NIGERIA VISA POLICY (NVP) 2020

A Policy governs the issuance of visas to foreign nationals, categorising types and eligibility. It targets foreign visitors and Nigerian immigration officers. This modernises the visa system to attract investors while maintaining security.

What Is This Policy?

A comprehensive visa policy that governs the issuance of visas to foreign nationals seeking to enter Nigeria, categorising visa types, eligibility criteria, and procedures.

Who Does It Target?

Foreign nationals wishing to visit Nigeria for tourism, business, study, or work Nigerian missions abroad issuing visas Nigeria Immigration Service officers at ports of entry Employers sponsoring foreign workers

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Liberalise and modernise Nigeria's visa regime to attract investors, tourists, and diaspora visitors, while maintaining immigration security and border management.

Key Features

Visa on Arrival (VoA): Extends visa on arrival to nationals of certain countries, reducing pre-travel bureaucracy for business visitors. e-Visa Platform: Introduces an electronic visa application system for streamlined processing before travel. Multiple Visa Categories: Defines visa categories including tourist, business, transit, subject to regularisation (STR), and temporary work permit visas. African Union Citizens: Provides for simplified visa issuance or visa-free access consistent with Nigeria's African Union and ECOWAS obligations.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active - being implemented by the Nigeria Immigration Service Coverage: All Nigerian ports of entry; Nigerian missions worldwide Beneficiaries: Foreign visitors, Nigerian businesses receiving international guests, tourism sector Funding: Visa fee revenues

How to Access

Valid international passport with at least 6 months validity Complete visa application (online for e-Visa) Provide proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds Pay applicable visa fees Application method: Apply online at https://immigration.gov.ng or through the nearest Nigerian mission.

Important Terms

Overstaying a visa is illegal and attracts deportation and banning Business visas do not permit formal employment STR visa holders must regularise their status within 90 days

Official Resources

Website: https://www.immigration.gov.ng Contact: Nigeria Immigration Service

Legal Framework

The Nigeria Visa Policy 2020 operates under the Immigration Act 2015, the Nigerian Immigration Service Act, the National Identity Management Commission Act 2007, and the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act. It aligns with the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons and the Community Travel Document, bilateral visa agreements, and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards on Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTD) for biometric passports and visas.