Nigeria Visa for United States Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Nigeria as an American citizen? You need a Tourism Visa (e-Visa) before you travel. The process is fully online: apply through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal, pay $160, and receive approval in 24-48 hours. With an approval rate above 95% for US applicants and straightforward documentation requirements, most Americans find the process quick and hassle-free.

Visa Application process

The entire application is completed online through the Nigeria Immigration Service e-Visa portal.2 Here is the step-by-step process:

Create an Account

Visit evisa.immigration.gov.ng and create an account with your email address.2 You will receive a confirmation email to verify your account.

Complete the Application Form

Fill out the online visa application form with your personal details, passport information, travel plans, and accommodation details.2 Select “Tourism Visa (F5A)” as your visa category.

Upload Required Documents

Upload digital copies of your supporting documents:1 • Passport biometric data page • Passport-size photograph (35mm x 40mm, white background) • Return flight booking • Hotel reservation or host address • Bank statement (last 180 days) • Yellow fever vaccination certificate

Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the $160 visa fee online using a credit or debit card.3 Save your payment receipt and application reference number.

Receive Your e-Visa

If approved, you will receive an Electronic Travel Authorisation Letter (eTAL) via email.2 Print this document and carry it with you to Nigeria. Present it at immigration upon arrival.

Visa Application Steps

1. Create an Account
2. Complete the Application Form
3. Upload Required Documents
4. Pay the Visa Fee
5. Receive Your e-Visa

Visa Fees breakdown

Item: Cost (USD)	Tourism Visa (F5A): $160	Bank Processing Fee: $20	Total: $180	The visa fee must be paid online during the application process.3 All fees are non-refundable once the application is submitted, regardless of the outcome.

What you need to prove

To obtain a Nigeria tourist visa, you must demonstrate:

Sufficient funds to support your stay in Nigeria
A bank statement showing consistent balances over 6 months
Recommended minimum: $100 per day of planned stay
Defined tourism itinerary
Confirmed accommodation arrangements
Return or onward travel bookings
Valid yellow fever vaccination certificate
Vaccination must be at least 10 days old at time of travel

Required documents

Valid US Passport
Passport-Size Photo
Return Flight Ticket
Accommodation Evidence
Bank Statement
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Online Application Form

Valid US Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date • Minimum 6 months validity from date of arrival; • At least 2 blank pages for visa stamp; • Must be in good condition with no damage] (Tip: Check your passport expiry date before applyingEnsure the biometric data page is clear and undamaged)

Passport-Size Photo

A recent passport-style photograph meeting Nigerian specifications • Size: 35mm x 40mm; • White background only; • No head coverings except for religious reasons; • Taken within the last 6 months] (Tip: Use a professional photo service for best resultsEnsure your face is clearly visible with neutral expression)

Return Flight Ticket

Proof of a booked return flight or onward travel from Nigeria • Must show departure from Nigeria within visa validity; • Confirmed booking (not just a quote); • Ticket must match passport name exactly] (Tip: Book flexible or refundable tickets in case of visa delaysEnsure dates align with your planned stay)

Accommodation Evidence

Proof of where you will stay during your visit to Nigeria • Hotel reservation with confirmation number; • Or letter from host with their Nigerian address; • Must cover your entire intended stay] (Tip: If staying with friends or family, provide their full contact detailsHotel bookings should be refundable in case plans change)

Bank Statement

Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay • Bank statement covering last 180 days (6 months); • Must show consistent balance and regular income; • Recommended minimum: $100 per day of stay] (Tip: Use official bank statements with letterheadAvoid large unexplained deposits before applying)

Yellow Fever Vaccination

International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever • Valid Yellow Card (International Certificate of Vaccination); • Vaccination must be received at least 10 days before travel; • Required for all travelers to Nigeria] (Tip: Get vaccinated at an authorized yellow fever vaccination centerThe vaccination is valid for life once received)

Online Application Form

Completed e-Visa application through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal • Apply online at evisa.immigration.gov.ng; • Print the completed application form; • Print the payment acknowledgment receipt] (Tip: Double-check all information before submittingSave your application reference number)

Optional documents

Documents for Minors

Additional documents required for children traveling to Nigeria • Birth certificate of the minor; • Parental consent letter if traveling without both parents; • Copy of accompanying adult's passport] (Tip: Notarize consent letters for added securityBoth parents should sign if only one is traveling with the child)

Border entry information

E-Visa holders can enter Nigeria through these designated ports:2
International Airports
• Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos
• Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja
• Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano
• Port Harcourt International Airport
All airports are equipped with e-Gate facilities for faster processing of e-Visa holders.

