A Detailed Guide About Nigeria Visa for Indian Citizens

Laura Amber, Senior Traveler, Italy

An infographic featuring a cityscape of Lagos, Nigeria, with text on the left side. The image is divided by a curved white overlay containing the title

Nigeria is in the west of Africa. So, it is known for its landscapes and thriving culture. Thus, it is considered an influential African continent. It offers uncountable opportunities for exploration to foreigners including Indians.So, if you plan to visit Nigeria for diverse purposes, this guide will help you get a Nigeria visa. Moreover, delves into the application process and other aspects of visa.

WHY TO CHOOSE NIGERIA?

Nigeria has a strategic location and abundant natural resources. Its location and youthful population make it an attractive tourist destination for foreigners.

Adventure seekers and individuals who want to expand their business come to Nigeria.

Moreover, it has many museums that highlight the history of Nigeria. The economy of Nigeria is diverse and evolving in that individuals find many chances to earn and grow.

FACTS FILE OF NIGERIA

Here is the table showing you the quick facts about Nigeria.

Category Details
Official Name Federal Republic of Nigeria
Capital City Abuja
Largest City Lagos
Population Approximately 223 million (2024 estimate)
Area 923, 769 square kilometer
Official Language English
Currency Nigerian Naira (NGN)
Independence Day October 1, 1960
Main Religion Islam, Christianity
Major Ethnic Groups Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo
GDP (Nominal) Approximately $447 billion (2024 estimate)
Major Exports Crude oil, natural gas, cocoa, rubber
Time Zone West Africa Time (WAT, UTC +1)
Calling Code +234
Internet TLD .ng

WHAT IS A NIGERIA VISA & WHAT IS ITS PURPOSE?

A Nigerian visa is a travel document that allows the foreign national to induce Indians to enter legally in the country for a specific purpose & duration.

Yet, Nigerian visas, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are categorized into different types depending on the duration of stay and visit purpose. 

TYPES OF NIGERIAN VISAS FOR INDIANS

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So, depending on the purpose of short-term and long-term visits there are the following types of visas granted to Indians.

SHORT-TERM STAY VISAS
  Purpose Validity
Tourist Visa Tourism, visiting friends/family Up to 90 days
Business Visa Business meetings, conferences, trade fairs Up to 90 days
Transit Visa Passing through Nigeria to another destination Valid for 7 days
Visa on Arrival (VoA) Business purposes, emergencies For 30 days
  • Yet, Indians are eligible for VoA with initial online approval. So, they must apply online before travel and collect at the airport.
 TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT
Visa Type Purpose Validity 
Temporary Work Permit (TWP) Employment for short-term projects, consultants Typically 3-6 months
Expatriate Quota Visa Employment, long-term contracts Duration of employment contract
Subject to Regularization (STR) Visa Employment for expatriates, family reunification Initial entry visa for TRP

So, a temporary residence permit is valid for a maximum of 1 year, and after that period you must renew it for the next year.

PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT 
Visa Type Purpose Validity 
Residence Permit (CERPAC) Permanent residency for expatriates, and investors for up to 2 years, renewable
Naturalization Citizenship For those Indians meeting residency or marriage criteria through the Ministry of Interior. So, don`t need to renew.

Remember That

  1. PR of Nigeria is for Indians with a long-term stay in Nigeria. So, the investors apply through the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

WHICH INDIANS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR NIGERIA VISA?

The Indians who are applying for a Nigeria visa must confirm their eligibility for the visa. Yet, some conditions must be fulfilled before making yourself eligible for a visa, including

  1. They must be financially stable to apply for the visa. 
  2. They provide the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) to ensure that they are not engaged in any criminal activity in India.
  3. Moreover, they must have a Medical Certificate to prove they are physically and mentally fit for their visit to Nigeria.
  4. Besides, they must have an NOC form to support their visa application.
  5. Must have an ID Card (Adhaar card) in India, that provides your Indian citizenship.
  6. Proof of Indian residency (for Indians & non-Indians living in India).

IS NIGERIA A PART OF THE SCHENGEN ZONE?

No, Nigeria is not a Schengen country. The Schengen area consists of 28 EU countries that have abolished border controls between each other. 

Nigeria is an African country in the continent of Africa. So, the requirements for visas are not the same as those Schengen countries have.

DO INDIANS GET NIGERIAN ON-ARRIVAL VISAS?

Yes, Indian nationals are eligible to obtain an on-arrival visa from Nigeria. Yet, they can apply through the immigration portal at the Nigerian airport, and the process of an on-arrival visa is very simple.

