AFRICA

NG flag Nigeria

Level 3 — Reconsider Travel
Population 223.8 million
Advisory Level 3
GDP/Capita $1,084
Health Alerts 0
Last Updated Mar 20, 2026
NG flag Nigeria
vs
About NigeriaOverview, geography, and key facts
Flag of Nigeria

Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean to the south. It covers an area of 923,769 square kilometres (356,669 mi2). With a population of more than 236 million, it is the most populous country in Africa, and the world's sixth-most populous country. Nigeria borders Niger in the north, Chad in the northeast, Cameroon in the east, and Benin in the west. Nigeria is a federal republic comprising 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, where its capital, Abuja, is located. The largest city in Nigeria by population is Lagos, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world and the largest in Africa.

Capital Abuja
Population 223.8 million
Area 923,768 km²
Languages English
Currency Nigerian naira (NGN)
GDP/Capita $1,084
Source: U.S. Department of State, Wikipedia, REST Countries API
Travel AdvisoryU.S. Department of State
Gov Data
Level 3 — Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to serious risks. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to certain areas.

Visa Types & Categories44 visa options for foreign nationals visiting Nigeria

New
Visa Type Duration Fee (USD) Processing Method
Business (Single Entry) Visa Short-term business visits including meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, and trade fairs. 90 days validity, 30-day stay $160 48 hours (e-Visa) Business
Business (Multiple Entry) Visa Frequent short business visits over an extended period. Up to 2 years validity, 90-day stay per visit $320 48 hours (e-Visa) Business
Business (Frequently Travelled Executives) Visa Senior executives making frequent business trips to Nigeria. Up to 5 years validity, 90-day stay per visit $500 5-10 business days Business
Investor Visa (Small Scale Enterprise) Foreign investors establishing or investing in small-scale enterprises in Nigeria. 3 years (multiple entry, residence permit status) $1,000 4-8 weeks Business
Investor Visa (Medium Scale Enterprise) Foreign investors establishing or investing in medium-scale enterprises in Nigeria. Multi-year, renewable $1,000 4-8 weeks Business
Investor Visa (Large Scale Corporations) Foreign investors in large-scale corporate enterprises in Nigeria. 6 years (multiple entry, residence permit status) $1,000 6-10 weeks Business
Investor Visa (Ultra Large Scale Corporations) Foreign investors in ultra-large-scale corporate enterprises in Nigeria. 8 years (multiple entry, residence permit status) $1,000 6-12 weeks Business
Investor Visa (Oil, Gas & Power Sector) Foreign investors in Nigeria's oil, gas, and power sectors. Multi-year, renewable $1,000 4-8 weeks Business
Accredited Diplomat Visa Diplomats officially assigned to Nigeria for diplomatic duties. 2 years (renewable) $0 Varies Embassy
Diplomatic (Non-Accredited) Visa Non-accredited diplomats entering Nigeria for short-term official business. 30 days $0 48 hours (e-Visa) Embassy
Visiting (Single Entry) Visa Short social visits to family or friends in Nigeria. 90 days validity, 30-day stay $160 48 hours (e-Visa) Family
Visiting (Multiple Entry) Visa Repeated social visits to family or friends in Nigeria. Up to 5 years validity, 180 days per visit $320 5-10 business days Family
Spouse of Expatriate Visa Spouse accompanying an expatriate worker holding an R2A visa. 90-day initial entry, then 2-year renewable residence permit $160 2-4 weeks Family
Spouse of Nigerian Citizen Visa Foreign nationals married to a Nigerian citizen seeking permanent residence. Passport validity, multiple entry $0 4-8 weeks Family
Spouse of Nigerian by Birth Who Renounced Citizenship Visa Spouse of a Nigerian by birth who has renounced citizenship. Passport validity, multiple entry $160 4-8 weeks Family
Spouse of Permanent Resident Visa Foreign spouse of a permanent resident in Nigeria. Passport validity, multiple entry $1,000 4-8 weeks Family
Journalist Visa Journalists and media practitioners entering Nigeria for official reporting or media coverage. 90 days validity, 30-day stay $160 5-10 business days Other
Medical Visa Foreigners seeking medical treatment in Nigeria. 90 days validity, 30-day stay $160 5-10 business days Other
Religious Tourism Visa Religious officials travelling to conduct or participate in religious services, seminars, or conferences. 90 days validity, 30-day stay $160 5-10 business days Other
