Nigeria Tourist Visa Guide for Indians 2026

Nigeria offers Indian citizens several visa categories through the e-visa system. All applications are submitted online through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal.

Visa Type | Best For | Fee | Max Stay

Tourist e-Visa (F6A) | Leisure travel, sightseeing | US $253 (~₹22,121) | 30-90 days

Visiting Visa (Social Visit) | Visiting friends/family | US $253 (~₹22,121) | Up to 90 days

Business e-Visa (F4B) | Professional meetings | US $253 (~₹22,121) | Up to 90 days

Transit Visa | Connecting flights | Varies | Up to 7 days

Tourist e-Visa (F6A) is the most common option for Indian travellers visiting Nigeria for leisure. It costs US $253, allows a stay of up to 90 days, and is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. You must enter Nigeria within this 6-month window. The NIS decides whether you receive single or multiple entry.

Visiting Visa (Social Visit) is for Indians visiting family or friends in Nigeria. It costs the same US $253 and allows stays of up to 90 days. You will need an invitation letter from your Nigerian host and their proof of residence.

Business e-Visa (F4B) is for Indian professionals travelling for commercial purposes. It costs US $253 and allows stays of up to 90 days. It requires an invitation letter from a Nigerian company and a mission order from the Indian employer.

Transit Visa is for travellers connecting through Nigeria to another destination. It allows stays of up to 7 days and costs vary by nationality.

Important: As of May 1, 2025, Nigeria officially discontinued the Visa on Arrival (VoA) system for all international travellers, including Indian citizens. You CANNOT obtain a visa upon landing in Lagos, Abuja, or any other Nigerian airport. The e-visa is now mandatory — apply online at immigration.gov.ng before departure.

Indian citizens can apply for a Nigeria tourist e-visa through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal. Here is who qualifies:

Basic eligibility:

·        Indian passport holder with at least 6 months validity from intended date of entry

·        At least 2 blank pages in the passport

·        Travelling for tourism, leisure, or visiting friends/family

·        Confirmed return or onward flight ticket

·        Valid yellow fever and polio vaccination certificates

For the e-visa:

·        Indian passport holders can apply online at immigration.gov.ng

·        Must upload passport scan, passport-size photos, and supporting documents

·        Must provide hotel booking and return flight details

·        Credit or debit card for online payment

Stronger applications have:

·        Previous international travel history

·        Stable employment with a regular salary

·        Minimum bank balance of ₹50,000+ maintained consistently

·        Income Tax Returns for the last 2 years

·        Clear ties to India (property, family, employment)

Who may face challenges:

·        Passport with less than 6 months validity

·        No return or onward ticket

·        Missing yellow fever or polio vaccination certificates

·        Inconsistent travel information or missing documents

Expert Tip: Both yellow fever AND polio vaccinations are MANDATORY for Nigeria. Get yellow fever vaccinated at least 10 days before departure and polio at least 4 weeks before. Carry original certificates — without them, you will be denied entry even with a valid e-visa. The yellow fever vaccine costs approximately ₹300-500 and the oral polio vaccine is free at government hospitals.

The e-visa process is entirely online — you only need digital copies. Here is what you need:

1.      Passport — Clear scan of the bio-data page. Valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry, with at least 2 blank pages.

2.      Passport-size photographs — Two recent colour photos, white background, passport-size. Avoid wearing white shirts. JPEG format.

3.      Yellow fever vaccination certificate — Original certificate, obtained at least 10 days before departure. This is MANDATORY.

4.      Polio vaccination certificate — Original certificate, obtained at least 4 weeks before departure. This is MANDATORY.

5.      Bank statements — Last 3 months of statements showing sufficient funds. Recommended minimum balance: ₹50,000+ per person.

6.      Return or onward flight ticket — Confirmed booking showing your departure from Nigeria.

7.      Hotel booking or invitation letter — Confirmed hotel reservation for your stay, or an invitation letter from a Nigerian host with their proof of residence.

8.      Travel itinerary — Day-by-day plan of your activities in Nigeria.

9.      Employment proof — Letter from employer on company letterhead, or business registration for self-employed.

Tip: The e-visa process is entirely digital — you do NOT need to submit your physical passport. Upload clear scans of all documents. Ensure your passport scan shows all details clearly. Blurred or incomplete scans are a common reason for delays.

