Nigeria Visa on Arrival: Complete Legal Process and Requirements

Nigeria Visa on Arrival: Complete Legal Process and Requirements (2025 Update)

Introduction – What You Need to Know Immediately

For many years, “Visa on Arrival” (VoA) was a practical route for business travellers and certain categories of visitors to enter Nigeria without first visiting a Nigerian embassy. However, Nigeria has now overhauled its short-stay visa system.

From 1 May 2025, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) rolled out a fully electronic e-Visa regime and discontinued the traditional Visa on Arrival category as part of wider immigration and security reforms. Short-stay visas that were previously handled in some cases through VoA approvals are now processed almost entirely online as e-Visas, with approvals issued by email before travel. PwC+2Mondaq+2

Despite this, many travellers, agents and even some websites still use the term “Visa on Arrival”, leading to confusion and, in some cases, serious immigration problems at the airport.

This guide will help you understand:

• How VoA historically worked in Nigeria and why it was changed
• The current legal position under the e-Visa system
• Who typically used VoA and what they should do now
• Step-by-step application and documentation requirements
• Risks, penalties and enforcement issues under the new regime
• Practical case studies, FAQs, and professional recommendations from a legal perspective

1. From Visa on Arrival to e-Visa – How We Got Here

1.1 Historical Position: What Visa on Arrival Used to Be

Historically, Nigeria’s Visa on Arrival was not a casual “turn up and get stamped” facility for most nationalities. In practice it was a pre-approved visa facility:

• The traveller or Nigerian host would apply to NIS Headquarters for approval.
• If granted, NIS would issue an approval letter or confirmation.
• The traveller would pay the prescribed visa fee (increasingly online, not in cash).
• On arrival at an approved port of entry (usually Lagos or Abuja), immigration would issue the physical visa/entry endorsement on the strength of that prior approval. admin.theiguides.org+1

Visa on Arrival was used mainly for:

• Business visitors invited by Nigerian companies
• Certain African Union nationals and frequent business travellers
• Exceptional circumstances where obtaining a consular visa beforehand was impracticable airports.ng+1

Tourism was ordinarily handled through standard visas issued by Nigerian missions abroad.

1.2 Why Nigeria Abandoned the Old VoA Regime

From 2024 into 2025, the Federal Government signalled that VoA would be phased out and replaced with a more secure, auditable, digital e-Visa process. The reasons given included:

• Tightening security screening, integrated with global databases
• Reducing opportunities for corruption and middlemen at airports
• Providing a faster and more transparent process, with many short-stay e-Visas targeted for 24–48 hour processing
• Creating a clear digital trail for entry and exit records Reuters+2DLA Piper GENIE+2

The Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 (NVP 2025) formalised a new short-visit e-Visa category for business, tourism and similar purposes and anchored the e-Visa architecture in policy. IBA+1

2. Current Legal Position: Is Visa on Arrival Still Available?

As at late 2025, the position is clear in policy and practice:

• NIS has launched a full e-Visa system for short-stay visitors, and
• The Visa on Arrival category has been discontinued from 1 May 2025, replaced by the e-Visa and automated landing/exit processes. Nigeria Immigration Service+3PwC+3Mondaq+3

The Nigeria Immigration Service’s official website now directs travellers to:

• Apply for e-Visa and
• Check e-Visa status

rather than to a stand-alone VoA program as the primary route for short-stay travel. evisa.immigration.gov.ng+1

Important:

• Some older guidance, conference websites or blog articles still refer to VoA as if it is operational. Those are often outdated and can be misleading. airports.ng+2siop-africa.org+2
• ECOWAS citizens remain visa-exempt under long-standing regional arrangements, and separate visa categories still apply for longer-term work, residence and specialised purposes. interior.gov.ng+1

3. Who Traditionally Used VoA – and Their Options Now

The historical VoA facility was typically used by:

• Short-term business visitors with a Nigerian company invitation
• African Union nationals where VoA was part of Nigeria’s regional policy
• Frequent high-level executives who needed quick entry for meetings or negotiations airports.ng+2admin.theiguides.org+2

Under the 2025 reforms, these travellers are now directed into structured Short Visit e-Visa classes, such as:

• Business (Single Entry) e-Visa
• Tourist e-Visa
• Conference/meeting e-Visa
• Certain specialised short-visit categories under NVP 2025 Nigeria Immigration Service+2IBA+2

The principle is simple: obtain digital pre-approval (e-Visa) before boarding your flight.

