Apply for a Visa to Nigeria

The information below contains instructions on how to complete the process for obtaining a Nigerian Entry Visa through the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review each guideline before commencing the application process.

Here are links to various sections of this page for ease of reference:

  1. General Important Information
  2. How to apply for a Nigerian Visa
    1. General Passport Specifications
    2. Visa Application form Instructions
    3. Biometrics Enrollment Information
    4. Visa Interview Information
    5. Nigeria E-Visa Application Process Guidelines
  3. Nigerian Visa Payment Guidelines
  4. Visa Types and their Requirements
    1. Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders
    2. Visitor and Tourist Visa Requirements
    3. Business and Multiple Entry Visa Requirements
    4. Transit Visa Requirements
    5. Transit Visa Requirements for Minors (17yrs and Under)
    6. Subject to Regulation (STR) and Long Term Employment Visa Requirements
      1. Requirements for the Primary Applicant
      2. STR Visa Application Requirements for the Primary Applicant's Spouse
      3. STR Visa Application Requirements for the Primary Applicant's Children
    7. Temporary Work Permit Visa Requirements

To get in touch with us, review frequently asked questions or to follow up on the status of your passport application, please use the respective links.

General Important Information

Below you’ll find useful general information that applies to all Nigerian Visa categories processed by the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York. Applicants are encouraged to review these notes for guidance.
  1. Please note that holders of ECOWAS Member Country Passports don not require a Visa to enter Nigeria.
  2. Applicants can begin the application for their Nigerian Visa by visiting the Nigeria Immigration Service website here. Applicants must create an account to begin their application.
  3. All Nigerian Visa applicants are required to visit the Nigeria Mission closest to them for Biometrics enrollment. Applicants must attend their appointments with all required documents required for the specific visa type they wish to apply for.
  4. An appointment is mandatory for every visit to the processing Mission. Kindly note that appointment duration per applicant is limited to ten minutes. Failure to meet up with an appointment on the stipulated date, within the appointment window will result in appointment cancellation and the need to reschedule the appointment to another day.
  5. Kindly note that children under the age of five and adults over the age of sixty-five are not required to visit a Visa Processing Center. Instead, relevant documents can be mailed to the Visa Processing Center.
  6. Applicants for a Nigerian Visa must have at least four blank pages within their Passport to have a visa issued.
  7. Physical passport photographs are not required for applicants between ages five and sixty-four. Digital pictures of these applicants will be taken during their biometrics appointment at the Visa Center.
  8. Return applicants who have had their biometrics taken at a Visa Center in the past and whose information remain unchanged can mail in their documents. In this case, they also do not need to attend an in-person appointment at the Visa Processing Center.

How to Apply for a Nigerian Visa

This section itemizes requirements needed to apply for a Visa to visit Nigeria. The requirements are:
  1. All Applicants (except Diplomats and Government Officials) wishing to apply for a Nigerian Visa at the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York are required to schedule an appointment.
  2. Applicants can begin the application process by completing the online Visa Application Form on the Nigeria Immigration Service website.
  3. Once completed, applicants can submit application and required documents at the approved Visa Application Centre i.e. Consulate General of Nigeria, New York
  4. Kindly note that an appointment is mandatory for every visit to our approved Visa Application Centers.

General Passport Specifications

  1. Passports must be valid for at least 180 days after the intended date of departure to Nigeria. If a multiple-entry visa is being applied for, the Passport must be valid for at least 90 days after the last intended date of departure
  2. Passport must be valid in the Country of issue;
  3. Passport must have at least four blank visa pages for endorsement.

Visa Application Form Instructions

  1. Applicants must correctly fill in their Nigerian Visa application form.
  2. The person(s) exercising Parental authority or the Legal Guardianship over a minor must sign on behalf of the minor. Kindly note that Parental authorizations are required to be notarized.
  3. Please also note that Application forms must be completed in the English language.

