How to Get a Nigerian Visa on Arrival in 48 Hours

Destinali
10 min readOct 29, 2021

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Nigerian visa on arrival is a very popular visa for those who require urgent visa to enter Nigeria. This visa can be obtained in less than 48 hours completely online without any visits to the embassy whatsoever.

This means that foreigners coming to Nigeria don’t necessarily need to go the Nigerian embassy in their resident countries in order to obtain a visa. You only need to submit an application online with all required documents and obtain an approval within 2 working days.

Have urgent need to travel to Nigeria? Now you can skip all embassy visits, appointments, and visa interviews completely and your visa processed online and approval obtained in just 48 hours or less.

Once your visa is approved, a letter of approval is sent to you via email containing your application details. It is the mandatory slip that qualifies you to arrive in Nigeria and get a visa at the airport. You won’t be allowed to fly or arrive in Nigeria without the visa on arrival approval letter.

Nigeria Visa on Arrival Approval Letter

Nigeria Visa on Arrival (VoA) Application and Approval (destinali.com)

Why Visa on Arrival (VoA) Might Be the Best Option for You

  • It is faster to get a Nigerian visa on arrival
  • The visa on arrival (VoA) is easier to get
  • It could even be a cheaper option for some people
  • No need for visa interview

It is faster to get a Nigerian Visa on Arrival (VoA)

The Nigerian Visa on Arrival (VoA) program is quite possibly the fastest way to get a Nigerian visa. If you have exigent need to visit Nigeria and don’t have much time on your side to complete bureaucratic procedures at the Nigerian Embassy or High Commission in your country of residence, then you’re better off getting a visa on arrival instead.

It takes less than two business days to process and get the letter of approval from the Nigeria Immigration.

Nigeria Visa on Arrival (VoA) is Easier to Get

It could be really hectic applying for a Nigerian visa at the embassy in your resident country. But this is not the case with the Visa on Arrival program as it is completely hassle-free.

If you want, we can help with the entire visa on arrival processing without any effort on your part other than submit the required documents to us and make payment. This is 100% guaranteed as well, you only need to give us your flight itinerary, passport photo and passport data page. No stress. Very easy.

Normally, we will process and send the approval documents to you via email within 48 hours maximum. This will enable you travel and get your visa at the port of entry (airport) in Nigeria.

This process saves you all the stress and headache of visa application at the Nigerian embassy/consulate/high commission.

Get Your Nigeria visa on arrival NOW.

Visa on Arrival Could be a Cheaper Option

If the Nigerian embassy is far away from where you reside, it might cost a lot travelling across states or regions many times to go apply for a visa and also go for visa interviews. Other logistic costs will also add up. These and other reasons mean the Visa on Arrival (VoA) program could be a cheaper option for you.

No Need for Visa Interview

Many people dread going for a visa interview. Lots others who go for visa interview are denied visa. This is why most people prefer to let us handle the visa processing for them, so they can simply get the visa on arrival at the airport without any interviews.

With the visa on arrival program, you neither need to visit the Nigerian embassy nor go for any visa interviews.

Need help with getting a Visa on Arrival? Get Started Here.

Nigerian Visa on Arrival Application: All Your Questions Answered Here

Let’s explain in more details your most burning questions regarding the Nigerian Visa on Arrival Program: what it is all about, the requirements, who can get it and how you can apply and successfully get an approval, etc.

What is Nigeria Visa on Arrival Program?

Nigeria Visa on Arrival (VoA) is a class of short visit visa (initially valid for 30 days) issued to foreigners at any international airport in Nigeria.

However, applicant must first submit an application and obtain a letter of approval from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) before you can travel and get the visa at the airport. If you don’t obtain this visa on arrival approval letter, you will be sent back at the airport.

How Long is a Nigerian Visa on Arrival Valid?

Nigeria Visa on Arrival (VoA) is good for 30 days (one month). Though it can be extended for another one month, two months, three moths or six months maximum, for an additional charge.