4. Step-by-Step: How to Apply Lawfully (e-Visa Route)

4.1 Preparation

Before you touch the portal:

• Confirm your nationality’s visa requirements and category under Nigeria’s visa policy. interior.gov.ng+1
• Decide the correct purpose of travel: business, tourism, conference, transit, etc.
• Obtain a host/invitation letter if travelling on business or for a conference.

4.2 Online Application

1. Visit the official NIS e-Visa portal (always check that the URL is genuinely under the .gov.ng domain). evisa.immigration.gov.ng+1
2. Create an account and select the relevant visa category (for example, Business – Single Entry). Nigeria Immigration Service+1
3. Complete the online form with:
   • Personal details
   • Passport details
   • Purpose and duration of visit
   • Travel dates
4. Upload required documents, which may include: Nigeria Immigration Service+2Nigeria Immigration Service+2
   • Passport bio-data page (with at least 6 months’ validity)
   • Recent passport-style photograph
   • Invitation letter from Nigerian host (for business), with CAC details
   • Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation/host address)
   • Return/onward ticket
   • Evidence of funds (for some categories)
5. Pay the visa fee online using approved electronic payment channels. No cash payments at the airport. Nigeria Immigration Service+1

4.3 Approval and Travel

• For many short-stay e-Visas, the government has targeted 24–48 hour processing, although this is not guaranteed. Reuters+2PwC+2
• Once approved, you receive an e-Visa approval by email.
• Print the approval or keep a clear digital copy and ensure the details match your passport. Nigeria Consulate New York

4.4 Arrival in Nigeria

Upon arrival at a Nigerian port of entry:

• Present your passport and e-Visa approval to immigration.
• Complete any automated landing/exit card requirements. Nigeria has digitised these cards to integrate with the e-Visa system. Nigeria Immigration Service+2Punch+2
• Answer routine questions honestly: purpose of visit, accommodation, length of stay.

If all is in order, immigration endorses your entry for the approved period (often up to 90 days for standard short-stay e-Visas, but you must check your specific approval). Nigeria Consulate New York+1

5. What Happens to People Still Holding “Visa on Arrival Approval Letters”?

During the transition to e-Visa, some travellers and corporate hosts obtained VoA approvals shortly before discontinuation. In practice:

• NIS has been migrating those travellers into equivalent e-Visa categories or honouring approvals where clearly documented and still valid, but this is not something you should assume. DLA Piper GENIE+1
• Many third-party websites have not updated their information, creating false expectations for travellers who arrive without valid e-Visas. siop-africa.org+1

If a client approaches you with an old “VoA approval letter”, the prudent course is to:

• Check the date of the approval;
• Verify the current NIS stance through the official portal or direct immigration enquiry; and
• Where necessary, re-apply under the e-Visa system and treat the VoA approval as historical only.