Biometrics Enrollment Information

  1. Applicants’ fingerprints (biometrics) will be taken upon successful submission of application at the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York. Diplomats are exempted from biometric enrollment.

Visa Interview Information

  1. Kindly note that irrespective of where an application has been submitted (Consulate or VAC) and whether the application has been submitted by the applicant in-person or not, the applicant may be called on for an interview at the Consulate.

Nigeria E-Visa Application Process Guidelines

The Nigerian e-Visa is a short-visit visa that can be applied for online without requiring applicants to visit Nigerian Embassies, High Commissions or Consulates. The entire application process is done online and decision can be obtained within 48 hours of completing and submitting the application.

Who can Apply for the Nigerian E-Visa?

Kindly note that the Nigerian E-Visa application option is open to the following applicant types:

  1. Foreign Nationals visiting Nigeria
  2. Nigerians with dual citizenship entering Nigeria with a foreign passport

Eligible Nigerian E-Visa Types

The following Nigerian Visa types may be applied for via the E-Visa system:

  1. Transit Visa
  2. Tourism Visa
  3. Visitor Visa (Single Entry)
  4. Business Visa (Single Entry)
  5. Business Visa (Multiple Entry)
  6. Business Visa (for frequently-travelling Executives)
  7. Sports Visa
  8. Creative Arts Visa
  9. Study Tour Visa
  10. Academic Exchange Programme Visa (for Students, Scholars, Lecturers)
  11. International Cultural Exchange Visa
  12. Emergency Relief Work Visa
  13. Returning Nigerians (Foreign Passport holders by Birth)

How to Apply for a Nigerian E-Visa Online

Kindly follow the guidelines listed below to apply for a Nigerian E-Visa online:

  1. Check Your Passport: Make sure your Passport is valid for at least six months before its date of expiration.
  2. Complete your online E-Visa Application: Visit the official Nigeria Immigration Service website to submit your application.
  3. Upload required E-Visa Application documents: Among others, these include:
    1. A recent Passport photo of the Applicant.
    2. Travel itinerary, including your Flight and Accommodation information.
    3. Additional supporting documents as required and depending on the Visa type being requested for.
  4. Pay Online: Use the secure payment portal available on the Nigeria Immigration Service website to submit payment for your application.
  5. Get Your Visa via Email: Most decisions on E-Visa applications are made within 48 hours. Your E-Visa will be sent to you via email once it is approved and processed.

    Additional Important Notes about Nigerian E-Visas

    Please note the following additional important notes about Nigerian E-Visas:

    1. The Nigerian E-Visa is only for short visits to Nigeria.
    2. Kindly note that the maximum stay allowed with a Nigerian E-Visa is 90 days. Please note that no extensions allowed on this Visa category.
    3. Applicants must travel to Nigeria within 30 days of E-Visa approval and no more than 90 days after.
    4. For longer stays, please apply for a Nigerian Visa through our standard Visa application process as detailed on this page.
    5. Frequent visitors to Nigeria are encouraged to download the NIS E-Visa Mobile App available on Apple and Android phones.
    6. Upon successful submission of your application, frequently check your Email Inbox and Spam folders for your Visa approval notification. Upon receipt, kindly print a copy of your E-Visa and take it along with you during your travels.
    7. Be wary of unofficial websites purporting to offer Nigerian Electronic Visa services. Kindly note that this service is only available to the public via the Nigeria Immigration Service Portal here.

