Last updated on October 7th, 2020
One of the things I look out for while choosing a destination to visit is how easy or difficult it is to obtain a visa. Since there are only a handful of visa free countries for Nigerian Citizens, this factor plays a huge role in deciding which places I get to visit.
This plight isn’t mine alone. Many Nigerian travel enthusiasts, especially first-time travellers are faced with the classic chicken-or-the-egg scenario when it comes to applying for visas. We need visas to travel but several countries wouldn’t grant us one unless we have received a valid visa for a different country. This is where visa free destinations come in to help to bridge that gap by creating opportunities to build a travel history.
As of 2020, there are a total of 23 visa free countries for Nigerian citizens. This is not a lot, but it is a fair number, to begin with. Apart from these countries, there are also other countries that offer a visa on arrival or e-visa program to Nigerian passport holders. This brings up the total number of visa free, visa on arrival and eVisa destinations to 47 countries.
In this article, I will highlight these countries, including their respective consulate or embassy details because it is important to crosscheck the visa status of every country before you travel. Sometimes, these statuses may change and you do not want to be stranded if they do.
In addition to this post about eVisa and visa free countries for Nigerian Citizens, I will also highlight, in the next post, countries that have fairly easy visa application processes as well as the countries we can visit, having a visa from the UK, USA, any Schengen and OECD member countries.
The Summary: eVisa, Visa on Arrival and Visa Free Countries for Nigerian Citizens by Continent
eVisa, Visa on Arrival and Visa Free Countries for Nigerian Citizens in Africa
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroun
- Cabo Verde
- Chad
- Comoros
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Djibouti
- Ethiopia
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Madagascar
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Niger
- Rwanda
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Togo
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
eVisa, Visa on Arrival and Visa Free Countries for Nigerian Citizens in Asia
- Iran
- Kyrgyzstan
- Maldives
- Timor-Leste
eVisa, Visa on Arrival and Visa Free Countries for Nigerian Citizens in North and South America
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Fiji
- Haiti
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Suriname
eVisa and Visa Free Countries for Nigerian Citizens in Oceania
- Fiji
- Micronesia
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
More on Visa Free Countries for Nigerian Passport Holders (2020)
Nigerian citizens and holders of the Nigerian Passport can visit a total of 23 countries without needing to arrange for a visa beforehand or pay for one. All 14 ECOWAS countries (excluding Nigeria) fall under this list. Even though there are no visa requirements to visit these countries, I would advise that you travel with your return flight tickets (if you are travelling by air), valid passport with 6 months validity and 2 free pages for stamps, proof of funds and accommodation.
Also, for the West African Countries, if you travel by land, Immigration officials often force travellers to pay certain amounts of money. Obviously, this is illegal but it is a practice they often get away with. The airports are the only ports of entry that respect the visa free policy to a certain degree. Keeping that in mind, here is a complete list of visa free countries for Nigerian Citizens and passport holders.
| Countries | Continent | Duration of Stay (Up to) | More Information | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barbados | North America | 180 Days | Barbados Immigration Website | |
| Benin | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS | |
| Burkina Faso | Africa | N/A | ECOWAS | |
| Cameroon | Africa | 90 Days | N/A | |
| Cabo Verde | Africa | N/A | ECOWAS | |
| Chad | Africa | 90 Days | N/A | |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS | |
| Dominica | North America | 180 Days | Dominica Immigration Website | |
| Fiji | Oceania | 120 Days | Fiji Immigration Website | |
| Gambia | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS | |
| Ghana | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS | |
| Guinea | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS | |
| Guinea-Bissau | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS | |
| Haiti | North America | 90 Days | Haiti Immigration Website | Foreign Nationals are required to pay a $10 tourist fee at the airport. |
| Liberia | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS | |
| Mali | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS | |
| Micronesia | Oceania | 30 Days | Micronesia Immigration Website | If you are visiting for a period of more than 30 days, you will need to fill an entry permit. |
| Niger | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS | |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | North America | 90 Days | Saint Kitts and Nevis Immigration Website | |
| Senegal | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS | |
| Seychelles | Africa | 90 Days | Seychelles Department of Foreign Affairs Website | |
| Sierra Leone | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS | |
| Togo | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS | |
| Vanuatu | Oceania | 30 Days | Vanuatu Immigration Website |
Visa on Arrival Countries for Nigerian Passport Holders (2020)
A visa on arrival enables you to obtain a visa at the port of entry of the country offering it. This means that you do not need to make any prior arrangements for visas. You simply pay for one at the border. Some countries who offer a visa on arrival program also offer an eVisa program. And as I hear more stories and become more paranoid about countries refusing Nigerians entry, I think it is better to use this option if you can.
For example, in 2018, Tanzania changed its visa on arrival policy almost overnight. This country used to offer a visa on arrival to Nigerian travellers at a cost of $50 and I was able to use this option to visit the country a year prior. But overnight, they revoked this option. This change was so sudden that even airlines were unaware of it. Hence, they conveyed several Nigerian passengers to Tanzania, only for them to be deported as they didn’t have a visa beforehand.