Sports Visa Foreign athletes and sports professionals entering Nigeria for sporting events. 90 days validity, 30-day stay $160 48 hours (e-Visa) Other
Creative Arts Visa Artists, musicians, filmmakers, and creative professionals visiting Nigeria for performances or projects. 90 days validity, 30-day stay $160 48 hours (e-Visa) Other
Study Tour Visa Short-term educational visits, study tours, and academic field trips. 90 days validity, 30-day stay $160 48 hours (e-Visa) Other
Academic Exchange Programme (AEP) Visa Short-term educational exchange visits involving students, lecturers, or researchers under formal agreements. 90 days validity, 30-day stay $160 48 hours (e-Visa) Other
International Cultural Exchange Visa Cultural exchange programmes between Nigeria and foreign countries. 90 days validity, 30-day stay $160 48 hours (e-Visa) Other
Emergency/Relief Work Visa Foreign humanitarian and relief workers responding to emergencies or disasters in Nigeria. 90 days validity, 30-day stay $160 48 hours (e-Visa) Other
Returning Holders of Foreign Passports (Nigerians by Birth) Nigerians by birth who hold foreign passports returning to visit Nigeria. 90 days validity, 30-day stay $160 48 hours (e-Visa) Other
Returning Holders of Foreign Passports — Accompanied Minors Minor children accompanying Nigerians by birth who hold foreign passports. 90 days validity, 30-day stay $160 48 hours (e-Visa) Other
Nigerian by Birth Who Renounced Citizenship Visa Nigerians by birth who renounced their Nigerian citizenship and wish to reside permanently. Passport validity, multiple entry $160 4-8 weeks Other
Retirement Visa (Retired in Nigeria) Foreign nationals aged 65+ who have worked in Nigeria for at least 20 years and wish to continue residing. Indefinite $1,000 4-8 weeks Retirement
Student Visa Full-time study at an approved Nigerian educational institution. 90-day initial entry, then renewable for duration of studies $160 2-4 weeks Student
Academic Exchange Programme (AEP) Visa (Residence) Long-term educational exchange visits for students, lecturers, or researchers under formal inter-institutional agreements. 90-day initial entry, then 1-year renewable $160 2-4 weeks Student
Tourism Visa Tourism, sightseeing, and leisure travel in Nigeria. 90 days validity, 30-day stay $160 48 hours (e-Visa) Tourist
Transit Without Visa Airside transit through a Nigerian airport without entering the country. 48 hours $0 N/A Transit
Transit Visa Transit through Nigeria with permission to briefly leave the airport. 48 hours $160 48 hours (e-Visa) Transit
Temporary Work Permit (TWP) e-Visa Short-term specialized technical work such as equipment installation, maintenance, training, and audits. 30 days $510 48 hours (e-Visa) Work
Employment Visa (Expatriate) Foreign nationals hired under an approved Expatriate Quota for long-term employment in Nigeria. 90-day initial entry, then 2-year renewable residence permit $160 2-4 weeks Work
Employment Visa (Free Zone) Foreign nationals employed within a Nigerian Free Trade Zone. 90-day initial entry, then 2-year renewable residence permit $160 2-4 weeks Work
Employment Visa (Government Official) Foreign expatriates employed directly by the Nigerian government. 90-day initial entry, then 2-year renewable residence permit $0 2-4 weeks Work
Employment Visa (INGO) Foreign workers employed by International Non-Governmental Organizations operating in Nigeria. 90-day initial entry, then 2-year renewable residence permit $160 2-4 weeks Work
Employment Visa (Cleric/Religious) Foreign clerics taking up long-term religious employment in Nigeria (preaching, administering religious services). 90-day initial entry, then 2-year renewable residence permit $160 2-4 weeks Work
Intern Visa Foreign nationals undertaking internships or practical training with a recognized Nigerian organization. Up to 1 year $160 2-4 weeks Work
Temporary Work Permit (TWP) Short-term specialized work by experts invited by Nigerian corporate bodies (installation, maintenance, training, audits). 30 days (single entry) $510 2-3 weeks Work
Temporary Work Permit (6 Months) Extended short-term specialized work for projects requiring more than 30 days. 6 months $1,100 2-4 weeks Work
Highly Skilled Immigrant Visa Highly skilled foreign professionals with expertise in demand in Nigeria. 5 years, renewable $1,000 4-8 weeks Work
Source: Indian Bureau of Immigration

