Visa Tips
Basic Visa Requirements for Nigeria Citizens
The visa application has requirements, and there are some imposed restrictions, which are done by the country’s administrative unit or other countries.
In July 2021, Nigerian citizens obtained visa access to about 45 countries and other districts. As the Henley Passport Index stated, this made Nigeria’s passport rank 98th in terms of traveling freedom.
If you have a visa-free access permit, you do not need another visa. Approval and admission depend on the decision of border enforcement officers. Visitors involved in activities other than tourism and work may need a visa or work permit.
VISITING NIGERIA
Citizens of the Economic of West African States (ECOWAS) don’t need entrance permits into Nigeria. Every visitor who is not exempted from entry permits is usually advised to apply and get a proper visa from the closest Nigerian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate before they are given access to enter Nigeria. Visas are not issued at the port of entry. It’s important to apply early to prevent unnecessary delay.
Basic requirements for visa
Below are the fundamental requirements needed for obtaining a visa:
1. Vaccination:
It’s expected that every individual traveling must be vaccinated against major diseases such as malaria, cholera, yellow fever, dysentery, etc, that are the epidermis and are easily contracted.
2. Export of Antiquities
No treasure should be taken away from the country without written approval from the proper Nigerian authorities. The Department of Antiquities, National Museum, in Jos or Lagos must authorize the authorization. This law bans the export of any kind of antiquity and every ritual art, even contemporary.
3. Business Hours
Nigeria Government offices are usually open from 7.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday, while commercial houses are open from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Government offices are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Except for private companies and individual business set-ups.
4. Invitation letter
The citizens write the invitation letter to confirm their willingness to accept the invitation.
5. Travel itinerary
A travel itinerary is more like a list that shows the activities you will be engaged in when you travel. It contains documents with the flight you purchased and the reservation that shows the date you will travel and leave the country. It can also show internal flight reservations.
You also have to include accommodation where you will stay. It could be a rented apartment, hotel, or a family member/friend’s house. The itinerary can also show your financial strength to afford accommodation.
6. Sponsorship documents
If you are traveling based on sponsorship, the person sponsoring you will have to submit documents showing that he/she is in charge of your traveling expenses.
7. Letter of Affidavit
This is a letter stating that your sponsor is financially capable of footing your bills throughout the period you will be staying.
8. Employment Letter
The employment letter shows the sponsor is gainfully employed or the applicant is employed with a lucrative job. This is to confirm that you or your sponsor are financially capable.
9. Payslips
A payslip is a slip that shows the amount of money you earn monthly and its breakdown, including Net and gross pay.
10. Bank Letter
A bank letter or statement shows the account analysis for a specific period. It gives a detailed breakdown of the amount deposited, withdrawn, and every other bank transaction.
11. Property Documents
If there is any personal property or properties you have in your country or somewhere else, there should be proof to show it’s yours. The property document shows proof of ownership. This indicates that you are a true citizen of that country and that you don’t intend to leave your country forever. It’s also an edge as this shows part of your financial strength.
The property documents include:
* Original paper of ownership.
* Photographs of the said property.
* Self-affidavit as regards the property.
12. Employment / Professional Documents
Another basic requirement is a letter of employment from your employee showing the duration of your employment and salary, the approved duration of a vacation, and the reason for traveling.
13. Pension book
If you are a retired person, you will be asked to bring your pension book, the Company’s registration certificate, and your income details if you are self-employed.
14. Family Documents
You might also be asked to submit any family Documents to certify you are a bona fide member of that family. Examples of family documents are a marriage certificate, Birth certificate, adoption certificate if you were adopted, family photographs, adoption certificate, divorce certificate, divorce certificate, and your partner’s death certificate, etc.
15. Letter from a physician
This is an essential requirement because no country will accept any sick individual from another country without any notice. A letter from a physician will be requested to certify you are fit enough or have some health challenges. Apart from this letter, you will also undergo a medical checkup by an authorized medical personnel, or you won’t get your visa.
Other documents that might be required based on travel type:
- Proof showing you have the qualifications (diplomas and certifications)
- Proof of professional degree Examples: Bachelor, Master, Ph.D.
- Job offer from a US employer.
- Your Resume or CV.
- Letter from previous employers.
- State License (optional).
- Proof showing you have extraordinary skills.
- Additional Fees, etc.
Fingerprint Collection
Fingerprints are a compulsory requirement when applying for a visa. It depends on the embassy where you want to do a fingerprint and whether it’s before or after the Application.
Only the following categories are exempted from fingerprint collection:
- Children under 14.
- Elders over 79.
- A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, C-3.
- NATO applicants.
- People who physically are not able to give their fingerprints.
Conclusion
Applying for a visa has requirements, and they are inevitable. These requirements are used to scrutinize applicants because not all applicants can be given a visa. If you are able to meet these requirements, then you are sure to obtain a visa.
ALSO, READ 10+ Nigeria visa-free Countries To Travel Now
Originally posted 2023-02-01 16:53:38.