So, I will advise that if you can arrange for a visa before you travel – if the process isn’t stressful as most eVisa applications aren’t, just go for it. Here is a complete list of countries that offer a visa on arrival to Nigerian passport holders and the associating costs of the visa.
PS: Read Travel Blogger, Dee of Well Worn Heels, talk about her experiences with applying for various eVisas in the comment section of this post.
| Countries | Continent | Duration of Stay (Up to) | More Information | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comoros | Africa | 45 Days | N/A | The visa on arrival costs about $33 |
| Ethiopia | Africa | 90 Days | Ethiopian Online Visa Website | You may also apply for an eVisa. The visa fees start from $99 |
| Iran | Asia | 30 Days | Iran Visa Application Website | You may also apply for an eVisa. The visa on arrival and eVisa costs €55 |
| Kenya | Africa | 90 Days | Kenyan eVisa Website | The visa on arrival and eVisa costs $50. You may also apply for an eVisa. |
| Lebanon | Asia | 30 Days | Beirut International Airport Website | Nigerian Citizens must have a non-refundable return ticket, a copy of a reservation in a 3 to 5 star hotel or private residential address with telephone number in the Republic of Lebanon, and at least $2,000 in cash |
| Madagascar | Africa | 90 Days | Madagascar Visa Application Website | The visa on arrival and eVisa fees start from €29.90 |
| Maldives | Asia | 30 Days | Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website | The visa on arrival is free. However, you must have sufficient funds for the duration of your stay. See the Foreign Affairs Website for more information |
| Maurtitania | Africa | 30 Days | Mauritania Nouakchott Airport Information on Visas on arrival | The visa on arrival costs €55 |
| Mauritius | Africa | 14 Days | Mauritius Immigration Website | Visa on arrival is Free |
| Mozambique | Africa | 30 Days | N/A | The visa on arrival costs $50 |
| Rwanda | Africa | 30 Days | Rwanda Immigration Website | An entry visa on arrival costs $30. You may also apply for an eVisa. PS: According to the Rwanda Immigration Website, the cost for VOA is $50 but several travellers have stated that this visa cost them $30. |
| Somalia | Africa | 90 Days | Somalia Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website | The visa on arrival costs $50. |
| Timor-Leste | Asia | 90 Days | Timor-Leste Immigration Website | Visitors must apply for a Visa Authorization Application at a Timor-Leste Embassy or Consulate. The visa on arrival costs $30. |
| Tuvalu | Oceania | 30 Days | Tuvalu Immigration Regulations | The visa on arrival costs $100 (AUS) |
| Uganda | Africa | 30 Days | Uganda Immigration Website | The visa on arrival starts from $50. You may also apply for an eVisa. |
It is also important to keep in mind that these visas are conditional and you would often need to present your return flight tickets, valid passport with 6 months validity and 2 free pages for stamps, proof of funds and accommodation.
This also applies for the countries listed below;
eVisa Countries for Nigerian Passport Holders (2020)
| Countries | Continent | Duration of Stay (Up To…) | More Information | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda | North America | 30 Days | Antigua and Barbuda eVisa Application Website | The eVisa costs $100 |
| Cambodia | Asia | 30 Days | Cambodia eVisa Application Website | The eVisa fees start from $69 |
| Djibouti | Africa | 60 Days | Djibouti eVisa Website | The eVisa fees start from $90 |
| Ethiopia | Africa | 90 Days | Ethiopian Online Visa Website | The eVisa fees start from $99 |
| Gabon | Africa | 90 Days | Gabon Immigration Website | The eVisa fees start from €70 |
| Kenya | Africa | 90 Days | Kenyan eVisa Website | The eVisa costs $50. |
| Kyrgyzstan | Asia | 60 Days | Kyrgyzstan eVisa Website | The eVisa fees start from $41 |
| Lesotho | Africa | 90 Days | Lesotho eVisa Website | The eVisa fees start from $150 |
| Madagascar | Africa | 90 Days | Madagascar eVisa Website | The eVisa fees start from €29.90 |
| Rwanda | Africa | 30 Days | Rwanda Immigration Website | The tourist eVisa costs $50. You can also apply for a transit visa which costs $30 and is valid for 72 hours. |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | Africa | 30 Days | N/A | The eVisa fees start from $47. (If you have a US or Schengen visa, it is free for stays up to 15 days) |
| Suriname | South America | 60 Days | Suriname eVisa Application Website | The eVisa fees start from $45 |
| Uganda | Africa | 30 Days | Uganda Immigration Website | The eVisa costs $50. |
| Zambia | Africa | N/A | Zambia Immigration Website | The eVisa fees start from $50 |
| Zimbabwe | Africa | N/A | Zimbabwe Immigration Website | The eVisa fees start from $30 |
Note: Some of these countries have visa processing fees and visa fees may change as exchange rates do. It is important to keep this in mind as you make your plans.
I will update this article as often as I can but please be aware that visa policies may change at any time. Before you pack your bags, be sure to get an update on visa status from the Immigration Offices of the countries you intend to visit.