Nigeria's e-visa fees are straightforward. Here is the complete breakdown:

Tourist e-Visa Fees:

Fee Component | Amount (USD) | Amount (INR)

Visa fee | $253 | ~₹22,121

Administrative charge | $100 | ~₹8,747

Total e-visa | $353 | ~₹30,888

Credit card processing fee | 3-4% | ~₹900-1,200

Payment methods:

·        Credit card or debit card on the Nigeria Immigration Service e-visa portal

·        Visa, MasterCard accepted

Important notes:

·        All fees are non-refundable, even if your visa is refused

·        Payment must be completed before application processing begins

·        The NIS reserves the right to decide visa duration and validity regardless of the fee paid

·        No hidden charges or service fees for the official e-visa system

·        Additional costs include vaccinations (₹300-500 for yellow fever, free for polio), photos, and documentation

The process is entirely online through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal:

Step-by-Step e-Visa Application:

10.   Visit the official Nigeria Immigration Service portal at immigration.gov.ng.

11.   Create an account with your email address and verify via the confirmation link.

12.   Select the Tourist e-Visa (F6A) category.

13.   Fill the application form with your personal information, passport details, and travel itinerary.

14.   Upload your passport scan, passport-size photos, yellow fever certificate, polio certificate, bank statement, flight ticket, and hotel booking.

15.   Pay the fee online using your credit or debit card (US $253 + $100 administrative charge = $353 total).

16.   Submit your application. You will receive an Application ID and Reference Number.

17.   Wait for processing — typically 24-48 hours. Track your application online using your Application ID.

18.   Receive your e-visa via email with the approved e-visa attachment.

19.   Print the e-visa — carry the printed copy with your passport when travelling. Digital copies alone are NOT accepted at immigration.

Tracking Your Application:

·        Log in to the NIS portal with your Application ID and Reference Number

·        Status updates: Submitted → Under Review → Approved/Rejected

·        Contact NIS only if processing exceeds 15 working days

Tip: The e-visa is the fastest and easiest route — most approvals come within 24-48 hours. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your intended travel date to account for any delays. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.

Processing times for the Nigeria tourist e-visa:

Application Method | Processing Time

Tourist e-Visa (Standard) | 24-48 hours

Tourist e-Visa (Complex cases) | Up to 15 working days

When to apply:

·        At least 2-3 weeks before travel

·        Ensure yellow fever vaccination is done at least 10 days before departure

·        Ensure polio vaccination is done at least 4 weeks before departure

·        Peak travel season: November-February (dry season in Nigeria)

Important: Nigeria does not currently offer expedited or rush processing for the standard e-visa. The 24-48 hour processing is already fast. If your application requires additional documentation, processing may take longer.

Nigeria is a mid-range African destination with affordable options for budget travellers. Here is what you need to show and what to budget:

For the e-visa:

·        Bank statements for the last 3 months

·        Recommended minimum balance: ₹50,000+ per person

·        No fixed minimum required by law, but insufficient funds are a common rejection reason

Daily budget reference (in INR):

Budget Level | Per Day | 7-Day Trip

Budget | ₹4,000-6,000 | ₹28,000-42,000

Mid-range | ₹6,000-12,000 | ₹42,000-84,000

Premium | ₹12,000-25,000 | ₹84,000-1,75,000

Trip cost estimates (7 days):

Cost Component | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium

Flights (round-trip) | ₹35,000-55,000 | ₹55,000-80,000 | ₹80,000-1,20,000

Accommodation (7 nights) | ₹7,000-15,000 | ₹18,000-42,000 | ₹50,000-1,40,000

Food (7 days) | ₹2,500-5,000 | ₹5,000-10,000 | ₹12,000-25,000

Activities and transport | ₹3,000-6,000 | ₹7,000-15,000 | ₹15,000-35,000

Visa fees | ₹30,888 | ₹30,888 | ₹30,888

Total | ₹78,388-1,11,888 | ₹1,15,888-1,77,888 | ₹1,87,888-3,50,888

Looking for more West African adventures? Our Ghana tourist visa guide covers Accra and Cape Coast, and our Senegal tourist visa guide covers Dakar and the Sahel. If you want to explore beyond West Africa, check out our Kenya tourist visa guide for the Maasai Mara and Amboseli.

Lagos is electric. Africa's most populous city — with over 20 million people — pulses with an energy that is impossible to describe until you experience it. From the chaos of Balogun Market to the sophistication of Victoria Island, from Nollywood film studios to Afrobeats concerts, Lagos is a city that never sleeps. Indian travellers love the vibrant food scene, the warm hospitality, and the surprising number of Indian restaurants and shops.