    Nigerian Visa Payment Guidelines

    The following information serves as a guide on how to process payment for your Nigerian Visa application:
    1. Upon completion of the online Visa Application form, print a copy of your Visa Application and then submit the application.
    2. After successfully submitting your application, you will  be redirected to a page containing your Application ID and Reference Number. You can record this information before proceeding. This information will also be emailed to  you from Innovate1Services.
    3. Close the screen to proceed to payment or to submit additional Visa Applications. Group applications can be submitted for up to six applications from within the same account.
    4. Select your preferred method of payment and follow relevant steps.
    5. Applicants may also choose to make a payment at a later date. To return to your application to make a payment, sign into your account on the Nigeria Immigration Service website and enter your Application ID and Reference Number then continue with your payment.
    6. After payment is successfully made, applicants will receive an email with their Acknowledgement Slip. Please allow 1-2 business days for receipt of a confirmation payment e-mail from Innovate1Services. For assistance on payment of Visa fees, please contact Innovate1 Services at 315 203 8942.
    7. Make sure to print your Visa Payment and Visa Acknowledgement Slips, by visiting the NIS website and entering your Application type, Reference Number and Application ID.
    8. Note that all online Application payments are valid for a period of six months from the date of submission. Once this time has lapsed, Applicants will be required to reapply and make another payment.

    Visa Types and their Requirements

    The following information serves as a guide on requirements needed for application for various Nigerian Visa types at the Nigeria Consulate in New York.

    Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders

    Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports are required to submit the following application documents directly to the Consulate General of Nigeria, New York:

    1. Diplomatic or Official Passport and a copy of Passport Data Page. Kindly note that Passports should have a validity period of at least six months for approval.
    2. Copy of your online Nigerian Visa Application Form. This should be duly signed and dated.
    3. Original Note Verbale requesting the Nigerian Visa
    4. Two passport sized photographs
    5. Flight itinerary for the trip. This should at least include a copy of a flight booking, showing arrival and departure dates.

    Visitor and Tourist Visa Requirements

    Kindly note that Visitor and Tourist Visas, when issued, are valid for a 90-day period of stay from date of entry into Nigeria. Additionally, the approved Period of Stay begins from Date of Entry. However, applicants will have a period of 90 days from visa issue date to make use of the Entry Visa after which time, the Visa becomes invalid and the Applicant will have to re-apply. This includes multiple entry visas as per the first entry into the Country.

    Requirements for application for a Nigerian Visitor or Tourist Visa are:

    1. Original Passport and copy of Passport Data Page(s). Please note that Passports should have a minimum of six months validity.
    2. Copy of the Applicants online Visa Application Form. This should also be signed and dated.
    3. Printed copies of the Payment and Acknowledgment Slips.
    4. Flight Itinerary including at least a copy of a flight booking, showing arrival and departure dates.
    5. Applicant's Bank Statement showing adequate funds for travel.
    6. A letter of invitation from the host, addressed to the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York. This letter must be printed on a letterheaded paper, stating the address of the Host or Organization and the reason for the visit. The letter should also be signed and appropriately dated.
    7. A copy of the Host’s Passport. This should include the Hosts's Passport Data Page, photograph and signature. For a non-Nigerian Host, it should include the Passport page showing the Host's legal immigration status in Nigeria.
    8. Evidence of Hotel reservation in Nigeria
    9. Please note that the holder of an expired Nigerian Passport with dual-nationality may submit a copy of their expired Nigerian Passport Data page to waive submission of a Host's Passport information and Hotel reservation.

    Business and Multiple Entry Visa Requirements

    Multiple Entry Visas may be considered for approval when applied for. Applicants ae required to provide the following:
    1. Original Passport and copy of Passport Data Page(s). Kindly note that Passports should have a minimum of six months validity.
    2. Copy of Applicants online Visa Application Form. This should be signed and dated.
    3. Printed copies of the Payment and Acknowledgment Slips.
    4. Two passport sized photographs
    5. Flight itinerary including at least a copy of a flight booking, showing arrival and departure dates.
    6. Applicants Bank Statement showing adequate funds for travel or a Letter of Undertaking from Employer.
    7. Business invitation on Business Letterhead, addressed to the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York. The letter must include the address of the Host organization, the reason for the visit and must be signed and dated.
    8. Certificate of Incorporation (a copy provided by the business in Nigeria –government bodies, major banks and oil companies excluded)
    9. A Letter of Introduction from the Employer.
    10. Documentary evidence of need for a Multiple Entry Visa.
    11. Kindly note that travelers on Religious or Journalistic visit fall under the business category but do not need to provide a Letter of Introduction from their Employer. However, these applications can take up to six weeks to process. Applicants should therefore make adequate provision for this processing timeline and apply to relevant Nigerian authorities for clearance early enough.

