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.
Related: 7 Foolproof Ways to Build your Travel History
Trip Planning Resources
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As of July 2023, there are a total of 24 visa free countries for Nigerian citizens. This is not a lot, but it is a fair number, to begin with. Apart from these countries, other countries 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 51 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, Canada, any Schengen and OECD member countries.
What's Covered in this Post
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
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroun
- Cabo Verde
- Chad
- Comoros
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Djibouti
- Ethiopia* See Update below
- The Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Madagascar
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mozambique *
- Niger
- Rwanda
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- Togo
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
eVisa, Visa on Arrival and Visa Free Countries for Nigerian Citizens in Asia and the Middle East
- Iran
- Kyrgyzstan
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Timor-Leste
- Vietnam
- Special Mention – Saudi Arabia – Transit Visa Up to 96 Hours (with conditions)
eVisa, Visa on Arrival and Visa Free Countries for Nigerian Citizens in North and South America
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Barbados
- Colombia
- Dominica
- 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
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), a valid passport with 6 months validity and 2 free pages for stamps, and proof of funds and accommodation.
Also, in 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 | |
| The 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 out an entry permit. |
| Niger | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS | |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | North America | 90 Days | Saint Kitts and Nevis Immigration Website | |
| Rwanda | Africa | 30 Days | ||
| Senegal | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS | |
| 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
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 that 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 the evisa 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 for $50 and I was able to use this option to visit 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 associated 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 |
| Iran | Asia | 30 Days | Iran Visa Application Website | You may also apply for an eVisa. The visa on arrival and eVisa cost €55 |
| 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 a 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 Immigration 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 |
| Mauritania | 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 *edit: June 2021 – I’ve read that this country no longer offers a visa on arrival to Nigerians. I can’t find any official confirmation of this but it is something to be aware of. |
| 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) |
As of January 2021, Kenya no longer offers a Visa on Arrival. You must obtain an evisa before your visit.
I visited Rwanda in August 2022 and did not have to pay for a visa.
Update March 2023: The Ethiopian evisa website states that visa on arrival services is available for tourists from All African Union member states. Visitors can also submit their applications online and pay the visa fee at the airport. As a Nigerian Citizen, I would advise that you obtain your visa before travelling to Ethiopia.
As of April 2023, travellers from Nigeria must obtain an evisa before travelling to Uganda.
As of July 2023, there is an existing travel ban on Nigerian tourists to Seychelles.
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 to the countries listed below;
eVisa Countries for Nigerian Passport Holders
| 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 |
| Botswana | Africa | Botswana evisa Website | ||
| Colombia | South America | Colombia eVisa Website | ||
| Djibouti | Africa | 60 Days | Djibouti eVisa Website | The eVisa fees start from $90 |
| Ethiopia* | Africa | 90 Days | Ethiopian eVisa Website | The eVisa fees start from $82 *See note above |
| 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 |
| Malaysia | Asia | Determined by IO | Malaysia eVisa Website | See this post for how to apply. Visa fees start from $30 |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | Africa | 30 Days | eVisa site | The eVisa fees start from $47. (If you have a US or Schengen visa, it is free for stays up to 15 days) |
| South Africa | Africa | Determined by IO | South Africa eVisa Website | |
| 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. |
| Vietnam | Asia | 30-90 Days | Vietnam eVisa Website | *Please confirm the website. From my research, this seems to be right one. |
| 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 your visa status from the airlines and Immigration Offices of the countries you intend to visit.
Found this post helpful?
I would like to hear about 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?
Please is there any good link or links where one can apply for skilled work visa with visa sponsorship jobs in Canada,USA,UK, Newzealand, Australia and Europe countries?
Hi Harrison, unfortunately, I have very little knowledge about sites like that. This blog focuses mainly on travel for tourism/vacation purposes.
Hello amara, it’s quite an age how are you doing, please is there any good link for tourist visa with low amount in Nigeria that you can give me?
Hello Aya Ola, this is a somewhat broad question and I think the best approach should be looking into places you want to visit for tourism first, and then considering their visa requirements. If you’re speaking of the cost for tourist visas alone, here’s an article I made for Asian countries and I have a similar one coming up for other regions. Related to this, the cheapest visa I have seen so far is Lebanon, which was $2.
Oh am really sorry,I’m talking about Canada tourist visa
I haven’t applied for this before, so I currently have no idea or knowledge about the application process or cost.
You need to update this information, Nigerians do need visa to enter South Africa
I did not say that Nigerians do not need a visa to enter South Africa. SA appears under the evisa category. The information is correct at this time.
Amarachi, how can I do proof of fund that will grant me access to many of these countries? Like how much should be in my account? I need to build my travel history as soon as possible. Again, you are the boomB!
Thanks, Kehinde for your comments. For many of these countries, you don’t need to present a bank statement, therefore, there’s no particular amount required.
However, some countries ask to see specific amounts before granting travellers entry. For example, Seychelles requires travellers to have at least $150/day, and Lebanon needs $2K in cash, etc.
Generally, for visa application purposes, the bank balance might be important but what carries more value are the transactions on that account. I wrote more about this in this article, which also highlights a few tips to build a strong travel history.
In case no one has told you, you are the bomb!
Is Cabo Verde visa-free or visa on arrival, just got my ticket to travel next month and I’d like to confirm please. Thanks
It is visa free. Also confirm up the updated entry requirements, airports that serve tourists, and make sure to have enough funds, your return ticket, etc.
Please how do I get Myanmar evisa as a Nigerian as Nigeria is not on their drop down in their website.
