Nigeria Tourist Visa (2026): Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

Happy traveller with a suitcase holding a passport and flight ticket

A Nigeria tourist visa is the route for anyone coming to visit — to see family, explore Lagos and Abuja, attend a wedding, or simply travel. In 2026 most applicants apply online through the e-Visa system rather than queuing at an embassy. The process is straightforward once your documents are in order, and that is exactly where most delays come from. Use the checklist below to get application-ready before you start.

Who the tourist visa is for

The tourist visa (often issued as a short-stay e-Visa) covers leisure travel and visiting friends or relatives. It does not permit paid work or long-term stay. If your trip is for business meetings, you want a business visa instead; if you are an ECOWAS citizen, you do not need a visa at all for stays up to 90 days.

What you need to apply

Tick each item as you gather it. The bar shows how close you are to being ready.

Tourist visa readiness checklist

Passport valid for at least 6 months with blank pages Recent passport-style photograph Return or onward flight booking Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or a host address) Evidence of funds for your stay (bank statement) Visa fee ready to pay online

0 of 6 ready. Start ticking items as you gather them.

Insider tip: the host or accommodation detail trips up more tourist applications than anything else. If you are staying with family rather than a hotel, have their full address and a short invitation note ready — a blank accommodation field reads as a weak application.

How to apply, step by step

Start your application on the official Nigeria e-Visa portal and select the tourist or short-visit class.
Upload your documents from the checklist above.
Pay the visa fee online.
Submit and wait for your approval by email, then present it on arrival for biometrics.

How long it takes and how long it lasts

Processing time varies, so apply at least a couple of weeks before you travel rather than at the last minute. Tourist visas are typically short-stay and single entry; if you visit often, ask about a longer multiple-entry option.

Common questions

Can I work on a tourist visa? No. It is for leisure and visiting only. Work requires a permit.

Can I extend my stay? Extensions are possible through the immigration service in some cases, but it is simpler to apply for the duration you need from the start.

Do children need their own visa? Yes, each traveller needs their own, including minors on their own passports.

Let RenewPapers handle your Nigeria visa

Figuring out which visa you need is half the battle. We handle the rest — choosing the right category, preparing a clean application, and getting it submitted correctly the first time, whether you are applying for an e-Visa, a business visa, or Visa on Arrival approval.

Start my Nigeria visa Chat on WhatsApp

Keep reading

RenewPapers is an independent document-handling service. We are not the Nigeria Immigration Service. Visa requirements and fees are set by the government and can change; we help you apply correctly under the current rules.

Frequently asked questions

Which visa do I need for tourism or a family visit to Nigeria?

For tourism or a family visit, the tourist/visit e-Visa is the route. We offer visa help for travellers to Nigeria and full travel-to-Nigeria visa support so your visit is not held up; start here.

Do you support travellers coming to Nigeria?

Yes — Nigeria travel support for visitors: the right visa, clean documents, and guidance on landing and exit cards. Tell us your trip and we will handle the visa.

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