This article provides comprehensive instructions on obtaining a Nigerian Entry Visa, focusing on the Visa on Arrival process and general visa requirements. It includes essential information applicable to all Nigerian Visa categories processed by the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York.
General Visa Information
All Nigerian Visa applicants are required to visit a Visa Processing Centre for Biometrics enrollment. An appointment is mandatory for every visit at the OIS visa processing center. 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. Physical passport photographs are not required for applicants between ages five and sixty-four. 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.
Applicants for a Nigerian Visa can visit OIS Services in New York on their appointment date to submit their Nigerian Visa Application. Once completed, applicants can submit application and required documents at the approved Visa Application Centre. Passports must be valid for at least 180 days after the intended date of departure to Nigeria. The person(s) exercising Parental authority or the Legal Guardianship over a minor must sign on behalf of the minor. Applicants’ fingerprints (biometrics) will be taken upon successful submission of application at OIS Office in New York.
Nigerian e-Visa
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. Kindly note that the maximum stay allowed with a Nigerian E-Visa is 90 days. 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. Close the screen to proceed to payment or to submit additional Visa Applications. Applicants may also choose to make a payment at a later date. Note that all online Application payments are valid for a period of six months from the date of submission.
Required Documents for e-Visa Application
- Copy of your online Nigerian Visa Application Form.
- Flight itinerary for the trip.
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.
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Specific Visa Types and Requirements
Depending on the purpose of your visit, different types of visas are available, each with specific requirements.
Visitor/Tourist Visa
- Original Passport and copy of Passport Data Page(s).
- Copy of the Applicants online Visa Application Form.
- 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.
- A copy of the Host’s Passport. This should include the Hosts's Passport Data Page, photograph and signature.
Business Visa
- Original Passport and copy of Passport Data Page(s).
- Copy of Applicants online Visa Application Form.
- Business invitation on Business Letterhead, addressed to the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York.
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.
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Transit Visa
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.
- Original Passport and copy of Passport Data Page(s).
- Copy of Applicants online Visa Application Form.
Subject to Regulation (STR) Visa
Please note that Subject to Regulation (STR) Visas are issued with approval to stay for a period of two years.
- Original Passport and copy of Applicants Passport Data Page(s).
- Copy of Applicants online Visa Application Form.
- 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.
Please note that Applicants will also need to submit original copies of Certificates for inspection.
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- Original Passport and copy of Applicants Passport Data Page(s).
- Copy of Applicants online Visa Application Form.
- Spouse’s Bank Statement (showing adequate funds for an STR Visa.
Holders of Non-US Passports
- Original Passport and copy of Applicant's Passport Data Page(s).
- Copy of Applicants online Visa Application Form.
- Parent's Bank Statement showing adequate funds for an STR Visa.
- 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.
Additional Requirements
- Original Passport and copy of Applicants Passport Data Page(s).
- Copy of Applicants online Visa Application Form.
- A Letter of Introduction/Invitation stating position of Employment from the Host Organization in Nigeria.
- 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.
Nigeria Visa on Arrival: What You Need to Know
Nigeria's "Visa on Arrival" requires pre-approval. You must receive a Visa on Arrival approval document from a Nigerian embassy or consulate prior to travel to Nigeria. A Visa on Arrival is only available for the purpose of business travel, as defined by the Nigerian government. No Visa on Arrival is available for tourism. If you attempt to travel to Nigeria without a visa issued into your passport or a Visa on Arrival approval document from a Nigerian embassy or consulate, you will be refused entry. This information is subject to change.
Additional Information for Travelers
Here are some important points to consider before traveling to Nigeria:
- Firearms: The Nigerian Fire Arms Act (1990) provides that no person shall have in his possession or under his control any firearm or ammunition except such person that has a license from the President or from the Inspector General of Police.
- Departure Requirements: You cannot legally depart Nigeria unless you can prove, by presenting your visa and entry stamp, that you entered Nigeria legally. In addition, if you exceed your authorized period of stay, you will be required to pay a fine before being allowed to depart.
- Health Requirements: A World Health Organization (WHO) yellow card is required for entry into the country. The Nigerian authorities require a Yellow Fever vaccination within the past ten years and that adults have a Polio booster after the original childhood vaccine series.
- HIV/AIDS Restrictions: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Nigeria. Nigerian authorities may deny entry to foreigners who are “undesirable for medical reasons” and may require HIV tests for foreigners intending to marry Nigerian citizens.
Safety and Security
It's important to be aware of potential safety concerns when traveling in Nigeria:
- Terrorism: Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack -including knives, firearms, and vehicles - to target crowds more effectively.
- Crime: Muggings, assaults, burglaries, car-jackings, rape, kidnappings, and extortion occur regularly.
- Demonstrations: Demonstrations occur frequently.
- Scams: Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Nigeria.
Health and Medical Information
Be prepared for potential health challenges:
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- Medical Facilities: Nigerian medical facilities are generally poorly equipped. Many medicines are unavailable, including medications for diabetes or asthma.
- Counterfeit Medications: Take care when purchasing medicines locally, as counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem, and may be difficult to distinguish from genuine medications.
- Emergency Services: Emergency services comparable to those in the United States or Europe are non-existent, and the blood supply is unreliable and unsafe for transfusion.
- Water Safety: Tap water is unsafe. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe.
- Malaria: Centers for Disease Control lists Nigeria as “critically high risk” for Malaria.
- Air Quality: The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons.
Traveler Assistance
In case of emergency, contact:
- Report crimes to the local police at 112.
- Contact the Embassy at +(234)(9)461-4328 or Consulate General at +(234)(1) 460-3400.
This information is intended as a guide and it is subject to change. Always verify the latest requirements with the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate.
| Visa Type | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Visitor/Tourist Visa |
|
| Business Visa |
|
| Transit Visa |
|
| STR Visa |
|
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