Who Can Apply for a Nigerian Visa on Arrival?

If you are either of these: a frequent traveler, an investor, an African tourist/visitor, a businessman or just about anyone who intends to visit Nigeria but who may not be able to get a visa at the Nigerian Consulate, High Commission or Embassy in their country of residence, due to absence of a Nigerian mission in those countries or exigencies of urgent travels.

Generally, citizens of all countries who require a visa to enter Nigeria can get a Nigerian Visa on Arrival.

What are Requirements for Nigeria Visa on Arrival?

This is perhaps the most important thing you should know regarding getting a Nigeria Visa on Arrival.

One of the most common reasons Nigerian visa on arrival (VoA) applications are declined is documentation: mismatched documents, invalid documents, incorrect documents, missing documents, etc.

To successfully apply for and get your Nigerian visa on arrival application approved, you will need to meet certain requirements and submit ALL required documents.

Your application will be instantly rejected if you don’t have the right documents, or if they are mismatched, that is if they don’t correspond, or if there is any discrepancy.

So what requirements must you meet, and what documents must you submit before you can get a Nigerian visa on arrival (VoA)?

  • If you are a non-African national, you must be 18 years and above. Though African nationals below the age of 18 can get a Nigerian Visa on Arrival.
  • International Passport or Travel Document: You must have a valid international passport or travel document. Your passport or travel document MUST NOT expire in the next 6 months.
  • Passport Photo: You must have a recent passport photo. Preferably, passport should have a white background without covering your head or eyes.
  • Flight Itinerary: A round trip flight itinerary is also required. You don’t necessarily need to book a confirmed ticket first, an itinerary is acceptable.
  • Letter of Application (Applicant Self Introduction): An applicant needs to write a letter introducing themselves and requesting for a visa on arrival.
  • Letter of Invitation to Nigeria: You will also need to get an invitation letter to Nigeria from a host, who will accept full immigration responsibilities for your visit. For a tourist visa (African Nationals), the host can be an individual. In this case, the invitation letter should come with the passport data page of the host. But for non-African nationals, the invitation must be from an incorporated company in Nigeria. Don’t have a host? No worries, you can get a Nigerian Visa invitation letter with host documents here.
  • CAC Certificate of Host Company: You must also submit the Certificate of Incorporation of the host company in Nigeria. This document is proof that a company is duly registered and incorporated in Nigeria. Generally, when you get a letter of invitation from a company in Nigeria, they are required to also attach their certificate of incorporation to the invitation. For instance, getting an invitation letter from us means you will be getting our CAC certificate as well.

Before you begin your application, you are also expected to have a valid email address and a credit/debit card (MasterCard or VISA Card) enabled for online payments.

This is because the approval letter is sent to you via email, and the visa fees must be paid before an approval can be obtained.

How do I go about the entire process?

Well, we can help you with the entire visa on arrival processing, including providing invitation letter, letter of introduction, CAC certificate and obtaining an approval for you within 48 hours. You can get started here.

How Much is Nigeria Visa on Arrival?

The price for Nigeria visa on Arrival is not the same for all nationalities. We charge a $97 processing before the actual immigration fee which varies varies from country to country.

Is there any other payment at the airport upon arrival?

None whatsoever. There are no payments again required of you when you arrive at the airport in Nigeria. Just be sure to make printouts of your documents and most importantly the letter of approval.

Can I make cash payment for Nigeria Visa on Arrival at the Airport?

No! As a matter of fact, cash payment for visa is prohibited by Nigerian Immigration law. All visa payments must be made online before an approval can be obtained.

Is a visit to the Nigerian Embassy required for visa on arrival?

Not at all. The main advantage of the visa on arrival program is that you can completely skip any visits to the embassy, as they can be very bureaucratic, time consuming and even very expensive in some cases.

Can I travel to Nigeria without visa on arrival approval letter?

