Updated for 2025: Your complete guide to stress-free international travel on a Nigerian passport
As a Nigerian, I am all too familiar with the stress of visa applications. The endless embassy queues, the pile of documents, the anxiety of waiting for approval, and sometimes the heartbreak of rejection. After travelling to multiple countries with my Nigerian passport, I’ve discovered which destinations offer the easiest visas and genuinely welcome Nigerian travellers with minimal hassle.
It’s essential to acknowledge that experiences will vary from traveller to traveller, and unfortunately, Nigerians often face some form of bias, whether during the application process at embassies or immigration checkpoints upon arrival. This reality shouldn’t discourage you from travelling, but being aware of it helps you prepare mentally and practically for the journey ahead.
That being said, this comprehensive guide will help you save time, money, and stress by focusing on countries that either don’t require visas for Nigerians or have incredibly straightforward visa processes.
Trip Planning Resources
Book your accommodation: Find accommodation options for any budget on Booking.com
Purchase Travel Insurance: I use SafetyWing for both my travel and visa application needs
Activities: Find fun activities and tours in your destination via Get Your Guide, Viator or Klook Travel
eSIM: Get your travel eSIM here
The Visa Problem Most Nigerians Face
Nigerian passport holders face some of the strictest visa requirements globally, with many countries requiring extensive documentation, proof of funds, and lengthy processing times. Visa rejection rates can be discouraging, and the financial investment required upfront (even for rejections) makes travel planning stressful.
The challenges include high embassy fees, limited appointment availability, strict financial requirements, and, unfortunately, bias against Nigerian passport holders in some regions. Many Nigerians have stories of visa denials despite meeting all requirements, which can be both financially and emotionally draining.
It’s even worse if you’re just starting out, which is why this list is crucial. From experience, I can tell you that it becomes easier with each visa approval, as your travel history builds credibility. Whilst I’ve previously written a more comprehensive list about visa-free countries for Nigerian citizens, some of those destinations require transit visas since direct flights from Nigeria aren’t available.
Hence, this new list focuses specifically on countries with the easiest visas to obtain and minimal transit or immigration complications. So, here goes!
10 Easiest Countries Nigerians Can Visit!
1. Rwanda – Visa Free for Nigerians (and African Union member states)
Rwanda sits high on this list because it is not only a visa free destination for Nigerians, but it is also one of the best budget-friendly travel destinations on the continent.
Gaining entry into the country is hassle-free. I have now visited Rwanda twice and am planning a third visit soon. Each of my immigration experiences has been wonderful, with officials welcoming and sending me off with nothing but a smile.
Visa Info: 30-day visa free access
Flight Options: RwandAir operates direct flights from Lagos, or you can connect through Nairobi with Kenya Airways
Budget Insight: Mid-range destination with excellent value for money. Clean, safe, and incredibly well-organised
Travel Tip: Rwanda is plastic-bag free, so pack accordingly. The country is known for its cleanliness and efficiency
Best For: First-time solo and leisure-seeking travellers, and those interested in gorilla trekking
2. Ghana – No Visa Required (ECOWAS)
Ghana remains one of the most accessible destinations for Nigerians. The shared history, similar culture, and proximity make it perfect for both business and leisure travel. Accra offers great nightlife, while Cape Coast provides historical insights into the slave trade.
Visa Info: No visa required for Nigerian citizens, up to 90 days
Flight Options: Multiple daily flights from Lagos and Abuja with airlines like Air Peace
Budget Insight: Budget-friendly, especially for food and local transport
Travel Tip: Carry your Nigerian passport and ensure it’s valid for at least 6 months
Best For: Cultural exploration, business networking, and affordable getaways
3. Seychelles – Visa Free (ETA Required)
Seychelles offers some of the world’s most beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and unique granite rock formations. Although entry into the country can sometimes be challenging for Nigerians, it remains one of the countries with the most accessible visa regimes for Nigerian passport holders.
Visa Info: Free 30-day visitor’s permit on arrival
Flight Options: Kenya Airways via Nairobi, Emirates via Dubai, or Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa
Budget Insight: Relatively expensive destination, but the visa-free access saves money upfront
Travel Tip: Book accommodation in advance as options fill up quickly
Best For: Honeymoons, luxury travel, and beach enthusiasts
4. Kenya – Easy eVisa Online
Kenya offers incredible wildlife safaris, beautiful coastal areas, and stunning landscapes, and the best part, the country’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is one of the easiest visas for Nigerian citizens to obtain.
There’s talk about Kenya scrapping the ETA fees for African travellers. I hope that gets standardised soon, so that more people can get to explore this amazing country.
Visa Info: ETA available online, processed within 2-7 days
Flight Options: Kenya Airways direct from Lagos, or Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa
Budget Insight: Moderate costs with great safari and cultural experiences
Travel Tip: Apply for ETA at least one week before travel
Best For: Safari adventures, business conferences, and beach lovers.
5. Singapore – Easy Visa with Travel Package
If you plan to visit Singapore and are looking for the least stressful way to do so, then booking a packaged holiday is the best option. It is possible to get your visa by yourself, however, it is not a straightforward process.
I’ve written all about it in this article, but if you want to skip the extra details, then a packaged holiday is your best bet for easily obtaining a visa for the country.
Visa Info: eVisa valid up to 90 days
Flight Options: Qatar Airways via Doha
Budget Insight: High-end destination, best combined with another country in the area
Travel Tip: Proof of onward travel and accommodation may be requested
Best For: Urban explorers, foodies
6. Benin Republic – No Visa Required (ECOWAS)
Our immediate neighbour serves up rich history, vibrant markets, the famous Ganvie stilt village, and long, breezy beaches. It’s the perfect destination for short getaways and a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Lagos.
