Basic Visa Requirements for Nigeria Citizens

The visa application has requirements and there are some imposed restrictions which are done by the administrative unit of the country or other countries.

In July 2021, Nigerian citizens obtained visa access to about 45 countries and other districts. This made Nigeria’s passport to be ranked 98th based on traveling freedom as Stated by Henley Passport Index.

In a case where there is a visa-free access permit, there is no need for another visa access. Approval and admission depend on the decision of border enforcement officers. Any Visitors involved in activities apart from tourism, and also work may need a visa or work permit.

VISITING NIGERIA

The Citizens of the Economic of West African States (ECOWAS) don’t need entrance permits into Nigeria. Every visitor that is not exempted from entry permits is usually advised to apply and get a proper visa from a closest Nigerian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate before they will be given access to enter Nigeria. The  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

There should be no form of treasure taken away from the country without written approval from the right Nigerian authorities. The approval must be issued by the Department of Antiquities, National Museum, in Jos or Lagos. This law bans the export of any kind of antiquity, and also every ritual art that is even contemporary made.

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 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 invitation letter is a letter written by the citizen to confirm that they are willing 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

In case you are traveling based on sponsorship, then the person sponsoring you will have to submit the 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 a bank statement shows the account analysis for a specific period. It gives a detailed breakdown of the amount deposited, withdrawn and every other bank transaction carried out.

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 document of the property shows proof of ownership. Indicating you are a true citizen of that country and 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 letter of employment from your employee showing the duration of your employment and salary. The approved duration for a vacation and reason for traveling.

13. Pension book

If you are a retired person you will be asked to come with your pension book, with the Company’s registration certificate and your income details if 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, if you are divorced, and partner’s death certificate etc.

15.Letter from a physician

This is an essential requirements because no country will accept any sick individual from another country without any notice. A letter from a physician will be requested for to certify you are fit enough or that you have some health challenges. Apart from this letter you will also undergo a medical checkup by an authorized medical personnel, else 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, PHD.
• 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 compulsory requirement when applying for a visa. It depends on the embassy you want to do fingerprint, if 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 up with these requirements, then you are sure to obtain a visa.

ALSO, READ 10+ Nigeria visa-free Countries To Travel Now