6. Document Checklist – What a Compliant Traveller Should Carry

As a minimum, a compliant short-stay traveller should hold:

• A valid passport (at least 6 months to expiry, with blank pages) interior.gov.ng+1
• e-Visa approval (printed and digital)
• Online payment receipt/acknowledgement from the portal
• Invitation/host letter and CAC documentation (for business visits) Nigeria Immigration Service+1
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address)
• Return or onward ticket
• If relevant: evidence of conference registration, corporate engagement or supporting documentation for the declared purpose of visit

For longer stays or employment, separate procedures apply for STR visas, work permits and CERPAC/e-CERPAC, which are not covered by VoA/e-Visa alone. admin.theiguides.org+1

7. Penalties, Overstays and Enforcement Risks

Nigeria’s new immigration architecture is expressly designed to close the gaps that previously existed under VoA:

• The e-Visa system creates an electronic record of validity dates, which is automatically cross-checked against your exit record. Nigeria Immigration Service+2Envoy Global, Inc+2
• Government statements have emphasised stricter enforcement of overstays and irregular entries, with penalties intensified from 2025. DLA Piper GENIE+1

Overstaying your visa, working without the proper permit, or using a visitor/e-Visa to undertake paid employment can result in:

• Administrative fines
• Detention and removal
• Deportation and future entry bans

From a legal risk standpoint, it is essential to:

• Track your permitted stay accurately;
• Seek professional advice before changing your status in-country; and
• Avoid any activity that could be construed as employment without proper authorisation.

8. Case Studies – Practical Lessons from the Field

Case Study 1: The Consultant Who Relied on Old VoA Information

A European consultant was invited to Lagos for a four-day strategy workshop with a Nigerian client. He had previously used Nigeria’s Visa on Arrival system in 2019.

In 2025, he:

• Found an old conference brochure online stating “Visa on Arrival available for business travellers”.
• Booked his ticket, assuming he could “sort out the visa at the airport”.
• Did not apply for an e-Visa and did not obtain any written pre-approval.

On arrival in Lagos:

• Immigration officers requested his e-Visa approval or VoA pre-approval letter; he had neither.
• He was detained in the airport immigration area while NIS considered whether to grant an emergency entry or place him on the next outbound flight.
• The Nigerian host urgently contacted counsel to intervene.

With legal assistance:

• It was demonstrated that the consultant had a genuine invitation and no intention of violating the law.
• After several hours, NIS allowed a short emergency admission linked to an expedited e-Visa processing, subject to payment of additional fees.
• The consultant completed the meetings but endured an extremely stressful arrival and a warning that future entries must follow the e-Visa route.

Key Lessons:

• Outdated “Visa on Arrival” references are dangerous.
• No serious traveller should rely on VoA in 2025 without fresh, official confirmation.
• The host company bears reputational risk when its guests arrive improperly documented.

Case Study 2: The Diaspora Investor Who Did It Right

A Nigerian-British investor based in London planned to visit Nigeria to inspect properties and meet with lawyers and developers for a proposed real-estate investment in Lekki.

Guided by legal advice, she:

• Applied on the official e-Visa portal under the Short Visit – Business category.
• Uploaded her passport, return ticket, host invitation letter and proof of funds.
• Paid the fee online and received an e-Visa approval within 36 hours.

On arrival:

• She presented her passport and e-Visa approval.
• Immigration officers carried out routine checks and endorsed her entry in minutes.
• She completed her meetings, explored investments, and departed within the approved timeframe, with a clean digital record in the system.

Key Lessons:

• The e-Visa can work efficiently if used correctly.
• Proper documentation and pre-approval avoid airport embarrassment and delays.
• Early legal guidance protects investors planning future work/residence status.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I still arrive in Nigeria and request a Visa on Arrival at the airport?

No. As a matter of policy and practice, Visa on Arrival has been discontinued from 1 May 2025 and replaced by the e-Visa regime. You are expected to obtain digital pre-approval before boarding. PwC+2Mondaq+2

Q2: I have a VoA approval letter issued early in 2025. Is it still valid?

This depends on the date, category and specific instructions on the letter. Many such travellers have been required to re-apply as e-Visa applicants. You should not assume validity; have a lawyer verify with NIS or apply afresh through the e-Visa portal.

Q3: Is Visa on Arrival available for tourists?

