Nigeria

🇳🇬

Indicatif Téléphonique

+234

Capitale

Abuja

Population

220 millions

Nom Natif

Nigeria

Région

Afrique

Afrique de l’Ouest

Fuseau Horaire

West Africa Time

UTC+01:00

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Argent et DeviseAperçu des VisasTypes de VisasNotes ImportantesVillesAmbassades à l'étrangerAmbassades dans le pays

Nigeria is Africa's most populous country (220+ million, projected to be 3rd most populous globally by 2050 after India and China) and largest economy (oil-rich, GDP $440+ billion). Located in West Africa on Gulf of Guinea coast, bordering Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. Federal republic with capital in Abuja (planned city in geographic center, replacing Lagos 1991). Lagos remains commercial hub and Africa's largest city (15+ million, some estimates 21+ million). Nigeria is incredibly diverse: 250+ ethnic groups (largest: Hausa-Fulani north, Yoruba southwest, Igbo southeast), 500+ languages, roughly split Muslim north/Christian south. Former British colony (independence 1960), experienced civil war (Biafra 1967-1970), decades of military rule, returned to democracy 1999. Known for oil wealth (11th largest producer globally), Nollywood film industry (2nd largest after Bollywood by volume), Afrobeats music (Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido), literature (Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie), and entrepreneurial spirit ('Nigerian hustle'). Visitors drawn to Lagos vibrant nightlife and arts scene, Abuja modern architecture, Yankari National Park, Olumo Rock Abeokuta, Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove (UNESCO), Calabar Carnival, and Nollywood film sets. Significant security concerns in northern and northeastern states (Boko Haram insurgency) limit tourism. Nigeria offers dynamic African urban experience and cultural richness alongside serious safety challenges.

Visa Requirements for Nigeria

Nigeria requires visas for most nationalities with few exceptions. E-visa system (launched 2019, portal: visa.immigration.gov.ng) available for tourism and business for citizens of many countries - relatively straightforward online application with processing 5-7 days and cost ~$160 USD. Visa on arrival available at Lagos and Abuja airports for citizens of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) countries and limited other nationalities with advance online approval. IMPORTANT: Nigeria previously had reputation for difficult visa process (embassy applications requiring sponsor letters, invitation), but e-visa system has simplified significantly. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay with at least 2 blank pages. Yellow fever vaccination certificate REQUIRED for entry (strictly enforced - cannot enter without it). Those requiring traditional embassy visas face more complex process. Nigeria immigration has reputation for corruption - some travelers report requests for 'facilitation fees' at entry (technically illegal but common). Business travelers common due to oil industry. Tourism relatively limited due to security concerns, especially in north where Boko Haram insurgency ongoing since 2009. South (Lagos, Abuja, Calabar) generally safer but crime rates high.

Types de Visa Courants

E-Visa (Tourism/Business)

Single entry up to 90 days typically; apply at visa.immigration.gov.ng; processing 5-7 days; costs ~$160 USD; requires passport scan, photo, yellow fever certificate, accommodation proof, flight tickets, invitation letter (for business); approval emailed; print and show at arrival; payment via credit card; much easier than previous embassy-only system.

For tourism or business for citizens of most countries, applied online before travel - simplified process launched 2019.

Visa on Arrival

Up to 90 days; requires pre-approval through online portal before travel (not just show up); ECOWAS nationals (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo) enter more easily under regional free movement; costs $160-200 USD payable at airport; yellow fever certificate mandatory; advance approval critical - don't arrive without it.

Available for ECOWAS nationals and select other countries at Lagos and Abuja airports with advance online approval.

Embassy Visa (Traditional)

30-90 days or longer for work visas; requires application form, passport, photos, invitation letter or sponsorship, proof of accommodation, return ticket, yellow fever certificate; Nigerian embassies have reputation for difficult process and long waits; fees vary by nationality ($100-200+); processing 2-4 weeks; required for employment, study, or if e-visa not available for nationality.

Traditional visa through Nigerian embassy for those unable to use e-visa or requiring longer stays/work permits.

Business Visa / Work Permit

3-12 months renewable; requires Nigerian company sponsorship, employment contract, business registration documents, passport, photos, yellow fever certificate; Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) required for expats working in Nigeria; bureaucratic process but common due to oil industry; many expats in Lagos and Port Harcourt; costs $500-1,000+ depending on type and duration.

For employment in Nigeria, primarily oil/gas industry workers, expats, or business people requiring frequent/long stays.

Important Travel Information

Government Travel Advisories - Regional Security Variations: Security conditions vary significantly by region in Nigeria. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states in the northeast, and against all but essential travel to several northwestern states including Zamfara, Katsina, and parts of Kaduna. The US State Department maintains a Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) advisory for Nigeria overall, with specific Level 4 (Do Not Travel) advisories for Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and several other states. According to the German Auswärtiges Amt, travel to northeastern regions is strongly discouraged. The Australian government advises 'Reconsider your need to travel' to Nigeria generally, with 'Do not travel' warnings for specific northern states. Southern states including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Calabar face lower security risks than northern regions, though travelers should remain vigilant regarding crime. Travelers should consult current official advisories for detailed regional assessments and exercise heightened caution throughout the country.

Yellow fever certificate MANDATORY: Nigeria strictly enforces yellow fever vaccination requirement. Certificate checked at entry - without it, denied entry or forcibly vaccinated at airport (uncomfortable, questionable needle hygiene). Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. Certificate valid for life. Also malaria highly endemic - take prophylaxis. Other diseases: cholera, typhoid, hepatitis. Comprehensive vaccinations recommended. Nigeria has health challenges - medical facilities basic outside major private hospitals in Lagos/Abuja.

Northeastern Region Security Challenges: The northeastern states of Nigeria, particularly Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, face significant security challenges. Multiple governments advise against travel to these regions. The UK Foreign Office notes that 'Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) operate in north-east Nigeria' and advises against all travel to these states. The region has experienced long-term security issues affecting civilian populations and humanitarian operations. The situation is part of a broader regional security concern affecting neighboring countries. Tourism infrastructure in northeastern states is not currently accessible to international visitors. Travelers should consult detailed government advisories for current assessments of affected regions.

Villes avec missions

Où ce pays maintient des ambassades ou consulats

Abuja
Présences diplomatiques

Ambassades présentes en Nigeria

Ambassades et consulats accrédités dans ce pays. Sélectionnez une mission pour consulter la fiche détaillée.

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