    Transit Visa Requirements

    A Transit Visa is required if an applicant will have need to leave an Airport within Nigeria, and therefore enter the country, before completing a journey. Applicants for this Visa type are required to provide the following documents:
    1. Original Passport and copy of Passport Data Page(s). Kindly note that Passports should have a minimum of six months validity.
    2. Copy of Applicants online Visa Application Form. This should be signed and dated.
    3. Printed copies of the Payment and Acknowledgment Slips.
    4. Two Passport-sized photographs
    5. Flight itinerary including at least a copy of a flight booking, showing arrival and departure dates.

    Transit Visa Requirements for Minors (17yrs and Under)

    1. Original Passport and copy of Passport Data Page(s). Kindly note that Passports should have a minimum of six months validity.
    2. Copy of Applicants online Visa Application Form. This should be signed and dated.
    3. Printed copies of the Applicants Payment and Acknowledgment Slips.
    4. Two Passport-sized photographs
    5. Flight itinerary including at least a copy of a flight booking, showing arrival and departure dates.
    6. Four copies of the Child's Birth Certificate.
    7. Four copies of both Parents' valid Passport Data and Signature pages.
    8. Kindly note that the signatures and names should match those in their respective Passports and names must match those on the Child's Birth Certificate.
    9. In cases where either Parent has sole custody, a copy of the Legal Document to that effect should be provided. In that case, consent from the Patent with sole custody is required.

    Subject to Regulation and Long Term Employment Visa Requirements

    Please note that Subject to Regulation (STR) Visas are issued with approval to stay for a period of two years. These visa types are, subject to approval, renewable in Nigeria.

    Requirements for the Primary Applicant

    1. Original Passport and copy of Applicants Passport Data Page(s). Kindly note that Passports should have a minimum of six months validity.
    2. Copy of Applicants online Visa Application Form. This should be signed and dated.
    3. Printed copies of the Payment and Acknowledgment Slips.
    4. Two Passport-sized photographs
    5. Flight itinerary including at least a copy of a flight booking, showing arrival and departure dates
    6. Four copies of the Child's Birth Certificate
    7. Four copies of both Parents' valid Passport Data or Signature pages

    Please note that the standard processing time for STR Visas is fourteen business days.

    The following required documents for this Visa application should be submitted in four duplicate sets each and arranged in the following order:

    1. Page Set 1: Online Nigerian Visa Application Form with one colored Passport-sized photograph (on white background) attached.
    2. Page Set 2: A copy of the Letter of Request from the Host Company addressed to the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York requesting for an STR Visa for the applicant. This letter must include the Applicant’s full name.
    3. Page Set 3: A copy of Expatriate Quota, stating the position of employment for the Applicant.
    4. Page Set 4: A copy of the Applicant's Employment Letter stating their position employment.
    5. Page Set 5: A copy of the Applicant’s signed Employment Acceptance Letter stating position of employment
    6. Page Set 6: Copies of Applicant's qualifications including degree(s), and diploma certificates matching those mentioned on the resume.
    7. Page Set 7: A copy of the Applicants credentials, certificates and curriculum vitae, all vetted by a relevant official of Nigerian High Commission/Embassy (English Certified translated copy where applicable)

    Please note that Applicants will also need to submit original copies of Certificates for inspection. Please submit these enclosed in a separate envelope marked "Original Certificates".

