Nigeria entry requirements for Malta 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
Malta passport holders need an eVisa to enter Nigeria in 2026. You apply entirely online before travel, and approval links to your passport number — no visa sticker in your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Nigeria eVisa | Apply for your Nigeria eVisa at the official Nigeria Immigration Service portal before travel. The eVisa is a single-entry permit, typically processed within 3–5 business days. Print the eVisa approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Lagos and Abuja will check it before stamping you in.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Malta passport | Your Malta passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Nigeria. Airlines at Malta International Airport will enforce this before boarding. If your passport has less than 6 months validity, renew it before booking your flight. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Lagos and Abuja airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary showing you leave Nigeria within the eVisa validity period. Airlines may also check this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Nigeria. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A simple booking confirmation from Booking.com or similar works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Have bank statements from the last 3 months showing at least $500 USD equivalent, or carry some cash (USD or EUR) to show you can support yourself. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to show you are not a financial risk. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
Nigeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arrivals. Without the yellow card, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (and pay a fine). Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
eVisa is linked to your passport number
Your eVisa approval is digital — no sticker in your passport. When you arrive, the immigration officer will check your passport number against their system. Make sure the name and passport number on your application match your passport exactly.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the Nigeria Immigration Service portal (portal.immigration.gov.ng). Create an account, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and your passport data page, and pay the fee. Processing takes 3–5 business days typically.
2
Receive eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval letter. Print two copies — one to show at check-in and one for immigration on arrival. Also save a PDF on your phone.
3
Arrive at Lagos or Abuja airport
At the airport, follow signs to 'Arrivals' then 'Immigration'. Hand over your passport, eVisa printout, and boarding pass. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation — have them ready. Expect a short interview: purpose of visit, where you're staying, how long.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. Then proceed to customs — green channel if nothing to declare, red if you have goods over the duty-free limit. Then you're through.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta 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
Cost$160 USD (approx. €150)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. €185)
For frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$200 USD (approx. €185)
Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company.
work visa
CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card)
1 year, renewable annually
~$2,000 USD (approx. €1,850) per year
For expatriates employed by a Nigerian company. Requires a job offer and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries and residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. €140) plus tuition
For those enrolled in a recognized Nigerian educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Permit and Expatriate Quota
1–3 years, renewable
~$3,000 USD (approx. €2,800) initial
For investors starting a business in Nigeria. Requires minimum investment of $100,000 USD and company registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Malta passport holders applying online. | $160 USD (approx. €150) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $200 USD (approx. €185) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office before departure. | $20 USD (approx. €18) per day, max cap $500 USD |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension possible only in exceptional cases, subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. €46) per month |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application 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
Malta passport holders transiting through Nigeria do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsMurtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS), Lagos · Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV), Abuja · Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC)
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 MeningitisRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Nigeria; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Typhoid FeverHigh risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
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 re-entry permits.
Lagos
Lagos Zonal Office, Nigeria Immigration Service
23, Marina Street, Lagos Island
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Busiest office; expect long queues.
Practical information for MT 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 to 5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The eVisa fee is around $160 USD (paid online during application). This covers a single entry for up to 90 days. Fees are subject to change — check the portal for the exact amount.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, Nigeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving passengers. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) — immigration may ask to see it.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your application has errors or missing documents. You'll get an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected info — the fee is non-refundable.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at any international airport in Nigeria — Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), Port Harcourt (PHC), and others. Just show your approval letter at immigration.
Cards work in major hotels and some restaurants, but cash (Nigerian naira) is king for taxis, markets, and small shops. Withdraw from ATMs at the airport — they dispense naira. US dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas.
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.