Nigeria entry requirements for Italy 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
Italian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Nigeria. You apply entirely online before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Nigeria eVisa | Apply for a Nigeria eVisa at the official Immigration Service portal before travel. The online form requires your passport details, travel itinerary, and a digital photo. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, and you must print the approval letter to present on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Italian passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Nigeria. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers enforce it strictly at Lagos and Abuja airports. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Nigerian airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Without one, you risk being denied boarding or entry. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Nigerian host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A printed booking confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a bank statement or enough cash (around $1,000 USD equivalent) to cover your stay. Immigration officers rarely check, but it helps if they question your purpose of visit. | Recommended |
eVisa Required Before Travel
Do not book flights or hotels until your eVisa is approved. Airlines will not let you board without it. Apply early to avoid last-minute stress.
Yellow Fever Vaccine Mandatory
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined. Get the shot at least 10 days before you fly.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa Online
Go to the Nigeria Immigration Service portal (portal.immigration.gov.ng). Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3-5 business days. You'll receive an approval letter by email.
2
Print Your eVisa Approval
Print the eVisa approval letter and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Nigeria.
3
Prepare Your Documents
Gather your passport, eVisa letter, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in a folder you can access quickly.
4
Arrive at the Airport in Nigeria
At Lagos (LOS) or Abuja (ABV) airports, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'. Hand over your passport and eVisa letter. The officer will check your documents, take fingerprints, and stamp your passport. Expect a short queue.
5
Collect Your Luggage and Exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy 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€160 (approx. $175 USD)
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
For frequent travelers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€180 (approx. $198 USD)
Requires invitation letter.
work visa
Work Permit (CERPAC)
1 year, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) per year
For those with a job offer in Nigeria. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 4 years
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) plus tuition
For enrollment in a recognized Nigerian institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business/Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~€1,000 (approx. $1,100 USD) per year
For those investing a minimum of $100,000 in a Nigerian business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Italian passport holders. | €160 (approx. $175 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €200 (approx. $220 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €500 (approx. $550 USD). | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Rarely granted; must apply before expiry. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) per month |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Italian passport holders transiting through Nigeria do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, a visa is required if leaving the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Nigerian visa may transit without additional visa.
Transit hubsMurtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS), Lagos · Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV), Abuja · Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC), Port Harcourt
Health & vaccines for Nigeria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travelers arriving from endemic countries or if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Nigeria; prophylaxis strongly 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 present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travelers.
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
For visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Lagos
Lagos Zonal Office, Nigeria Immigration Service
23, Marina Street, Lagos Island
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa-related issues in Lagos.
Practical information for IT 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
Typically 3-5 business days, but it can take up to 10 days during peak periods. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The eVisa fee varies by nationality and visa type. For Italian passport holders, it's usually around $160 USD (approx. €150). Check the portal for the exact amount at the time of application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline. Nigeria does not offer visa on arrival for Italian passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly.
The standard eVisa is for single entry only. If you plan to leave and re-enter Nigeria, you'll need a new eVisa each time.
Rejections are rare but can happen if documents are incomplete or incorrect. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Nigeria Immigration Service or your nearest Nigerian embassy for guidance.
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.