Moreover, it takes a few hours to process, and the visa is electronically stamped on your passport.

WHAT ARE THE GENERAL VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR A NIGERIA VISA?

The Indians applying for a visa must provide some legal documents required for a visa. Yet, the Nigerian embassy has created a list of general requirements that you must meet for a visa such as

VISA APPLICATION FORM

 A close-up, high-angle shot focusing on a person's hands as they write on a white document with a thin black marker. The person wears a floral-patterned sleeve and a black coiled bracelet. The setting appears to be a collaborative workspace, with a yellow mug, blurred figures, and glassware on a dark table in the background.

First, you must fill out the visa application form by logging in to your account on the Nigerian Immigration Portal. Yet, it is a mandatory requirement for a visa. So, make sure the information provided in the application form is authentic and accurate.

Generally, it contains the following information

  • Name of applicant 
  • ID card number
  • Sex & marital status 
  • Passport number
  • Travel purpose
  • Email & home address
  • Accommodation information

PASSPORT

A passport is mandatory for a visa, it confirms your nationality, and the visa stamp is suffixed on the passport. Moreover, read about the requirements of passport renewal before applying for a visa.

Thus, make sure it meets the below criteria that are

  • It must have two blank pages for stamping your Nigeria visa.
  • It must have a validity of 6 months beyond your planned stay in Nigeria.
  • Moreover, it was issued to you in the past 10 years.

PHOTOGRAPHS

You must have two pictures in passport size to attract with your visa application form. Moreover, the pictures are required for your identification. Thus, make sure it must meet the standards outlined by the Nigerian embassy, such as

  • Have a standard passport size of 35mm by 40mm. 
  • The background of the picture must be clear white.
  • Moreover, it was captured in the past 6 months. 
  • It must be in good condition without any wear or tear.

TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE

Get Dummy Travel Insurance For Schengen Visa Application

A travel insurance visa application is mandatory while applying for a visa. It acts as a shield to protect you from unforeseen issues during your stay in Nigeria. Moreover, there are some circumstances in which the insurance policy is applicable.

  • Hospitalization
  • Loss of baggage
  • Repatriation
  • 24/7 support
  • Flight cancellation

Besides, there are some characteristics of the insurance policy, such as

  1. Have an amount of 30,000 to 50,000 Euros.
  2. Remains valid throughout your stay in Nigeria. 
  3. Moreover, it is renewable depending on the duration of stay.

FLIGHT RESERVATION

Hotel Booking For Visa Application

Get flight reservation for visa as it is mandatory for your visa. As it proves your travel plans to the authorities. Yet, it is not a confirmed flight ticket and just ensures your seat on the airplane for a specific period. 

Moreover, it supports your visa application until it is processed and results are driven. 

Usually, a dummy ticket from a licensed and authorized travel agency is obtained for $27 to $30. 

 The information included in a dummy ticket contains 

  • The name of the passenger
  • Travel dates including (arrival, departure & time)
  • Airport IATA codes
  • 6 digit PNR
  • Connecting flights (if applicable)

PROOF OF ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Booking For Visa Application

Proof of hotel booking is necessary to support your visa application. Yet, a dummy proof of hotel booking for a visa application can be used as evidence to support your Nigeria visa application. 

Thus, you do not need to reserve a room in a hotel just for your visa application. So, you will face a loss if your visa is rejected.

Generally, a dummy hotel booking contains the following information

  • Name of hotel, location & contact details
  • Reservation code or rental agreement
  • Dates of entry and exit from the hotel

COVER LETTER

cover letter for visa

The general purpose of a cover letter is to support your visa application by providing a summary of your travel plans.

So, it consists of only 1 page, thus follow these tips for writing it.

  • Always make your cover letter personal.
  • Your cover letter must be clear without any cutting and to the point.
  • Always use a professional tone while writing the letter.
  • Show your ties to your home country.
  • Lastly, proofread your cover letter before submitting it.

PROOF OF FINANCIAL MEANS

You must provide proof of your financial means to support your Nigerian visa application. Moreover, it will ensure the authorities that you are financially stable enough to cover your trip expenses.

So, you can provide the following evidence in support of your Nigeria visa for Indians.

  • Bank statement (last 6 months)
  • Credit/debit card details
  • Investment details
  • Sponsorship details
  • Other documents showing your financial stability

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS?

The children under 18 years old must provide the following documents with their visa application.

  1. Birth certificate
  2. Permission letter signed by parents/legal guardian
  3. Passport of parents/legal guardian

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC VISA TYPES?

Besides the general visa requirements, you must provide other documents depending on the purpose of the visit. 

