

Tanzania, in East Africa, allows Nigerian residents to enter without a visa for durations of up to 90 days.

This country is well-known for its wildlife, which includes the famous Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime safari and explore the beauty of Tanzania.

Visa-free countries in Europe for Nigeria

In 2024, the following European countries will offer Nigerian passport holders visa-free entry:

Albania
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kosovo
North Macedonia
Serbia
Montenegro

Note that this list is subject to change as travel and visa laws vary from country to country. Furthermore, even if visa-free access is allowed, immigration authorities may still want specific documentation and may inquire about the reason and duration of your journey, so it’s critical to be prepared before visiting any foreign nation. Before making vacation arrangements to Europe, always check the most recent visa and entry requirements.

Visa-free Asian countries for Nigerians

These are the Asian countries that allow Nigerian passport holders to enter for short visits without requiring a visa or offering visa-free access on arrival:

Bangladesh: Nigerian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days.
Maldives: Maldives allows visa on arrival for 30 days.
Sri Lanka: Nigerian passport holders can obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for a 30-day visit to Sri Lanka, which can be extended once.
Timor-Leste (East Timor)
Indonesia
Philippines
Laos
Cambodia
Iran
Jordan
Qatar
Lebanon

Countries that Issue eVisa to Nigerians

The application process for an eVisa is similar to that of a standard visa. In this situation, however, you do not need to go to a visa application center; you can submit your application, including visa payment, online.

After your application has been approved, you will receive an email confirming your visa status, as well as a document that you must print and bring with you while crossing the border. Your visa will be registered electronically, but some authorities may want a physical copy of the permit; thus, print and carry the document with you when traveling.

The following 12 countries issue eVisas for Nigerian passport holders:

Djibouti
Gabon
Kyrgyzstan
Lesotho
Qatar
São Tomé and Príncipe
South Africa
South Sudan
Suriname
Vietnam
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Countries With Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens

You need a valid visa to enter the following 170 countries with a Nigerian passport:

Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Caribbean Netherlands
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
British Virgin Islands
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burundi
Canada
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chile
China
Colombia
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Republic of the Congo
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cuba
Curaçao
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French West Indies
Georgia
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guam
Guatemala
Guyana
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kiribati
Kosovo
Kuwait
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macau
Malawi
Malaysia
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mayotte
Mexico
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Myanmar
Nauru
Nepal
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
North Korea
North Macedonia
Northern Mariana Islands
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestine
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Réunion
Romania
Russia
Samoa
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Saint Helena
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Sudan
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
Türkiye
United States Virgin Islands
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vatican City
Venezuela
Yemen
Eswatini

Start your application for a visa here.

Rules for Visa on Arrival for Nigerians

Here are some things you should note about visa-on-arrival as a Nigerian:

1. A minimal number of countries offer them

If you have a Nigerian passport, then you are indeed unlucky because the Nigerian passport is ranked 191th in terms of travel freedom. So Nigerians have minimal travel options. With a visa-on-arrival, you are not expected to stay for long.

2. Visa-on-arrival policies are not fixed and can be subject to sudden changes.

Today, a country that is offering a visa-on-arrival may decide to change it the next day, and may not notify travelers. It has happened severally. So as a traveller, it would be best if you keep your ears to the ground for accurate info.

3. There is still some paperwork involved.

Yes, indeed, you won’t have to register with the embassy for a visa application, but some paperwork will still be required. For instance, some countries may need you to get a letter of approval or some data. It varies. So ensure you do extensive research before embarking on your trip.

4. Long wait

A cousin of mine traveled to Rwanda during the yuletide and had to wait for 5 hours before he could be attended to. It was their busy season. So with so many tourists, you will have to go through the strenuous effort of being at the right place at the right time. Ensure you do not travel when it is a public holiday in the destination country.

5. Beware of scams and pay attention to the fees.

It would help if you were wary of some scammers who would want to take advantage of travelers and scam you. Ensure you get your data from valid websites or embassy websites.

Read: Australia Visa Lottery Application 2024 | Latest Guide

Major types of visa

Each country typically has a multitude of categories of visas with various names. The most common types and names of visas include:

1. Short-stay or visitor visa

This type of visa is usually for very short visits. Business and tourist visas are under this type of visa.

2. Long-stay visas

This type of visa is for a much longer stay. Student and asylum visas are under this type of visa.

3. Immigrant visas

This visa is intended for those who may want to reside in a particular country permanently.

That is it. Check other related articles below;

Canada Tourist and Visitor Visa Application Guide

How to Apply for a South African Visa for Nigerians and Get Approved

Do I need a visa for Tanzania