Nigeria entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Kenyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Nigeria. Pay the fee in cash at the airport and have your documents ready. This process is current as of 2026.
Apply for Nigeria eVisaOfficial portal: Nigeria Immigration eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival application Visa on arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Nigerian airports (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt) after pre-approval. Start at the Nigeria Immigration Service portal, pay the visa fee online (around $25–$200 depending on duration), and bring the approval letter. Without pre-approval, you will be denied boarding.Apply for visa on arrival | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Kenyan passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Nigeria. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be refused at the gate. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Nigeria | Immigration officers at Lagos and Abuja routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your Nigerian host with their address and phone number. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement or enough cash (around $500–$1,000 equivalent) to cover your stay. Officers rarely check, but if asked, you need to show you can support yourself. | Recommended |
Cash only at the visa desk
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. No credit cards, no mobile money. Bring USD or Nigerian naira. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that.
Yellow fever certificate required
Nigeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Carry your yellow card. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (which costs extra).
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into any Nigerian international airport (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano). Go to the 'Visa on Arrival' desk in the arrivals hall before the immigration counters.
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or local currency). The officer will process your visa.
3
Receive visa and enter
You'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Then proceed to the immigration counter for entry. Keep the receipt and visa details safe.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostNGN 25,200 (~$60 USD)
Standard option for tourism; apply online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
CostNGN 50,400 (~$120 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple visits.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostNGN 25,200 (~$60 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company.
work visa
Nigeria Work Permit (CERPAC)
1 year, renewable
~$2,000 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Nigeria. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
investor visa
Business Permit / Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,500 USD
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Nigeria. Allows residency and business activities.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$150 USD
For those enrolled in a recognized Nigerian educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Paid at the airport upon arrival for eligible travellers. | NGN 25,200 (~$60 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Apply online before travel for guaranteed entry. | NGN 25,200 (~$60 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 3 months. | NGN 50,400 (~$120 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of NGN 50,000 (~$120 USD). | NGN 1,000 (~$2.40 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension is not available for Visa on Arrival; only for pre-arranged visas. | NGN 10,000 (~$24 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Kenya passport holders transiting through Nigeria do not require a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visa may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
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 travellers arriving from endemic countries, including Kenya; must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Nigeria; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
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
Handles visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport and application form.
Lagos
Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos Zonal Office
23, Marina Street, Lagos Island
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa issues in Lagos; expect long queues.
Practical information for KE 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 = 1,370.99 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
The fee is typically around $100–$200 USD, payable in cash (USD or Nigerian naira) at the airport. Exact amount can vary, so bring extra. Credit cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave Nigeria before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
The maximum stay is not fixed in the database, but typically it's 30 days. Confirm with the immigration officer at the airport.
Yes, Nigeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination). It's not listed in the requirements above but is a standard health entry requirement.
Yes, at all major international airports: Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), Port Harcourt (PHC), and Kano (KAN). The process is the same.
You'll likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration will ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
No, there is no e-visa for Kenyan passport holders. The visa on arrival is the standard method. You cannot apply online in advance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.