Application Process

Nigerian citizens have two options for obtaining an India tourist visa: the e-Tourist Visa (online) or a regular visa through the High Commission.12 The e-visa is faster and more convenient for most travelers.

Option 1: e-Tourist Visa (Recommended)

1. Prepare Required Documents

Before starting your application, gather all required documents including your passport, digital photograph, and most importantly, your Yellow Fever and Polio vaccination certificates.12 Nigerian citizens must have both health certificates as mandatory requirements.

2. Complete Online Application

Visit the official e-visa portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in and select “e-Tourist Visa.”1 Fill out the application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly.1

3. Upload Documents

Upload a clear scan of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photograph.1 Both documents must meet the specified format and size requirements. Poor quality uploads are a common cause of rejection.5

4. Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the applicable fee using a credit or debit card.1 Ensure your Nigerian bank card is enabled for international online transactions. Fees range from $10 to $80 depending on visa duration and season, plus a 2.5% bank transaction fee.6

5. Receive Your ETA

Within 72 hours to 5 business days, you will receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email.1 Print the ETA and carry it with your passport and health certificates when traveling to India.

Option 2: Regular Visa (Through High Commission)

For travelers who prefer the traditional route or whose e-visa applications were rejected, regular visas can be obtained through the High Commission of India in Abuja or the Consulate General in Lagos.24

Required for Regular Visa:

• Completed online visa application form (signed)
• Original passport valid for at least 6 months
• Two passport-sized photographs (50mm x 50mm)
• Introduction letter and invitation from Indian host with PAN/Aadhaar copy
• Travel and hotel bookings with detailed itinerary
• Bank statement for the last 6 months
• Employment letter or business documents
• Yellow Fever and Polio vaccination certificates

Submission Timings:24

• Abuja: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on working days
• Lagos: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on working days

Fees

All e-visa fees are subject to a 2.5% bank transaction charge.6 The regular visa fee of $252 includes a $2 surcharge and is payable in US dollars.2

Mandatory Health Requirements

Nigeria is classified as a Yellow Fever endemic country and a polio-affected country, making both vaccinations mandatory for entry into India.2

Yellow Fever Vaccination:2

• Required for all Nigerian travelers
• Must be administered at least 10 days before travel
• Certificate valid for life under WHO guidelines
• Original certificate required at port of entry

Oral Polio Vaccination:2

• Mandatory for residents of polio-affected countries including Nigeria
• Must be administered between 4 weeks and 1 year before arrival
• Certificate must clearly show vaccination date
• Required for entry into India

Both certificates must be originals. Failure to present valid health certificates at the port of entry may result in denial of entry or quarantine measures.

Designated Entry Points

The e-Tourist Visa is valid for entry through specific ports only.15

Designated Airports (16): Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, Goa (Dabolim), Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Gaya, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangalore, Tiruchirapalli, and Varanasi.

Designated Seaports (5): Mumbai, Cochin, Mormugao (Goa), Chennai, and New Mangalore.

You can exit India from any authorized Immigration Check Post.1

Processing Times

e-Tourist Visa:1

• Standard processing: 72 hours to 5 business days
• Apply at least 4 days before intended arrival
• Can apply up to 120 days in advance
• Peak periods may extend processing to 10 business days

Regular Visa:24

• Processing time: 2-6 weeks
• Some applications may require additional verification
• Interview may be required in certain cases

After Your Visa is Approved

Once approved, before traveling to India:

1. Print the ETA (for e-visa) and carry it with your passport
2. Verify all details on the visa are correct
3. Carry original health certificates (Yellow Fever and Polio)
4. Prepare proof of return travel (recommended)
5. Have accommodation details ready for immigration

At Indian immigration, you will provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) and present your health certificates.1

If Your Visa is Refused

If your e-visa application is rejected:

1. Check the rejection reason provided in the email notification
2. Address the specific issues identified in the rejection
3. Reapply with correct documentation if it was a fixable error
4. Apply for regular visa if e-visa continues to be rejected

For regular visa refusals, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You can reapply after addressing the concerns raised or seek assistance from an immigration consultant.

Common issues to address before reapplying:

• Ensure all health certificates are valid and clearly dated
• Verify passport has sufficient validity and blank pages
• Improve document quality (clearer scans and photos)
• Provide more detailed travel itinerary if requested