Nigeria Passport PowerVisa-free access & travel freedom

New
28 Visa Free
17 Visa on Arrival
1 E-Visa
Visa-Free Destinations (28)
Barbados (180d), Benin (90d), Burkina Faso (90d), Cameroon (90d), Cape Verde (30d), Chad (90d), Cook Islands (31d), Cote d'Ivoire (90d), Dominica (180d), Fiji (120d), Gambia (90d), Ghana (90d), Guinea (90d), Guinea-Bissau (90d), Guyana (30d), Haiti (90d), Kiribati (30d), Liberia (90d), Mali (90d), Micronesia (30d), Montserrat (180d), Niger (90d), Rwanda (30d), Saint Kitts and Nevis (90d), Senegal (90d), Sierra Leone (90d), Togo (90d), Vanuatu (30d)
Visa on Arrival (17)
Burundi (30d), Cambodia (30d), Comoros (45d), Djibouti (31d), Iran (30d), Lebanon (30d), Madagascar (30d), Maldives (30d), Mauritius (60d), Mozambique (30d), Niue (30d), Palau (30d), Samoa (60d), Seychelles (30d), Somalia (30d), Timor-Leste (30d), Tuvalu (30d)
E-Visa Available (1)
Kenya (90d)
Source: Henley Passport Index 2026

Entry Requirements for NigeriaWhat U.S. citizens need to enter

Gov Data
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of arrival with at least 2 blank pages
Visa Required
Visa on Arrival available
Yellow Fever
Certificate required from endemic areas
Currency Limit
Foreign currency: unlimited but must be declared if exceeding USD 10,000 equivalent. Local currency (Naira): up to NGN 5,000.

US citizens require a visa to visit Nigeria. Options include applying for an e-Visa through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal or obtaining a Visa on Arrival (VoA), which requires pre-approval. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry, and passports must have at least 6 months validity with 2 blank pages.

Biometrics
Collected on arrival
Arrival Card
Required (electronic or paper)
Return Ticket
Required
Proof of Funds
Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of stay; bank statements or proof of hotel bookings and return ticket commonly requested
Prohibited Items
Narcotics, counterfeit currency, firearms and ammunition (without permit), obscene or pornographic materials, certain used clothing items, fruit juice and sparkling water, mosquito repellent coils
Customs
Firearms, ammunition, narcotics, counterfeit goods, and obscene materials are prohibited. Fruit, vegetables, and certain foodstuffs may be restricted. Export of Nigerian antiquities requires approval from the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.
COVID-19
No COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements as of 2025. All pandemic-era restrictions have been lifted.
Source: U.S. Department of State

Immigration StatisticsNigeria nationals & U.S. immigration data

New
421K In the U.S.
1.7M Global Diaspora
55.7% B1/B2 Refusal Rate
93K Refugees Hosted
Top Destinations
United States, United Kingdom, Cameroon, Italy, Canada, Germany, South Africa, Ireland, Ghana, Spain
Top Origins
Cameroon, Niger, Chad, Benin, Mali, Togo, Ghana
Annual Emigrants
351,000
Net Migration Rate
-0.4 per 1,000
DV Lottery
Eligible
Data year: 2024 — Sources: Migration Policy Institute, UN DESA, U.S. State Dept

Safety Overview — NigeriaCrime, terrorism, and practical safety tips

Gov Data
3/10 Overall Safety Score
10 = safest
Petty Crime High
Violent Crime High
Scams High
Terrorism High
Natural Disasters Medium
Political Stability
Unstable
Women Travelers
Exercise caution
LGBTQ+ Safety
Illegal
Emergency Number
112
Areas to Avoid

Do not travel to Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states (terrorist activity, ISWAP/Boko Haram). Do not travel to Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states (civil unrest, banditry, mass kidnappings). Do not travel to Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states except Port Harcourt (armed gangs, kidnapping). Avoid the Niger Delta region. Exercise extreme caution in Kwara State following 2026 attacks. In Lagos and Abuja, avoid isolated streets at night, slums, and areas around protests.

Safety Tips

1. Register with the U.S. Embassy's STEP program before traveling. 2. Use only pre-arranged, trusted transportation; avoid hailing taxis on the street. 3. Do not display wealth, jewelry, or expensive electronics in public. 4. Keep copies of your passport and visa in a separate location from originals. 5. Avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large gatherings. 6. Do not travel between cities by road at night; armed robbery and banditry are common on highways after dark. 7. Stay in established hotels with security; verify that accommodation has secure perimeter fencing. 8. Carry emergency cash as hospitals require immediate payment and ATMs are unreliable. 9. Take malaria prophylaxis and get recommended vaccinations including yellow fever before travel. 10. Hire a local security-aware guide or fixer, especially outside Lagos and Abuja.

