Nigeria entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders need an eVisa to enter Nigeria in 2026. The application is entirely online, and you must have your approval printed or saved on your phone before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for an eVisa at the Nigeria Immigration Service portal. The process takes a few days — do not book flights until you have the approval letter. Print the eVisa approval and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Nigeria. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. If you are transiting to another country, show that ticket. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Nigeria. Officers rarely ask, but having it speeds things up if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. No fixed amount is published, but having at least $500 equivalent in cash or card is a safe bet. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) on arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport at your own expense.
Apply early for your eVisa
Processing can take up to 2 weeks. Don't wait until the last minute — apply at least 3 weeks before your departure date.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the Nigeria Immigration Service portal (portal.immigration.gov.ng). Fill in the application form, upload your passport photo and passport data page, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print approval
Once approved, you'll get an eVisa approval letter by email. Print a copy and keep a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at a Nigerian airport
Fly into Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), or Port Harcourt (PHC). At immigration, present your passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. They'll stamp you in for up to 90 days.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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
CostNGN 24,000 (~$30 USD)
Standard option for tourism; apply at Nigerian embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostNGN 48,000 (~$60 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple visits.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostNGN 48,000 (~$60 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company.
work visa
CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card)
1 year, renewable
~$2,000 USD (including processing)
For expatriates employed in Nigeria. Requires a job offer and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries and residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (typically 1–4 years)
~$150 USD (visa fee) + tuition
For enrolled students at accredited Nigerian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Permit / Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$3,000 USD (depending on investment)
For individuals investing in Nigeria (minimum $100,000 USD). Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for New Zealand passport holders applying online. | NGN 24,000 (~$30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; available at embassy if eVisa not used. | NGN 24,000 (~$30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | NGN 48,000 (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of NGN 50,000 (~$60 USD). | NGN 500 (~$0.60 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Nigerian airports if staying within the international transit area and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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; proof may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Nigeria; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Present in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Typhoid FeverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Nigeria, including cities. 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; bring passport and application form.
Lagos
Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos Command
23, Marina Street, Lagos Island
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Busiest office; expect queues. Arrive early.
Practical information for NZ 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. New Zealand passport holders must get an eVisa before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for NZ citizens.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but can take up to 2 weeks during peak periods. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.
The eVisa fee varies by nationality and visa type. For New Zealanders, expect around $160–$200 USD. Check the portal for the exact amount when you apply.
The eVisa typically allows a stay of up to 90 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged through the Nigeria Immigration Service in-country.
Yes. Nigeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travellers. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) with you.
You'll receive a rejection email with a reason. Common reasons include incomplete forms, poor photo quality, or insufficient passport validity. You can reapply after fixing the issue.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all international airports in Nigeria: Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), Port Harcourt (PHC), and Kano (KAN).
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.