Traveling abroad is an exciting opportunity for many Nigerians; we love to travel, we love adventure. However, as a Nigerian, it can be hard to travel the world without having to go through a long, grueling visa process. Individuals seeking to travel face strict requirements and documentation, lengthy processing times, and the possibility of visa denials and rejections, all of which can cause significant stress and anxiety for such eager travelers.
Fortunately, as a Nigerian citizen, there are several countries you can visit without a visa. Aside from convenience and flexibility, traveling without a visa has a number of other advantages, such as saving money and time by avoiding the lengthy and complex visa application process, which can take weeks or even months. By traveling without a visa, you can avoid the stress and hassles of having to attend interviews or provide supporting documentation, allowing you to focus solely on your travels.
Nigerian citizens can travel visa-free to 26 countries around the world as of January 2023. In addition, there are 20 countries that offer visas on arrival and 22 countries that issue eVisas to Nigerian passport holders.
Visa-free Countries For Nigerian Passport Holders
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, you should consider traveling without a visa to fully enjoy the freedom and benefits of travel. Here is a list of the 26 countries you can visit without a visa as a Nigerian:
- Barbados
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Cabo Verde
- Chad
- Cook Islands
- Ivory Coast
- Dominica
- Fiji
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Haiti
- Liberia
- Mali
- Micronesia
- Montserrat
- Niger
- Niue
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Gambia
- Togo
- Vanuatu
On arrival, travelers are generally granted up to 30 days’ duration of stay, but in some countries, it can be more. For instance, while countries like Cameroon, Chad, Benin, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Haiti, Senegal, etc, offer 90 days duration of stay, countries like Barbados or Dominica, offer 180 days duration of stay. It is important to note that for visa-free travel, you must have a valid passport (usually valid for six months after your departure date) and purchase travel health insurance as required by your destination country. It is also advisable to travel with your return flight ticket [if you’re traveling by air], and proof of funds and accommodation.
Countries That Offer Visa on Arrival For Nigerian Passport Holders
Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a type of visa that allows you to enter a country upon arrival without having to apply for a visa in advance. With this option, you simply pay for a visa at the immigration desk upon arrival, without making any prior arrangements for one.
Below is a list of countries you can get a visa on arrival if you are a Nigerian citizen.
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Comoros
- Ethiopia
- Iran
- Lebanon
- Madagascar
- Maldives
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Palau
- Rwanda
- Samoa
- Seychelles
- Somalia
- Timor-Leste
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
To obtain a Visa on Arrival, you must meet certain requirements, such as having a valid passport, proof of financial stability, and a clear purpose for your visit. The requirements for obtaining a Visa on Arrival vary from country to country, so it is important to check with the relevant authorities before traveling.
Countries That Issue eVisa to Nigerian Citizens
E-Visas or electronic visas are obtained online, making the visa application process faster, more convenient, and more efficient. To obtain an e-visa, individuals must have a valid passport. The application process requires individuals to complete an online form, submit a digital passport photo, and pay a fee. Some countries may also require additional documentation, such as proof of financial stability and the purpose of the visit.
After your application is approved, you will receive an email confirming your visa status along with a document you must print out and bring with you when crossing the border. Although your visa will be registered online, some officers may ask you for a physical copy of the permit; this is why it’s important to keep the copy with you while traveling. The following countries issue eVisas for Nigerian passport holders:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Azerbaijan
- Colombia
- Djibouti
- Gabon
- Georgia
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lesotho
- Moldova
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Qatar
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Suriname
- Tajikistan
- Türkiye
- Uzbekistan
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
By opting for the e-visa process, you can avoid the hassle of visiting an embassy and receive your visas in a matter of days. However, when applying for this type of visa, it is critical to be aware of the risks and limitations of e-visas and to take the necessary precautions to protect personal information.
As a Nigerian, you have the opportunity to explore the world without the added stress and uncertainty of obtaining a traditional visa. You can travel to an increasing number of countries with visa-free, e-Visa, and visa-on-arrival options
However, it is important to note that visa policies can change at any time. Therefore, regardless of the type of visa option you choose, it is critical to conduct thorough research on each country’s requirements, fees, and restrictions before traveling. In addition, you should also make certain that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel dates and that you have all necessary travel documents, such as proof of accommodation and return flight tickets.
We hope that this visa information helps you plan your next international trip.
Have you traveled with any of the above visa options before? Was it a smooth ride, or did you run into any problems? Please share your experiences with us; we’d love to hear from you.