Student Visa

  1. NOC from the institute in which you are currently enrolled
  2. Academic transcripts
  3. Invitation letter from the institute in Nigeria

Work Visa

  1. Invitation letter from the Nigerian employer.
  2. Work permit submitted by Nigerian employer on your behalf.
  3. NOC from the company in India (in which you are currently working)
  4. Experience letter & academic transcripts

Tourist Visa

  1. Invitation letter 
  2. Detailed itinerary of your trip

Business Visa

  1. Business registration no
  2. Bank statement

Visit Visa

  1. Sponsor details
  2. Details of family member/ friend whom you are visiting

WHERE IS THE NIGERIAN EMBASSY LOCATED IN INDIA?

Embassy of Nigeria in India

So, the Nigerian visa is applied at the Nigerian embassy in India or the consulates. You can visit them to apply for a visa. Yet, here are the complete details.

Address EP-4, Chandragupta Marg Chanakyapuri New Delhi 110021 India
Contact No (+91) 11 2412 2144
Email nigeria.new-delhi@foreignaffairs.gov.ng
Working Hours Monday-Friday from 09:00 am-17:00p.m

REMEMBER THAT

The embassy only facilitates the applicants after making an appointment. So, it is advisable to schedule an appointment before visiting the embassy.

ARE INDIANS CAN APPLY FOR NIGERIAN  EVISA? 

Yes, as an Indian, you can apply for a Nigerian electronic visa (eVisa) through the Nigerian Immigration Service Portal. 

Yet, this online system allows you to complete the application, upload documents, and pay the visa fee electronically.

Moreover, the eVisa process is quicker than the traditional visa of Nigeria. It also reduces the effort of visiting the embassy. 

WHAT IS THE VISA FEE 7 PROCESSING TIME FOR A NIGERIA VISA FOR INDIANS?

The background shows an up-close, top-down view of several 1,000 Nigerian Naira banknotes spread across a surface. The notes are the vivid blue redesigned version, featuring the portraits of Alhaji Aliyu Mai-Bornu and Dr. Clement Isong. A gold holographic security patch and the

So, here are the details about the visa fee and processing time for a Nigeria visa from India.

Visa Type Visa Fee (USD) Processing Time
Tourist Visa 180-250 3-7 working days
Business Visa  250-300 5-9 working days
Student Visa Varies (often higher) 10-20 days (but usually varies)
Transit Visa 80-100 1-3 working days
Temporary Work Permit (TWP) 270-320 7-10 working days
STR Visa (Subject to Regularization) Varies (typically high) 7-14 working days

REMEMBER THAT

  1. The visa fee is paid electronically via the payment method outlined by the Nigerian authorities.
  2. Moreover, it can vary depending on the currency exchange rate.
  3. Sometimes, the application takes more time in procession if further examination is required.

CAN I EXTEND THE NIGERIA VISA?

Yes, the extension of the visa is available in some cases, depending on the type of visa you applied for and the circumstances.

Notably, a tourist visa is non-extendable. Moreover, you can apply for the visa extension at their Nigerian immigration portal, pay the extension visa fee electronically, and receive your visa extension.

DOES VFS GLOBAL SUPPORT NIGERIA VISA FOR INDIANS?

Apply Through VFS Global

Yes, VFS Global also supports the visa of Nigeria from India. So, if you want to apply through them, you can visit them. Moreover, you can read the article Sweden tourist visa from Pakistan. In this article, a step-by-step detailed process is described if applying through VFS Global.

HOW CAN I RENEW MY INDIAN PASSPORT IN NIGERIA?

So, the Indian passport holders, if their passport expires during their stay in Nigeria, can renew their passport from the embassy or the Indian consulate in Nigeria.

Address 8A, Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos, PMB 80128
Working Hours 09:00 – 17:30 hrs. (Monday – Friday, except closed Holidays)
Emergency No. (+234) 8128308758

FAQs-NIGERIA VISA FOR INDIANS

Yet, here are some frequently asked questions about Nigerian visas from India.

Q1: Do I need to register with the Nigerian authorities during my stay?

Answer: Yes, you must register with the Nigerian Immigration Service within 24 hours of arrival.

Q2: Can I work in Nigeria with a tourist visa?

Answer: No, a work visa is required for employment in Nigeria.

Q3: Can I travel to Nigeria with a refugee or asylum seeker status?

Answer: No, Nigeria has specific requirements and procedures for refugees and asylum seekers.

Q4: Does Nigeria grant multiple-entry visas to Indians?

Answer: Yes! Indians can obtain a multiple-entry visa from Nigeria. So, this visa is valid for up to 6 months.

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