No. You MUST apply for a visa on arrival (VoA) and get an approval letter from the Nigeria Immigration Service before you will be able to travel and be issued with the visa at the port of entry.

I am traveling with a child less than 18 years, what should I do?

Well, if your child has an African passport, they can also get a Nigerian Visa on Arrival. The process is the same; you will need to submit an application, pay the visa fees and obtain an approval for them. You may also be required to upload the child’s birth certificate and letter of consent as additional documents.

If your child does not hold any African passport, you may consider getting a visa at the embassy instead.

Is Yellow Fever Vaccination Required for Nigerian Visa on Arrival?

No, not necessarily. Generally, Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for visits to Nigeria. However, it is neither mandatory nor is it a requirement for getting a Nigerian visa on arrival approval.

Are biometrics required for Nigerian Visa on Arrival?

Yes. You will undergo a mandatory biometrics enrollment at your airport of arrival in Nigeria before a visa will be issued. A biometrics enrollment fee of $90 is charged and paid together with the visa fee before an approval letter is obtained. So, you don’t have to pay anything again when you arrive. American passport holders are exempted from paying the biometrics fee.

What does a Nigerian Visa on Arrival Approval Letter look like?

Here is what a genuine visa on arrival approval letter from the Nigerian Immigration looks like:

Nigerian visa on arrival approval letter obtained by Destinali
Nigerian visa on arrival approval letter obtained by Destinali

Can I verify my Nigerian Visa on Arrival Approval status?

Yes. You can verify your Nigerian visa on arrival application status online on the immigration portal. To do this, you will need to visit the Immigration portal and input your application ID and reference number.

What happens if my visa on arrival application is declined?

If your visa on arrival application is not successful, you will receive a mail from the Nigeria Immigration Service, explaining the reason for such rejection and next steps.

The most common reason for visa on arrival refusal is wrong or mismatched documentation. It is important that you have all required documents intact before you submit an application.

Other than your personal documents, the two most important documents you must present for Nigeria visa on arrival are letter of invitation and CAC certificate.

Most often, you will not be able to appeal the decision to decline your visa and all fees paid are non-refundable.

This is why most visitors opt to let us do the visa on arrival processing for them: we offer a 100% guaranteed approval, or you get your money back within 7 days. We take the risk from you and put it on ourselves, meaning either way you have nothing to lose.

Get Your Nigeria visa on arrival NOW.

Can I re-apply if my visa on arrival is rejected?

Yes. You can submit a fresh application if your visa on arrival application is declined. This means you will be required to pay all the fees again.

It is not a pleasant situation to apply for a visa twice and pay the fees twice. You really don’t what to be in this situation, don’t you? Your time, money and all of that effort. Don’t waste any of it.

How do I avoid my Nigerian Visa on Arrival being rejected?

The most important criteria for getting a Nigeria visa on arrival approval are the presented documents. We can’t emphasize this enough. So make sure all required documents are intact before starting your application.

Visa rejection comes with a looming sense of panic. It is also quite expensive as you will be required to make the same payments if you are forced to start the process all over again. Immigration don’t really care about your flights, accommodation, the friends you planned to visit, the sights you want to see or that important business function you planned to attend. They also will not refund your money.

Whether you get a visa or not is entirely at the discretion of the Immigration, so submitting and paying for your application is not a guarantee that you will obtain the visa. And if your application is rejected, the Immigration Service is not under any obligation to tell you why.

But in all honesty , the best way to insure against Nigerian visa on arrival rejection is to work with a Nigerian visa agency of repute. And this is where we (Destinali) come in.

The reason you should work with us is that, unlike working directly with the embassies and immigration, we will give you a full refund of your money in the unlikely event that your visa is rejected.

Working with us almost certainly guarantees your visa because we will present all required documents and liaise with the Immigration to get your visa approved in less than 48 hours.

Get Your Nigeria visa on arrival NOW.

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Destinali

Nigeria visa assistance partner. An online travel and destination management company.