I would like to hear your experience of travelling with a Nigerian Passport, particularly to countries offering a Visa on Arrival? Has it all been smooth sailing or did you encounter any issues?
I’ll have to bookmark this post for when I’ll be ready to travel abroad. Thanks for sharing, Amarachi. It was really helpful.
That’s great to hear, Favour! Thanks for your comment and looking forward to reading about your adventures when they begin!
Please I need more info on Jamaican visa. The price in Nigeria too.
Please I need an answer as soon as possible and you can also text me on *edited out*
Sorry Kay, I have no information about the Jamaican visa at this time.
Hello, I love this post and I am bookmarking it. But the link for Seychelles is wrong.. it opens up on Zimbabwe immigration site instead. Maybe you can correct this. Thanks
Thank you for pointing this out. I have now edited the post to reflect the correct website reference.
Amarachi, you are blessing to Nigeria and the world. God bless the works of your hands. The information you gave is so vital and helpful.
Thanks Valentine!
You are great i pray nigeria explode too more better countries than this
Is there no going to be any emberacemet on arrival at the Zimbabwe airport when demanding for visa on arrival ? Pls I need to be sure of this.
I’m sorry I can’t guarantee that. At the end of the day, it is still up to the immigration officers to grant or deny you entry whether the country offers a visa on arrival or not.
Please what about Namibia?
Hello, Nigerians require a visa to visit Namibia. When AirNamibia was still operational here, you could apply through the airline but I don’t think that applies anymore.
Pls Amarachi can you help me find out Lesotho visa it’s visa on Arrival or apply for Visa before travel there. Pls get back to me thanks.
Hi Feeeman, according to the latest information on the Lesotho visa and immigration website, Nigerians are required to apply for a visa before travelling to the country.
Nigerian passport can’t get better countries because of corruption 419, OBT and government corrupt to the teeth. Good job AMARA.
I’m from Nigeria how can I get Seychelles visa
Please go through the post. I have provided the details within it
Am 53 years old can I still get job in Bermuda ?
Hello Amarachi, Vanuatu is in Oceania, not Africa. Kindly make the correction.
Oops, that was an oversight on my part. Thanks for pointing it out. It has been corrected.
You’re welcome.
Rwanda Visa on arrival fee was $30 when I visited August 2019, you may want to reconfirm the fee
Hi Jide, thanks for this info. Most people I know and now including you, who have visited Rwanda paid $30 but according to the latest information on the Rwandan Immigration Website, the cost for a single entry tourist visa is $50. The website also states that an entry visa and a conference visa cost $30. I’m not sure what the difference between an entry and a tourist visa is but I’ll edit the post to include this information.
Thanks for raising it.
Hello Amarachi as I would be interested to know how to secure visa to Dominican Republic as a Nigerian
Hi Bolu, I’m not sure about the process but the Dominican Republic Immigration website is a good place to start looking – and maybe Nairaland.
Hi amarachi, plz is Seychelles Free Visa entry for Nigerian passport holder
Yes. Details are included in the article.
Amarachi you’re doing a good job here. More Grace ❤️
Lovely, this is a good place to get knowlege about where to travel to with free visa
good morning,
Amarachi you are doing such a good job.
I want to travel to Uganda, pls is there a good job opportunity for me? I’m a chef thanks
Hi Enang, unfortunately, I don’t have the right answer to your question.
Hello Amara do I need to quarantine in Seychelles for 14 days on arrival
Hi Arinze, as at this morning, Nigeria is excluded from the list countries permitted to enter Seychelles. If you are travelling from a country that is permitted to enter, you would need to show a negative Covid PCR test certificate and meet the conditions specified by immigration.
If you do want to travel from Nigeria, you would need to stay at least 14 days in a country that is permitted to enter. See the document for more info: http://tourism.gov.sc/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Seychelles-Visitor-Travel-Advisory-19-October-2020.pdf
Pls hw can I apply for Visa free to doha,quata
If you are travelling with a Nigerian passport, you can’t
Thanks for sharing
Does a Tanzania need visa on arrival to Nigeria?
Hi Mike, not sure I get your question. If you’re asking whether Nigerians can obtain a visa on arrival in Tanzania, the answer, as of today is ‘No’. If you’re asking about the reverse, then ‘Yes, with Conditions’. See the Nigerian Immigration Service website for more information.
Hello Amarachi
I enjoyed reading through your article. It was really informative. Please can you give details on Egypt? Do I need a Visa?
Hi Hateem, thanks for your comment. Yes, Nigerians need to apply for a visa to Egypt. You can do so in Abuja.
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Wow this post is really helpful.
I never knew Nigerians can access some North America without visa.
It’s a mind blowing to me
Are there close countries to the United States where I can travel without a visa?? or have to process a visa that wouldn’t take me a lifetime???
Depends on how you define close but apart from a few Caribbean countries you can visit visa free/visa on arrival, I doubt there are other countries that meet your criteria.
Please how can I apply for a free visa to North America countries… Please
You can start by clicking on the link to their various immigration website and following the instructions there.