Historically, VoA was mainly a business-focused facility. Under the new regime, tourists must apply under tourist e-Visa categories. Do not assume you can arrive as a tourist and request VoA at the airport. interior.gov.ng+2airports.ng+2

Q4: What if my e-Visa is approved but my travel plans change?

Many e-Visa approvals contain specific validity windows (for example, travel must commence within 30 days of approval and the stay must not exceed 90 days). If your plans change, you may need to re-apply or adjust your travel to fit within the approval period. Nigeria Consulate New York

Q5: Can I convert a short-stay e-Visa into a work permit once I arrive?

Short-stay e-Visas do not automatically confer the right to work. To work lawfully, you must follow the NIS procedures for:

• Subject-to-Regularisation (STR) visas
• Work permit endorsements
• CERPAC/e-CERPAC issuance

This usually requires employer sponsorship and a separate process. admin.theiguides.org+1

Q6: I am an ECOWAS citizen. Do I need an e-Visa?

Citizens of ECOWAS states typically enjoy visa-free entry for certain categories and durations, but they must still comply with entry formalities and permitted-stay rules. Always travel with valid identification and confirm any updated rules before departure. interior.gov.ng+1

Q7: Can the airline stop me from boarding if I don’t have an e-Visa?

Yes. Airlines generally require proof of valid entry permission and may refuse boarding to passengers who do not hold the necessary visa or approval, especially where the previous VoA category has been formally discontinued.

Q8: What is the fastest lawful way to get into Nigeria for an urgent meeting?

The only safe and lawful approach is to:

• Submit an accurate e-Visa application on the official portal
• Provide complete documents and
• Request that your Nigerian host or legal counsel liaise appropriately if the matter is time-sensitive

The government’s stated goal is to deliver many short-stay decisions within 24–48 hours, but this is not guaranteed. Reuters+1

10. Practical Tips Before You Travel

1. Use only the official NIS portals – avoid third-party “visa services” that mimic government sites. Nigeria Immigration Service+1
2. Obtain pre-approval – treat e-Visa as mandatory; do not rely on walk-in VoA.
3. Select the right category – business, tourist, conference, etc. Misuse of a category can raise compliance issues later. Nigeria Immigration Service+1
4. Build in time – even if 24–48 hour processing is advertised, allow extra days to resolve any queries or document checks. Reuters+1
5. Keep evidence of your travel history – boarding passes, passport stamps and digital confirmations are useful if any question arises about overstays.
6. Seek legal advice early – particularly if your visit may evolve into a long-term assignment, investment or relocation.

Conclusion – Legal Reality of “Visa on Arrival” in 2025

Nigeria’s immigration system has moved from a partly discretionary, paper-based Visa on Arrival regime to a fully digital, rules-based e-Visa architecture.

In practical terms, this means:

• Pre-approval via the official e-Visa portal is now the standard.
• The traditional VoA process has been phased out, and attempting to rely on it without updated confirmation is risky.
• Travellers, corporates and investors must adapt to the new regime, ensure full compliance and avoid shortcuts.

Handled correctly, the e-Visa system can provide fast, predictable entry for legitimate visitors. Handled carelessly, it can result in detention, refused boarding or removal.

Where there is any doubt — particularly for high-value business travellers, investors or complex travel histories — it is prudent to seek professional legal guidance before committing to travel.

Contact Chaman Law Firm Today

If you or your company are planning travel to Nigeria and need clear, practical advice on e-Visa applications, historical VoA approvals, work authorisation or immigration compliance, professional guidance can save you from costly mistakes.

Chaman Law Firm
115, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Allen Junction,
Beside Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

📞 0806 555 3671, 0809 688 8818, 0802 420 0080
📧 chamanlawfirm@gmail.com
🌐 www.chamanlawfirm.com

👉 Book a consultation: www.chamanlawfirm.com/book-consultation

You are strongly advised to obtain tailored advice before travelling, especially where your visit may involve business, investment, or any form of work in Nigeria.