Nigeria entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders need an eVisa to travel to Nigeria. You must apply and receive approval online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard route for tourism, business, and short visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Nigeria eVisa | Apply for your Nigeria eVisa at the official Immigration Service portal before travel. The eVisa is a single-entry permit, and you must print the approval letter to present at the border. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your Irish passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Nigeria. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Lagos and Abuja enforce it strictly. No exceptions for shorter validity. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Confirmed outbound flight | Immigration at Nigerian airports will ask for proof of a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound booking ready. If you're flying out to another country, that ticket works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you're a first-time visitor. A printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number is enough. I've seen people pulled aside for not having this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a recent bank statement showing enough funds for your stay, or have a credit card with a decent limit. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, they want to see you can support yourself. $500–$1,000 equivalent is a safe range for a short trip. | Recommended |
eVisa must be approved before you fly
Airlines will not let you board without a valid eVisa approval. Don't rely on same-day processing — apply early.
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (WHO yellow card) at immigration. No card, no entry — no exceptions.
Get an eSIM before you land
Airalo eSIMs activate automatically when you arrive — no need to queue at the airport for a local SIM. Useful for maps, ride-hailing apps, and staying connected.
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. Upload a recent passport-style photo and a copy of your passport bio page. Pay the visa fee online — the cost varies by nationality and visa type. Processing usually takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an eVisa approval letter by email. Print at least two copies — one for the airline check-in desk and one for Nigerian immigration. Also save a PDF on your phone as backup.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, gather: your passport (6+ months validity), printed eVisa, return/onward ticket, accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance documents. Keep them in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
4
Arrival at a Nigerian airport
At Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), or Port Harcourt (PHC), follow signs to 'Immigration' after disembarking. Join the queue for 'eVisa / Visa on Arrival' — don't join the 'Diplomatic' or 'Crew' lines. Present your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport and take your biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Expect 20–40 minutes in the queue.
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 exit the arrivals hall.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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
CostNGN 20,000 (~$50 USD)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostNGN 40,000 (~$100 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
CostNGN 30,000 (~$75 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company.
work visa
Expatriate Quota Visa (CERPAC)
1 year, renewable annually
~$2,000 USD per year
For foreign workers employed by a Nigerian company. Requires company sponsorship and quota approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$150 USD application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Nigerian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Permit / Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$3,000 USD
For investors with significant capital in Nigeria. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | NGN 20,000 (~$50 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | NGN 40,000 (~$100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of NGN 50,000 (~$125 USD). | NGN 1,000 (~$2.50 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
Ireland passport holders transiting through Nigeria do not require a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa may be needed.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsMurtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) · Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV)
Health & vaccines for Nigeria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Nigeria; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travellers.
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 1161, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Lagos
Lagos Zonal Office, Nigeria Immigration Service
23, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Busiest office; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Practical information for IE 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
Processing typically takes 3–7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. You can check your application status on the Nigeria Immigration Service portal.
No, not for Irish passport holders. The eVisa must be approved before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for tourism or business visits.
The eVisa fee varies depending on your nationality and visa type. For Irish passport holders, expect to pay around €100–€150. The exact amount is shown during the online application before payment.
You'll receive a rejection email with a reason. Common reasons include incomplete documents, incorrect photo, or insufficient passport validity. You can reapply after fixing the issue, but you'll need to pay the fee again. Contact the Nigerian embassy in Dublin for guidance if needed.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Nigeria. You must show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and keep the WHO yellow card with your passport.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type (e.g., a residence permit) before your current visa expires. Contact the Nigeria Immigration Service in advance.
Report the loss to the nearest police station and get a police report. Then contact the Irish Embassy in Abuja (or the Honorary Consulate in Lagos) for an emergency travel document. You'll need a copy of your passport and visa if possible.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.