Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens

Nigerian citizens can visit 62 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival in 2025. Through ECOWAS membership, Nigerians enjoy unrestricted travel to 15 West African nations including Ghana (90 days), Senegal (90 days), Gambia (30 days), Togo (90 days), and Côte d'Ivoire. Other visa-free destinations include Barbados (3 months), Dominica (6 months), Fiji (4 months), Haiti (3 months), and several Pacific island nations. Countries like Indonesia, Kenya, and Cambodia offer visa-on-arrival options.

The US B1/B2 tourist and business visa costs $185 (approximately ₦280,000) for Nigerian applicants. This is a non-refundable application fee paid before scheduling your visa interview at the US Embassy in Lagos or Abuja. Payment can be made through First Bank of Nigeria in Naira or by card in USD.

The UK Standard Visitor Visa costs £127 (approximately ₦240,000) for Nigerian citizens applying for stays up to 6 months. VFS Global charges an additional service fee. Priority processing is available for £500 extra (5 working days) or £1,000 for Super Priority (next working day). Applications can be submitted through visa application centers in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

Schengen visa processing for Nigerian applicants typically takes 15 to 45 calendar days from the date of application. During peak travel season, processing can extend further. The Schengen visa fee is €80 (approximately ₦130,000) and allows travel to all 29 Schengen member countries. Note that Nigerian applicants faced a 45.9% rejection rate in 2024, so thorough documentation is essential.

Standard visa requirements for Nigerians include: valid passport with 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages, recent passport-size photographs (specifications vary by country), bank statements for the last 6 months showing sufficient funds, employment letter or business registration documents (CAC), confirmed flight itinerary and hotel bookings, travel insurance (mandatory for Schengen), cover letter explaining travel purpose, and proof of ties to Nigeria such as property documents or family obligations.

The US B1/B2 visa approval rate for Nigerian applicants varies based on individual circumstances, with success depending heavily on demonstrating strong ties to Nigeria, financial stability, and clear travel purpose. Approval rates are higher for applicants with previous international travel history, property ownership, stable employment, and consistent bank statements showing regular income.

Nigerian citizens require a visa to visit Dubai (UAE) and must apply in advance. Unlike some nationalities, Nigerians are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in the UAE. Tourist visas can be obtained through airlines like Emirates, travel agents, or the UAE immigration portal. The 30-day tourist visa typically costs around $100 to $150 with processing taking 3 to 5 working days.

Nigerian applicants face notably high rejection rates for Schengen visas, with an overall 45.9% rejection rate in 2024, one of the highest globally. Common rejection reasons include insufficient financial documentation, unclear travel purpose, weak ties to Nigeria, incomplete applications, and lack of previous travel history. Countries like France and Germany have higher rejection rates for Nigerian applicants compared to Portugal, Iceland, or Greece.

To maximize visa approval chances: apply at least 6 to 10 weeks before travel, provide 6 months of detailed bank statements showing consistent income and a healthy closing balance, include tax clearance certificates and proof of business or employment, show property ownership documents or land titles, document previous international travel stamps, provide a detailed day-by-day travel itinerary, ensure all documents are properly attested, and consider applying through Schengen countries with lower rejection rates like Portugal or Iceland.