Nigeria entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
British passport holders need an eVisa to enter Nigeria in 2026. You must apply and receive approval online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for tourism. The eVisa is valid for a single entry, and the maximum stay is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Nigeria eVisa | Apply for a Nigeria eVisa at the Nigeria Immigration Service Portal before travel. The eVisa is a single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Nigeria | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Lagos and Abuja ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. Without one, you risk being refused entry and put on the next flight out. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Nigeria ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're visiting for the first time. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a bank statement showing at least $1,000 USD or equivalent for a short stay. Immigration rarely checks, but having it avoids delays if asked. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccination required
Nigeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) — you may be asked to show it on arrival. Without it, you could be vaccinated at the airport or denied entry.
eVisa processing times vary
While the official processing time is 3-5 working days, it can take longer during holidays or if your application needs manual review. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to avoid stress.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Nigeria Immigration Service portal (portal.immigration.gov.ng) and complete the eVisa application. You'll need to upload a passport photo, a copy of your passport bio page, and your travel itinerary. Pay the visa fee online — it's around £100-£150 depending on processing time. Processing usually takes 3-5 working days, but can be longer during peak periods.
2
Receive and print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with an eVisa approval letter. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show this at check-in and on arrival in Nigeria.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you leave, gather: passport with 6+ months validity, eVisa approval letter, return/onward ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and travel insurance documents. Keep them in your hand luggage.
4
Arrive at the airport in Nigeria
At Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), or Port Harcourt (PHC), follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival' — but you already have your eVisa. Join the queue for 'eVisa' or 'Foreign Passports'. Present your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport and may ask how long you're staying. Answer clearly.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any items over the duty-free limit. Once through, you're free to enter Nigeria.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost£30 (approx. $38 USD)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost£60 (approx. $76 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost£40 (approx. $51 USD)
Requires letter from Nigerian company.
work visa
Work Permit (CERPAC)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD + processing
For those with a job offer from a Nigerian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$100 USD + tuition
For enrollment in a recognized Nigerian educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Permit / Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD + fees
For those investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a Nigerian business. Requires proof of investment and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for UK passport holders applying online. | £20 (approx. $25 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For longer stays or if eVisa not applicable. | £30 (approx. $38 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within a specified period. | £60 (approx. $76 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of £500 (approx. $635 USD). | £5 (approx. $6 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Nigeria
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Nigerian airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
Transit hubsMurtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) · Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) · Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC)
Health & vaccines for Nigeria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all visitors.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; food and water precautions essential.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Abuja
Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters
Plot 123, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Lagos
Lagos State Command, Nigeria Immigration Service
No. 1, Immigration Road, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and visa issues. Expect long queues.
Practical information for GB travellers
Country basics
CapitalAbuja
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months.
Money
CurrencyNigerian naira (NGN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,369.42 NGN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GType D (3-pin round) and Type G (3-pin rectangular) plugs
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The eVisa must be obtained before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for tourism. Apply online at least a week before your trip.
Typically 3-5 working days, but it can take longer during busy periods or if additional documents are requested. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to be safe.
The fee varies by processing speed and nationality. For British passport holders, expect around £100-£150. The exact amount is shown during the online application.
Extensions are not available for the standard eVisa. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Yes, Nigeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 9 months old. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) — you may be asked to show it on arrival.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all international airports: Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), Port Harcourt (PHC), and Kano (KAN). It's also valid at land borders, but check the specific border post's policy.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.