India Visa for Nigeria Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to India as a Nigerian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the e-Tourist Visa application: required documents, current fees starting from $10, processing times of 3 to 5 days, and mandatory health requirements including Yellow Fever and Polio vaccinations. With proper documentation and health certificates, Nigerian applicants can expect a smooth application process.

Visa Application process

Nigerian citizens have two options for obtaining an India tourist visa: the e-Tourist Visa (online) or a regular visa through the High Commission.12 The e-visa is faster and more convenient for most travelers.

Prepare Required Documents

Before starting your application, gather all required documents including your passport, digital photograph, and most importantly, your Yellow Fever and Polio vaccination certificates.12 Nigerian citizens must have both health certificates as mandatory requirements.

Complete Online Application

Visit the official e-visa portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in and select “e-Tourist Visa.”1 Fill out the application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly.1

Upload Documents

Upload a clear scan of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photograph.1 Both documents must meet the specified format and size requirements. Poor quality uploads are a common cause of rejection.5

Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the applicable fee using a credit or debit card.1 Ensure your Nigerian bank card is enabled for international online transactions. Fees range from $10 to $80 depending on visa duration and season, plus a 2.5% bank transaction fee.6

Receive Your ETA

Within 72 hours to 5 business days, you will receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email.1 Print the ETA and carry it with your passport and health certificates when traveling to India. For travelers who prefer the traditional route or whose e-visa applications were rejected, regular visas can be obtained through the High Commission of India in Abuja or the Consulate General in Lagos.24 Required for Regular Visa: • Completed online visa application form (signed) • Original passport valid for at least 6 months • Two passport-sized photographs (50mm x 50mm) • Introduction letter and invitation from Indian host with PAN/Aadhaar copy • Travel and hotel bookings with detailed itinerary • Bank statement for the last 6 months • Employment letter or business documents • Yellow Fever and Polio vaccination certificates Submission Timings:24 • Abuja: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on working days • Lagos: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on working days

Visa Application Steps

1. Prepare Required Documents
2. Complete Online Application
3. Upload Documents
4. Pay the Visa Fee
5. Receive Your ETA

Visa Fees breakdown

Visa Type: Duration	30-Day e-Tourist Visa (April-June): 30 days, double entry	30-Day e-Tourist Visa (July-March): 30 days, double entry	1-Year e-Tourist Visa: 365 days, multiple entry	5-Year e-Tourist Visa: 5 years, multiple entry	Regular Tourist Visa: Varies	All e-visa fees are subject to a 2.5% bank transaction charge.6 The regular visa fee of $252 includes a $2 surcharge and is payable in US dollars.2

Required documents

Valid Passport
Passport Bio Page Scan
Digital Photograph
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
Oral Polio Vaccination Certificate
Travel Information
Reference in India
Payment Method

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in India • At least two blank pages for visa stamp; • Must be an ordinary passport (diplomatic passports not eligible for e-visa); • Passport must not be damaged or altered] (Tip: Ensure passport validity extends well beyond your intended stayKeep a scanned copy of your passport bio page ready for the online application)

Passport Bio Page Scan

Clear scanned image of your passport's biographical page • Format: PDF or JPEG; • File size: 10KB to 300KB; • All text must be clearly readable; • Photo on passport must be visible] (Tip: Use good lighting when scanning to ensure clarityAvoid shadows or glare on the passport page)

Digital Photograph

Recent passport-style photograph with white background • Format: JPEG; • Size: 10KB to 1MB; • Dimensions: Minimum 350x350 pixels; • White or light-colored background; • Face must occupy 50-60% of the photo; • Taken within the last 6 months] (Tip: Remove glasses and head coverings unless for religious purposesEnsure neutral expression with mouth closed)

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all Nigerian travelers • Must be an International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card); • Vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before travel; • Certificate is valid for life under WHO guidelines; • Required at port of entry in India] (Tip: Get vaccinated at an approved Yellow Fever vaccination centerCarry the original certificate, not a copyInfants under 6 months are exempt but require medical certificate)

Oral Polio Vaccination Certificate

Oral Polio Vaccination (OPV/IPV) certificate is mandatory for residents of polio-affected countries including Nigeria • Must be administered between 4 weeks and 1 year before arrival in India; • Certificate must be valid and show date of vaccination; • Required for entry into India] (Tip: Ensure the certificate clearly shows the vaccination dateCertificate validity is one year from vaccination date)

Travel Information

Details about your planned trip to India • Expected date of arrival in India; • Port of entry (must be one of 16 designated airports or 5 seaports); • Address of accommodation in India; • Detailed travel itinerary] (Tip: Book refundable accommodation until visa is approvedIf staying with friends or family, provide their full address)

Reference in India

Contact details of a reference person or hotel in India • Name and address of reference; • Can be a hotel, friend, or family member; • Phone number of reference] (Tip: If booking a hotel, use the hotel's contact detailsFor visits to friends or family, provide their contact information)

Payment Method

Credit or debit card for online fee payment • Visa, MasterCard, or other major cards accepted; • Payment wallets may also be available; • Additional 2.5% bank transaction fee applies] (Tip: Ensure your card is enabled for international transactionsNigerian bank cards may require prior authorization for online international payments)

Optional documents

Bank Statement | Employment Evidence | Invitation Letter from Indian Host

Bank Statement

Bank statements showing sufficient funds for your trip • Last 6 months of statements for regular visa; • Must show account holder name and account number; • Should demonstrate adequate funds for trip expenses] (Tip: Maintain consistent balance, avoid large unexplained depositsInclude both Naira and domiciliary accounts if applicable)