It probably means Nigerians are not eligible to apply for an evisa. You would need to visit the nearest embassy or consulate.
Hi I applied for an e visa for Kyrgyzstan but I am not getting any feedback from the immigration ( and I paid online for the visa fee but the payment wasn’t successful) are you familiar with any new information on Kyrgyzstan?
I’m sorry, I have no new information about applying for this visa. Did you get an error while making the payment? Could it be an issue with your card?
It is a visa free for Nigerians to South Africa?
According to the latest information on the DHA website, it is not.
Oga you need a visa
How about Tanzania
You will need to apply for a visa before you go.
Is UAE visa now open for nigerian Family passport holders?
Not sure. Best to contact your nearest visa centre, airline or embassy.
Seychelles is not a visa-free country, but instead a visa at POE.
Hi Paulolaide, can you confirm if this is a recent update? Because Seychelles has always been visa-free. I was there in April and did not get a visa on arrival/did not pay for a visa. Just received an entry stamp.
That’s what he meant by POE
Hi Oshiobugie, Paulolaide said “…instead a visa at POE” i.e. port of entry and I’m saying there is no visa. A visa is different from an entry stamp. You also do not pay for an entry stamp, therefore, it is visa-free. Unless there is a new update, Seychelles is visa-free for all nationalities.
It’s a visa free for Nigerian passport holder
Hello, please I need advise and guardline, I want to travel with my kids to start a new life somewhere in the island but I have not idea where to travel to with visa free or visa on arrival. currently now we live in mauritania and life is not easy here. I can’t go back to Nigeria because is hard than here. I need some guardline.
Hi Joe, I’m sorry but I don’t know much about living in many of these countries. The information provided above is for tourism purposes only.
It depends on your choice of Island
I checked the Cambodian e-visa site and Nigeria isn’t listed there as a Nationality. Does that mean Cambodia no longer offer e-visas to Nigerians? I believe no airline will let anyone fly out of Nigeria without a visa.
Hi Stephanie, I just tried to simulate an e-visa application on the site and can see Nigeria listed.
Edit: You’re correct, Nigeria is not listed as a Nationality. I have sent an email to inquire about this and I would update this thread with any response I get.
That’s true
I am a Nigerian living in Ghana and I want to travel to Abidjan in 2 weeks however, my passport expires on February 14, 2023. So my passport is only valid for 5 months. I have a Non-Citizen ID Card which is considered to be a national identity card and my resident permit for Ghana expires in April 2022. Would I still be able to enter Abidjan without any issues concerning my passport’s validity?
I think it’s best to confirm with the airline (if you’re travelling by air). I don’t think ECOWAS countries will be so strict with a passport of 5 months’ validity BUT it is the best to confirm with the airline.
My fiancé is a Nigerian passport holder, I am from the Caribbean and we both reside in the Caribbean. We’re getting married soon and would like to honeymoon in Italy and France. Do you know the process to apply for a visa for those countries? Does he need two separate visas for each one? Can he apply for the visa though he doesn’t reside in Nigeria? Please help.
Hi Niyah, both countries require just one visa – a Schengen visa. You can apply through either country’s embassy – usually, the first country you enter or the one you’re going to spend the most time in.
If he has a valid resident permit where you both stay, then he can apply from there, otherwise, he would have to apply from his home country.
Thanks.
When you mentioned Dominica, do you mean Dominican Republic or Commonwealth of Dominica?
Commonwealth of Dominica
Thanks so much
A Nigerian man wants to marry his American fiancee but they don’t have the time to apply for visa, which of this South American Visa free/Visa on arrival countries would you advice them to get married?
In order for the Nigerian guy to be able to get his USA resident permit from Nigeria?
As I have actually never been to any South American visa free/VOA country (without a US visa needed), I’m sorry I don’t have any experience in this area, so I can’t give any advice.
Perhaps the couple can consider tying the knot in Nigeria (easier for the American to travel to) and beginning the process for a green card from there. That is if the guy involved does not want to go through the process of getting a fiance visa. PS: There’s a Nairaland thread for this and it might be more suited to answer your questions.
Oh, thanks so much Amara. Can you help with the link to this nairaland thread? So that I can forward it to this guy?
Thanks so much. God bless you 😉
Here it is.
You are blessed in Jesus name
Please amarachi is Moldova and Maldives e-visa for Nigeria passport holder or I need shenghen visa to go there….thanks
You need a visa for Moldova (You can visit with a Schengen visa), Maldives has a free visa-on-arrival policy for all nationalities, provided they meet all the entry requirements. See the link included in the article for more information.
Okay thanks I really appreciate…what of Barbados do I need visa ?
Please sorry for bothering you, please did you have a correct perfect link for Turkish visa in Nigeria especially Lagos please?
I applied for my Turkish visa in Nairobi, not Nigeria. I don’t know about the process in Lagos besides what is publicly published on the Voya Visa’s website. Best to give them a call or visit/ask someone who has gone through the process recently.
Please can I go to Turkish with my uk visa ?
No you can’t and at the moment, Nigerians are not eligible to apply for an evisa using the UK/US etc visa as well.
Barbados is visa free for Nigerians, provided they meet entry requirements. I’ve included this in the article. Kindly go through the article to see the countries listed there. It already answers most of your questions.
Thanks amarachi I appreciate..
Please amara,have ask about voya visa and people told me they are negative about it,insultive,rude and costly and it will still end up negative,
so what did you think, did you know more about them ?
I don’t know much about them. I haven’t used their services but I’ve also heard it is quite expensive.