Nigeria entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders need an eVisa to visit Nigeria for tourism or business. Apply online before you travel. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for short stays.
Apply for Nigeria eVisaOfficial portal: Nigeria Immigration eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Nigeria eVisa | Apply for your Nigeria eVisa at the 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 entry.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your Saudi passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Nigeria. Airlines at King Khalid and King Abdulaziz airports enforce this strictly — they won't let you board without it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Confirmed onward travel | Immigration officers at Lagos and Abuja routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they may deny entry if you can't show onward travel. | 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 for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-arranged tour or business contact. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement or enough cash (at least $500 equivalent) to cover your stay. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of sufficient funds, particularly for longer visits. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Nigeria. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration will deny entry if it's less. Count carefully.
eVisa is the only option for tourism
There is no visa-on-arrival for Saudi passport holders for tourism. You must get the eVisa before you fly. Business travelers may have other options — check with your sponsor.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Nigeria Immigration Service portal (portal.immigration.gov.ng). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the visa fee. Processing usually takes 3-5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa letter. Print a copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show this at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), eVisa letter, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on for easy access.
4
Arrive at a Nigerian airport
You'll land at Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), or another international airport. Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Have your passport and eVisa letter ready.
5
Go through immigration
Present your passport and eVisa letter to the officer. They may ask about your purpose of visit, where you're staying, and how long you plan to stay. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with an entry stamp.
6
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're now free to enter Nigeria.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$160 USD (approx. 160 USD)
Standard option for tourism; non-extendable.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple visits.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Nigerian company.
work visa
Nigeria Work Permit (CERPAC)
1 year, renewable annually
~$2,000 USD (approx. 2,000 USD)
For foreign employees with a Nigerian job offer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Nigeria Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
For enrolled students at accredited Nigerian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Nigeria Business Permit / Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$3,000 USD (approx. 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 Saudi passport holders; processing time 3-5 business days. | $160 USD (approx. 60,000 NGN) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $200 USD (approx. 75,000 NGN) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $2,000 USD (approx. 750,000 NGN). | $20 USD (approx. 7,500 NGN) per day |
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
Saudi passport holders transiting through Nigeria do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 of vaccination may be requested.
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 in all regions. Use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider prophylactic medication.
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 123, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and application form.
Lagos
Lagos State Immigration Office
1, Immigration Road, Ikeja, Lagos
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; expect queues.
Practical information for SA 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
Typically 3 to 5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The fee is paid online during application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or check with the Nigeria Immigration Service for other options before your current visa expires.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and entry by Nigerian immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
No, you need a confirmed return or onward ticket. Immigration may ask to see it, and airlines check it at check-in.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Nigeria can be very high, and insurance covers emergencies.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or incorrect. You can reapply after fixing the issues. There is no appeal process, but you can contact the Nigeria Immigration Service for guidance.
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.