Employment Evidence

Documentation proving your employment status • Letter from employer on company letterhead; • Include position, salary, and length of employment; • Company contact details for verification] (Tip: If self-employed, provide CAC documents and recent invoicesStudents should provide letter from educational institution)

Invitation Letter from Indian Host

Letter of invitation from your host in India • Must include host's full name and address; • Host's contact details including phone number; • Scanned copy of host's PAN card or Aadhaar card; • Relationship to applicant and purpose of visit] (Tip: The invitation letter should be signed and datedHost can email the letter and ID copies directly to you)

Border entry information

The e-Tourist Visa is valid for entry through specific ports only.15
Designated Airports (16):
Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, Goa (Dabolim), Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Gaya, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangalore, Tiruchirapalli, and Varanasi.
Designated Seaports (5):
Mumbai, Cochin, Mormugao (Goa), Chennai, and New Mangalore.
You can exit India from any authorized Immigration Check Post.1

Comparison

Visa Type	Duration	Fee
30-Day e-Tourist Visa (April-June)	30 days, double entry	$10 + 2.5%
30-Day e-Tourist Visa (July-March)	30 days, double entry	$25 + 2.5%
1-Year e-Tourist Visa	365 days, multiple entry	$40 + 2.5%
5-Year e-Tourist Visa	5 years, multiple entry	$80 + 2.5%
Regular Tourist Visa	Varies	$252

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
30%	Missing or Invalid Health Certificates
25%	Incorrect or Incomplete Information
20%	Poor Quality Document Uploads
15%	Passport Validity Issues
10%	Previous Immigration Violations

30% - Missing or Invalid Health Certificates

How to avoid: Ensure both Yellow Fever and Polio vaccination certificates are valid and clearly show vaccination dates. Yellow Fever vaccination must be at least 10 days before travel; Polio vaccination must be within the past year but at least 4 weeks before arrival.

25% - Incorrect or Incomplete Information

How to avoid: Double-check all information matches your passport exactly. Ensure names, dates, passport numbers, and travel dates are entered correctly without typos.

20% - Poor Quality Document Uploads

How to avoid: Use good lighting when scanning documents. Ensure the passport scan is 10KB-300KB and photo is 10KB-1MB in JPEG format. Test readability before uploading.

15% - Passport Validity Issues

How to avoid: Verify your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date and has at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps.

10% - Previous Immigration Violations

How to avoid: If you have previous violations, consider applying for a regular visa through the High Commission where you can explain circumstances and provide additional documentation.

Frequently asked questions

How long does India e-visa processing take from Nigeria?

The India e-visa is typically processed within 72 hours to 5 business days. Applications should be submitted at least 4 days before your intended arrival date. During peak periods, processing may extend to 10 business days.

What is the India e-visa fee for Nigerians in 2026?

The fee varies by visa duration: $10 for 30-day visa (April-June), $25 for 30-day visa (July-March), $40 for 1-year visa, and $80 for 5-year visa. An additional 2.5% bank transaction fee applies. Regular visa through the High Commission costs $252.

Is Yellow Fever vaccination required for India visa from Nigeria?

Yes, Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers from Nigeria to India. You must carry the original International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) and present it at the port of entry in India.

Do Nigerians need a Polio vaccination certificate for India?

Yes, Nigeria is classified as a polio-affected country, so all Nigerian travelers must have a valid Oral Polio Vaccination (OPV/IPV) certificate. The vaccination must be administered between 4 weeks and 1 year before arrival in India.

Can Nigerians apply for India visa on arrival?

No, there is no visa on arrival for Nigerian citizens traveling to India. You must apply for either an e-visa online or a regular visa through the High Commission of India in Abuja or the Consulate General in Lagos before travel.

How long can I stay in India with a tourist e-visa?

The 30-day e-visa allows stays up to 30 days with double entry. The 1-year and 5-year e-visas allow multiple entries with a maximum continuous stay of 90 days per visit and up to 180 days total in a calendar year.

Which airports in India accept e-visa entry?

You can enter through 16 designated airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, Goa (Dabolim), Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Gaya, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangalore, Tiruchirapalli, and Varanasi. Five seaports also accept e-visa entry.

Where can I apply for a regular India visa in Nigeria?

Regular visa applications can be submitted at the High Commission of India in Abuja or the Consulate General of India in Lagos. Applications can be submitted from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM (Lagos) or 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Abuja) on working days.

What if my India e-visa application is rejected?

If rejected, review the rejection reason provided in the email notification. Common issues include incorrect information, poor quality documents, or missing health certificates. You can reapply immediately after addressing the issues, or apply for a regular visa through the High Commission.

Can I extend my India e-visa while in India?

No, the e-Tourist Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible. If you need to stay longer, you must exit India and apply for a new visa.

Apply for India tourist visa online

Sources

Indian e-Visa Portal

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

High Commission of India, Abuja, Nigeria

https://hciabuja.gov.in/pages/MTIw

High Commission of India, Abuja - Visa Instructions

https://hciabuja.gov.in/pages/MTA4

Consulate General of India, Lagos

https://cgilagos.gov.in/visa-services.php

Ministry of Home Affairs, India - e-Visa

https://www.mha.gov.in/en/commoncontent/e-visa

India e-Visa Fee Structure

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/Etourist_fee_final.pdf

At a glance