Source: U.S. Department of State

Health InformationVaccinations, water safety, medical facilities

Gov Data
Recommended Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Cholera, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, MMR, Tdap, Influenza, COVID-19
Water & Food Safety
Tap water is NOT safe to drink. Use bottled or purified water only.
Required Vaccines
Yellow Fever
Malaria Risk
Yes — All regions; year-round transmission in the south, seasonal (3 months or less) in the north. Plasmodium falciparum predominant. 97% of the population at risk.
Dengue Risk
Yes — prevent mosquito bites
Healthcare Quality
Poor — low cost
Travel Insurance
Strongly recommended
Common Health Risks

Malaria, Lassa fever, cholera, meningitis (meningitis belt, dry season Dec-Jun), schistosomiasis, typhoid, traveler's diarrhea, yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, hepatitis A

Medical Evacuation

Medical evacuation strongly recommended. Trauma care and specialist facilities are extremely limited outside Lagos and Abuja. Evacuations from Nigeria can exceed $100,000 USD. CDC recommends minimum $200,000 reimbursement coverage.

Source: CDC Travelers' Health

Cost of Living in NigeriaAverage costs in major cities (USD)

New
Meal $2.00 Inexpensive restaurant
Rent (1BR) $743/mo City center
Transport $32/mo Monthly pass
Internet $30/mo Broadband
Gym $31/mo Membership
Coffee $2.27 Cappuccino
Cost Index vs. United States (US = 100)
Nigeria
28
U.S.
100

Cost of living is approximately 73% lower than the United States.

Budget Traveler
$450/mo
Mid-Range
$900/mo
Comfortable
$1,600/mo
Rent (Outside Center)
$501/mo
Utilities
$55/mo
Taxi per km
$1.63
Source: Numbeo Cost of Living Index 2026

Work & Employment in NigeriaWork permits, salary requirements, and in-demand jobs

New
Temporary Work Permit (TWP) - Single Entry
Foreign experts invited by corporate bodies for short-term specialized services such as equipment installation, commissioning, maintenance, repairs, training, auditing, or consultancy.
30 days (single entry) · Sponsor required
Temporary Work Permit - Multiple Entry
Foreign experts requiring multiple entries for ongoing short-term technical assignments in Nigeria. Same specialized-service requirements as single-entry TWP.
6 months (multiple entry, 90-day validity from issuance) · Sponsor required
Investor Visa (Small to Ultra-Large Scale)
Foreign investors establishing or investing in enterprises in Nigeria. Must demonstrate evidence of investment capital and a viable business plan registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
3-8 years depending on investment scale (N3A: 3 years, N3C: 6 years, N3D: 8 years)
Highly Skilled Immigrant Visa (N4A)
Highly skilled foreign professionals with expertise in demand in Nigeria. Must demonstrate exceptional skills, qualifications, and either an employment offer or self-employment plan.
5 years, renewable
In-Demand Occupations
Engineering IT Oil & Gas Equipment Maintenance Financial Auditing Training & Capacity Building Mining Banking & Finance Telecommunications Manufacturing Healthcare
Source: Official government immigration portals

Study in NigeriaTop universities, tuition, and student visa

New
#1001
University of Ibadan Ibadan
#1001
University of Lagos Lagos
#1201
Ahmadu Bello University Zaria
Student Visa
Student Visa (R7A) — $160 (90 days initial, 2-year renewable permit upon regularization)
Avg. Tuition
$2,500/year (international students)
Work While Studying
Not permitted
Post-Study Work Visa
No automatic right — must convert to Employment Visa
Language
English
Academic Year
Starts September-October
Scholarships

Limited scholarships for international students studying in Nigeria. The Federal Government Scholarship for foreign nationals covers tuition at select federal universities. Most scholarship programs focus on Nigerian students studying abroad (e.g., PTDF, Fulbright, DAAD, GREAT Scholarships).