The culture is incredibly rich. Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups, each with its own language, traditions, and festivals. The Eyo Festival in Lagos, the Durbar in the north, and the New Yam Festival in the southeast arespectacular cultural events. The art scene — from contemporary galleries in Lagos to traditional bronze castings in Benin City — is among the most dynamic in Africa.

The wildlife is surprising. Yankari National Park is one of West Africa's finest wildlife reserves, with elephants, lions, hippos, and over 350 bird species. The park's warm springs and savanna landscapes offer a safari experience that few tourists discover.

The Indian community is large. Nigeria has one of the largest Indian communities in West Africa, with an estimated 50,000 Indians living in Lagos, Abuja, and other cities. Indian restaurants, temples, and cultural organisations are widely available, making it easy to find familiar food and community.

The value is excellent. Nigeria offers world-class culture, wildlife, and city experiences at a fraction of the cost of European or Asian destinations. Budget travellers can explore comfortably on ₹4,000-6,000 per day.

Lagos nightlife is legendary. Indians who visit Lagos consistently rate the nightlife as the highlight of their trip. From beach clubs on Lagos Island to Afrobeats clubs in Victoria Island, from live music venues to rooftop bars — Lagos comes alive after dark in a way that rivals any city in the world.

The Indian food is incredible. Nigeria has a thriving Indian food scene, particularly in Lagos and Abuja. From South Indian dosas to North Indian curries, from street food chaat to fine dining — Indian travellers are consistently surprised by the quality and variety of Indian restaurants available.

Zuma Rock is awe-inspiring. The 725-metre monolith rising from the earth near Abuja is one of Nigeria's most iconic landmarks. Indians love the dramatic photo opportunities and the local legends surrounding the rock.

The markets are overwhelming. Balogun Market in Lagos is one of the largest markets in West Africa — a sprawling labyrinth of textiles, electronics, food, and everything imaginable. Indian travellers love the bargaining, the colours, and the sheer scale of the experience.

The people are incredibly warm. Nigerians are known for their hospitality and sense of humour. Indian travellers consistently mention the friendliness and generosity of the locals as one of the trip's highlights.

1. Assuming visa on arrival is still available. Nigeria discontinued the VoA system on May 1, 2025. You CANNOT get a visa upon landing — apply for the e-visa online before departure. Arriving without an e-visa will result in denied entry.

2. Forgetting the polio vaccination. While yellow fever gets most of the attention, polio vaccination is ALSO mandatory for Nigeria. Get vaccinated at least 4 weeks before departure and carry the original certificate.

3. Applying through unofficial websites. Use only the official Nigeria Immigration Service portal at immigration.gov.ng. Third-party websites charge inflated fees for the same visa.

4. Passport with less than 6 months validity. The e-visa requires at least 6 months validity from your entry date. Arriving with an expiring passport will result in denied boarding and denied entry.

5. Not printing the e-visa. While the e-visa is delivered digitally, you MUST print a copy to carry with your passport. Digital copies alone are NOT accepted at immigration.

6. Not having enough bank balance. While there is no fixed minimum, insufficient funds are a common rejection reason. Maintain at least ₹50,000 in your account for the last 3 months.

7. Booking non-refundable flights before visa approval. Wait for your e-visa to be approved before booking non-refundable flights and hotels. Visa rejections happen even with complete documentation.

8. Overstaying the visa. Penalties for overstaying in Nigeria are severe. Plan your trip within the allowed stay period and depart before your visa expires.

Multiple airlines operate flights between India and Nigeria with one or two connections. The route is well-served and competitive.

Route | Airlines | Duration | Round-Trip Cost

Delhi → Lagos | Emirates, Qatar, Ethiopian, Air India | 12-18 hours | ₹45,000-80,000

Mumbai → Lagos | Emirates, Qatar, Ethiopian | 12-20 hours | ₹50,000-85,000

Delhi → Abuja | Emirates, Qatar, Ethiopian | 14-20 hours | ₹48,000-82,000

Emirates via Dubai and Qatar Airways via Doha are typically the cheapest options. Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa offers good connections. Air India operates direct flights on some routes. Booking 3-4 months in advance yields the best fares.

7-Day Nigeria Highlights

Day 1-2: Lagos — City exploration, markets, beaches, nightlife.

Day 3-4: Abuja — Zuma Rock, National Mosque, arts village.

Day 5-6: Yankari — Safari, warm springs, wildlife.

Day 7: Lagos — Departure.