Visa Info: No visa required for Nigerian citizens
Flight Options: Short drive from Lagos,
Budget Insight: Very affordable destination
Travel Tip: Land borders are easily accessible from Lagos
Best For: Weekend trips, cultural exploration, and historical tourism
7. Mauritius – Visa-Free for 90 Days
Mauritius combines African, Indian, and French influences in a stunning island setting. The visa-free access makes it an attractive alternative to Seychelles, with slightly more affordable options.
PS: The images above are from Diani Beach in Kenya. I haven’t been to Mauritius yet, but it is on my list of beach destinations to explore soon. Like Seychelles, I’ve heard that Nigerians (and other Africans) are typically subjected to additional scrutiny and security searches, which is quite unfortunate. But in the grand scheme of things, it’s still one of the easiest places to visit with our passports.
Visa Info: Free 90-day tourist visa on arrival
Flight Options: Several airlines make the trip via their various hubs
Budget Insight: Mid to high-range destination with excellent value
Travel Tip: Show proof of accommodation and return ticket
Best For: Beach holidays, luxury travel, and Indian Ocean exploration
8. Hong Kong – eVisa
The Hong Kong visa is one of the easiest visas to obtain as a Nigerian passport holder. It is an eVisa, which means there are no associated costs of travel to apply for it. The only downside? It takes a long time to obtain; therefore, applying early is key.
Visa Info: eVisa with duration determined by Hong Kong immigration
Flight Options: Qatar Airways via Doha
Budget Insight: Moderate to expensive
Travel Tip: Long flight journey, but worth it when combined with other countries in the area
Best For: Extended layovers and Pacific Island exploration
9. Maldives – 30-Day Free Visa on Arrival
Sorry, this is an image of Diani again :), but you get the gist. The Maldives represents the ultimate tropical luxury experience. While expensive, the visa-free access removes one barrier to experiencing these incredible overwater bungalows and pristine waters.
Visa Info: Free 30-day tourist visa on arrival
Flight Options: Emirates via Dubai, or Qatar Airways via Doha
Budget Insight: Luxury destination with high costs, but can be done on a budget when staying on local islands
Travel Tip: Pre-book resort transfers as they can be expensive
Best For: Luxury honeymoons, special celebrations, and diving enthusiasts
10. Malaysia – eVisa
Malaysia also offers eVisas to Nigerian citizens. Some applications may require an NDLEA certificate (which is an additional hurdle to cross), but if you already have a good travel history (outside the continent), these visas could suffice in place of the certificate.
Visa Info: eVisa available online, processed within 5-7 days
Flight Options: Qatar Airways via Doha
Budget Insight: Affordable destination with great value for money
Travel Tip: Entry is only permitted via the international airport. Land border entries are not permitted for Nigerian citizens
Best For: Urban explorers, foodies, and affordable island getaways
Bonus Tips for Travelling Smoothly on a Nigerian Passport
Always Have These Documents Ready
Regardless of visa requirements, always travel with a return ticket, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, a yellow fever vaccination certificate (for African and select Asian destinations), bank statements showing sufficient funds, and invitation letters if visiting friends or family. Having these documents readily available can speed up immigration processes significantly.
Use Travel Communities for Visa Updates
Visa policies change frequently, so stay connected with official immigration and embassy websites, as well as Nigerian travel communities. It’s always a good idea to connect with other Nigerian travellers who have taken the trip you’re planning – they can offer valuable insights on what to expect during the visa application process and when entering the country.
Don’t Be Discouraged by Rejections
Visa rejections are part of the journey for many Nigerian travellers. Learn from each experience, improve your documentation, consider using visa consultants for difficult countries, start with easier destinations to build travel history, and remember that each “yes” makes the process worthwhile.
Cheapest Visa-Friendly Countries for Nigerians
If budget is your primary concern, focus on Ghana, Benin Republic, and Rwanda as your starting points. These destinations offer excellent value for money with minimal visa hassles. Ghana provides familiar culture at rock-bottom prices, while Benin offers historical richness for weekend budgets, and Rwanda delivers first-world experiences at reasonable costs.
For slightly higher budgets, consider Kenya for incredible safaris, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong for city explorations, and Seychelles, Maldives or Mauritius for Indian Ocean beauty. These destinations provide excellent experiences while remaining relatively easy for Nigerian travellers to visit.
Final Thoughts – Where Will You Go Next?
The world is more accessible to Nigerian travellers than ever before, despite the challenges we face. Start with one of these easier destinations to build your travel confidence and history. Each stamp in your passport makes the next application stronger.
Remember that travel is not just about the destination – it’s about expanding your worldview, building confidence, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for business opportunities, cultural experiences, or simply a break from routine, these destinations welcome Nigerian travellers with minimal barriers.
Which of these countries appeals to you most? Have you visited any of them already? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let’s help each other navigate this beautiful, complex world of travel.
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These are all such beautiful and wonderful countries to visit. Your travel photos are beautiful too, and I love how each one has a story to tell. I find that visa rejections can be a frustrating setback in the process of travel, but they don’t mean the journey is over. Understanding the reasons for rejection and taking steps to address them can increase the chances of success in future applications. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Thank you, Aiva. Visa rejections are the worst! But as we Nigerians say “we move!”- meaning, we won’t dwell on that for too long and like you said, the journey is not over. While we wait for easier access to our dream destinations, we will explore places that are accessible to us now! Wishing you a great day too!