    STR Visa Application Requirements for the Primary Applicant's Spouse

    1. Original Passport and copy of Applicants Passport Data Page(s). Kindly note that Passports should have a minimum of six months validity.
    2. Copy of Applicants online Visa Application Form. This should be signed and dated.
    3. Printed copies of the Payment and Acknowledgment Slips.
    4. Two Passport-sized photographs
    5. Flight itinerary, including at least a copy of a flight booking, showing arrival and departure dates
    6. Spouse’s Bank Statement (showing adequate funds for an STR Visa. A minimum of $500 in credit is required and should be available for no more than three month at the time of submission.

    Additionally, the following documents should be submitted in four duplicate sets and arranged in the following order:

    1. Page Set 1: Online Nigerian Visa Application Form with one colored Passport-sized photograph (on white background) attached.
    2. Page Set 2: A copy of Letter of Request from the Host Company addressed to the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York requesting STR visa for the applicant, this must contain the applicants full name.
    3. Page Set 3: A copy of Spouse’s Expatriate Quota stating position of employment.
    4. Page Set 4 – A copy of Spouse’s Employment Letter stating position employment
    5. Page Set 5 – A copy of Spouse’s signed Employment Acceptance Letter stating position of employment
    6. Page Set 6 – Copies of Marriage Certificate

    Kindly note that Holders of Non-US Passports applying for a Nigerian Visa must also provide proof of Legal Residency (e.g. photocopy of green-card).

    STR Visa Application Requirements for the Primary Applicant's Children

    1. Original Passport and copy of Applicant's Passport Data Page(s). Kindy note that Passports should have a minimum of six months validity.
    2. Copy of Applicants online Visa Application Form. This should be signed and dated.
    3. Printed copies of the Payment and Acknowledgment Slips.
    4. Two Passport-sized photographs
    5. Flight itinerary, including at least a copy of a flight booking, showing arrival and departure dates.
    6. Copies of a Letter of Consent signed by both Parents.
    7. Four copies of the Child's Birth Certificate.
    8. Four copies of both Parents' valid Passport Data or Signature Pages.
    9. Parent's Bank Statement showing adequate funds for an STR Visa. A minimum of $500 in credit is required and should be available for no more than three months at the time of submission.
    10. Four Passport-sized photographs

      In addition, the following documents should be submitted in four duplicate sets and arranged in the following order:

      1. Page Set 1: Online Nigerian Visa Application Form  with one colored Passport-sized photograph (on white background) attached.
      2. Page Set 2: A copy of Letter of Request from the Host Company addressed to the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York requesting STR visa for the applicant. The letter must contain the applicants full name.
      3. Page Set 3: A copy of Parent’s Expatriate Quota stating position of employment
      4. Page Set 4: A copy of Parent’s Employment Letter stating position of employment
      5. Page Set 5: A copy of Parent’s signed Employment Acceptance Letter stating position of employment
      6. Page 6 – A copy of the Child’s Birth Certificate

      Temporary Work Permit Visa Requirements

      Temporary Work Permit (TWP) Visas are issued with a maximum approved stay of ninety days from the date of entry and subject to approval are renewable in Nigeria.
      1. Original Passport and copy of Applicants Passport Data Page(s). Kindly note that Passports should have a minimum of six months validity.
      2. Copy of Applicants online Visa Application Form. This should be signed and dated.
      3. Printed copies of the Payment and Acknowledgment Slips.
      4. Two Passport-sized photographs
      5. Flight itinerary, including at least a copy of a flight booking, showing arrival and departure dates.
      6. Copy of Letter of Employment stating position.
      7. Applicant’s Letter of Employment Acceptance
      8. A Letter of Introduction/Invitation stating position of Employment from the Host Organization in Nigeria. This letter must be addressed to the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York and must be on letterheaded paper stating the address of the Host Organization, the reason for the visit and must be signed and dated.
      9. A copy of the Comptroller General of Immigration's Approval Cable visa that lists the applicant’s name. Please note that this document is obtained by the Employer from the Nigeria Immigration Service in Nigeria on behalf of the Employee. The applicant must provide this document when submitting the Visa application to the Consulate.
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