Comparison

Item	Cost (USD)
Tourism Visa (F5A)	$160
Bank Processing Fee	$20
Total	$180

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
30%	Incomplete Documentation
25%	Insufficient Financial Proof
20%	Incorrect or Inconsistent Information
15%	Invalid Travel Documents
10%	Missing Yellow Fever Certificate

30% - Incomplete Documentation

How to avoid: Create a checklist of all required documents and verify each one before submitting. Ensure your passport photo meets the exact specifications (35mm x 40mm, white background).

25% - Insufficient Financial Proof

How to avoid: Provide a bank statement covering at least 180 days showing consistent funds. The recommended minimum is $100 per day of your planned stay. Avoid large unexplained deposits immediately before applying.

20% - Incorrect or Inconsistent Information

How to avoid: Triple-check all personal details match exactly across all documents. Passport name, number, and dates must be identical on your application and supporting documents.

15% - Invalid Travel Documents

How to avoid: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival. Provide confirmed flight bookings (not quotes) and accommodation for your entire trip.

10% - Missing Yellow Fever Certificate

How to avoid: Get vaccinated at an authorized center at least 10 days before travel. Keep your Yellow Card safe as you will need it at Nigerian immigration.

Frequently asked questions

Do US citizens need a visa to visit Nigeria?

Yes. All US citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Nigeria for tourism. The Tourism Visa (F5A) can be applied for online through Nigeria's e-Visa portal. There is no visa-free access or visa on arrival for American tourists.

How long does Nigeria visa approval take for Americans?

Most e-Visa applications are processed within 24-48 hours. During busy periods, processing may take up to 5 business days. Apply at least one week before your planned travel date to allow for any delays.

How much does the Nigeria tourist visa cost for US citizens?

The Nigeria Tourism Visa costs $160 for US passport holders. This fee is paid online during the application process and is non-refundable once the application is submitted.

How long can I stay in Nigeria on a tourist visa?

The Tourism Visa (F5A) allows a maximum stay of 30 days in Nigeria. The visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, meaning you must enter Nigeria within 90 days of approval. The visa is single-entry and cannot be extended.

Can I work in Nigeria on a tourist visa?

No. The Tourism Visa permits only tourism activities. Employment, paid or unpaid, is strictly prohibited. If you need to work in Nigeria, you must apply for an appropriate work visa or permit.

Is yellow fever vaccination required for Nigeria?

Yes. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers entering Nigeria. You must have a valid International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) and present it upon arrival. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.

Can I extend my Nigeria tourist visa?

No. The Tourism Visa (F5A) is not extendable. You must leave Nigeria before your 30-day stay expires. If you wish to stay longer, you must exit the country and apply for a new visa.

What happens if my Nigeria visa is refused?

If your e-Visa is rejected, you can submit a new application addressing the issues raised. Common reasons for refusal include incomplete documentation or insufficient funds. Visa fees are non-refundable. You can contact the Nigeria Immigration Service at [email protected] for clarification.

Do I need an invitation letter for Nigeria tourist visa?

An invitation letter is not required for the Tourism Visa (F5A). However, if you are staying with friends or family rather than a hotel, you should provide their Nigerian address and contact details as your accommodation evidence.

Can I apply for Nigeria visa at the airport on arrival?

No. As of May 2026, Nigeria has discontinued the Visa on Arrival system for most travelers. US citizens must obtain an e-Visa before traveling. Apply through the official portal at evisa.immigration.gov.ng.

Apply for Nigeria tourist visa online

Sources

Nigeria Immigration Service - Tourism Visa F5A

https://immigration.gov.ng/info-center/tourism-visa-f5a/

Nigeria Immigration Service - e-Visa Portal

https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng

Embassy of Nigeria, Washington DC - Visas

https://nigeriaembassyusa.org/visas/

US Department of State - Nigeria Travel Advisory

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/nigeria-travel-advisory.html

CDC - Nigeria Traveler Health Information

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/nigeria

At a glance