Nigeria entry requirements for Uganda 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
Ugandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at any Nigerian airport. No need to apply in advance — just show up with your documents and pay the fee at the immigration counter. This policy is current as of 2026.
Apply for Nigeria eVisaOfficial portal: Nigeria Immigration eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply online before travel | Nigeria offers a visa on arrival for Ugandan passport holders, but you must pre-apply online through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal at portal.immigration.gov.ng. Complete the application and pay the visa fee (around $150–$200 USD depending on duration) before departure. Print the approval letter and present it at the Lagos or Abuja airport immigration desk — they'll stamp your passport on arrival.Apply for visa on arrival | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Ugandan passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Nigeria. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration officers at Lagos and Abuja enforce it strictly. No blank pages requirement beyond the one needed for the visa stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Nigeria | Immigration officers at Nigerian airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary showing you leave Nigeria within your visa validity. Airlines also check this at check-in — no ticket means no boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're a first-time visitor. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Nigeria ready. A simple booking printout or email works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers occasionally ask for proof of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry a bank statement or a credit card showing available balance — $500–$1,000 USD equivalent is a safe range. Not always checked, but better to have it. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or Naira). ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need the cash before you clear. Bring enough USD to cover the fee and any unexpected costs.
Visa on arrival is single-entry only
You cannot leave Nigeria and re-enter on the same visa. If you plan to visit neighboring countries (e.g., Ghana, Benin), get a multiple-entry visa from a Nigerian embassy before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Land at a Nigerian airport
You can get the visa on arrival at any international airport: Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), Port Harcourt (PHC), Kano (KAN), or Enugu (ENU).
2
Go to the visa on arrival counter
After deplaning, follow signs for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Do not join the regular passport queue — look for the designated desk.
3
Submit your documents and pay
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the fee in cash (USD or Naira). The officer will process your visa and affix the sticker.
4
Get your passport stamped
Once the visa is issued, the officer will stamp your passport with an entry stamp. Check the stamp for the correct date and duration (usually 30 days).
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Keep your passport and visa receipt accessible.
Download Nigeria Entry Checklist
PDF · Uganda 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, standard)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (VoA available)
Ugandans can obtain a visa on arrival at no cost; no need to apply in advance.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (VoA available for business)
Business visitors can also use VoA; no separate fee.
Transit visa (airside)
Max stay48 hours
Validity7 days from issue
CostFree (not required for airside transit)
Ugandans transiting without leaving the airport do not need a visa.
work visa
Work Permit / Expatriate Quota Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$500–$1,000 USD (processing fees)
For foreign nationals employed by a Nigerian company. Requires a job offer and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$200 USD (application fee)
For Ugandans enrolled in a recognized Nigerian educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business / Investor Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$1,000–$2,000 USD (processing fees)
For individuals investing in a Nigerian business. Minimum investment threshold applies (typically $100,000+). Allows multiple entries.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Ugandan citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Nigerian airports at no cost. | Free (no fee for Ugandan passport holders) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, standard processing)No separate tourist visa fee for Ugandans; VoA covers tourism. | Free (not applicable as VoA is free) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple entry not available via VoA; standard single entry only. | Free (not applicable as VoA is free) |
| Stay extension feeVisa on arrival is not extendable; must leave and re-enter for longer stays. | Unknown (not available for VoA) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced but amounts vary; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (not officially published) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Ugandan passport holders transiting through Nigeria do not need a visa if they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
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 Uganda) or if you have been in an endemic area. Must show valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedMeningococcal MeningitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Nigeria, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Nigeria, including cities. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
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 residency permits; bring passport and application forms.
Lagos
Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos Zonal Office
23, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Practical information for UG 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 $100–$150 USD or the equivalent in Nigerian Naira. Pay in cash at the airport immigration desk. Exchange rates vary, so bring USD if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before the 30-day validity expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a different visa type before traveling.
No pre-approval is needed for Ugandan passport holders. Just show up at the airport with your documents and pay the fee. However, some travellers report smoother processing if they register on the Nigeria Immigration Service portal in advance.
The visa on arrival is only available at international airports. If you enter by land (e.g., from Benin or Cameroon), you must have a visa issued by a Nigerian embassy beforehand.
No, it's a single-entry visa. If you leave Nigeria and want to return, you'll need to get a new visa on arrival again (or a different visa type).
Your passport (6+ months validity), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Cash for the visa fee is essential.
Usually 15–30 minutes at the immigration desk, but queues can be longer during peak hours. Budget at least an hour after landing for the whole process.
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.