Source: QS World University Rankings 2026, official education portals

Local Laws & Customs — NigeriaLaws visitors must know

Gov Data
Drinking Age
18
Alcohol Restrictions
Alcohol is banned in 12 northern states under Sharia law, including Kano State. In southern Nigeria, alcohol is widely available. Sales hours vary: bars open 10am to late, shops close by 10pm.
Drug Laws
Severe penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs including lengthy prison sentences (up to life imprisonment) and heavy fines. The NDLEA enforces drug laws strictly.
Photography
Illegal to photograph government buildings, military sites, airports, bridges, or diplomatic sites without permission. Avoid photographing military or police personnel. Always ask permission before photographing individuals.
Dress Code
No formal legal dress code for tourists. In 12 northern Sharia states, conservative dress is expected (covering arms and legs). Women should avoid short skirts, shorts, and low-cut tops nationwide. Men should avoid shorts and tank tops in conservative areas.
LGBTQ+ Status
Illegal enforced
Death Penalty
In force
VPN Legal
Yes
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In upscale restaurants, 5-10% is customary if no service charge is included. Hotel porters: 500-1000 NGN. Taxi drivers: rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. Always carry small Naira denominations for tips.
Important Customs

Greet elders with respect; use right hand for handshakes and passing items. Remove shoes before entering mosques and some homes. Avoid public displays of affection. Do not point with the left hand. Dress modestly, especially in northern regions. Respect local religious practices during Ramadan in Muslim-majority areas.

Source: U.S. Department of State

Digital Nomad Guide — NigeriaRemote work, connectivity, and coworking

New
Internet 44 Mbps
Community 4/10
Affordability 8/10
Quality 4/10
No Dedicated Digital Nomad Visa

Nigeria does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Most remote workers use a tourist or business visa.

Best Cities
Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt
Tax Obligations
From January 2026, Nigeria taxes residents on worldwide income under the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) 2025. Freelancers and remote workers pay up to 23% income tax on foreign earnings; salaries taxed at max 25%. Tax residency triggered by 183 days presence in a 12-month period. Income under NGN 800,000/year (~$500) is exempt. Nigeria has DTTs with 15+ countries for double-taxation relief.
Coworking
Widely available

Citizenship & Residency — NigeriaPathways to long-term residency and citizenship

New
  • Naturalization 15 years of residence required.
  • Marriage Spouse of citizen can apply after 15 years of residence.
  • By Descent Citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) — at least one parent must be a citizen.
Dual Citizenship
Allowed
Renunciation
Allowed
Additional Notes

Nigeria allows dual citizenship under Section 28 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Citizenship by birth (jus soli) is NOT granted — a child born in Nigeria is only a citizen if at least one parent or grandparent is a Nigerian citizen (jus sanguinis). Naturalization requires 15 years of continuous residence, good character, intention to remain, and knowledge of the customs of the community. There is no formal language test or citizenship test. Citizenship by marriage does not provide a shortened residency pathway; the standard 15-year residency requirement applies. Nigeria does not offer citizenship by investment. Renunciation is permitted under Section 29 of the Constitution.

Source: Official government citizenship portals

Emergency Contacts

New
Ambulance National Ambulance Emergency Service +234-767
Fire Federal Fire Service +234-803-200-3557
Police Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) +234-122
Police Nigeria National Emergency Number (Police/Fire/Ambulance) +234-112
Police Nigeria Police Force Helpline +234-803-716-8147 nccc.npf.gov.ng →
Us Consulate U.S. Consulate General Lagos +234-1-460-3400 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria ng.usembassy.gov →
Us Embassy U.S. Embassy Abuja +234-9-461-4000 Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area, Abuja, Nigeria ng.usembassy.gov →

Transportation — NigeriaGetting around in Nigeria

New
AirportIATACity
Murtala Muhammed International AirportLOSLagos
Nnamdi Azikiwe International AirportABVAbuja
Mallam Aminu Kano International AirportKANKano
Port Harcourt International AirportPHCPort Harcourt
Akanu Ibiam International AirportENUEnugu
Driving Side
Right
IDP Required
Yes
Rail Network
Available — Poor
Metro Cities
Lagos, Abuja
Ride-sharing
Bolt, Uber, inDrive
Road Quality
Poor
Taxi Cost
$0.74/km
Ferry Routes
Lagos waterways (LAGFERRY): Ikorodu-Falomo-Ikoyi, Ebute Ojo-Marina, Badore-Ajah, Victoria Island routes across 30+ commercial jetties
Source: Official transport authorities, airport databases

Economy — NigeriaEconomic indicators and tax information

$334.0B GDP
4.4% GDP Growth
4.9% Unemployment
15.1% Inflation
GDP per Capita (PPP)
$5,665
Industries
Oil & Gas, Agriculture, Telecommunications, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Mining, Construction, Real Estate, Entertainment (Nollywood), Digital Commerce & Fintech
Exports
Crude Petroleum, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Cocoa, Solid Minerals, Rubber, Sesame Seeds, Cashew Nuts, Leather Products, Urea Fertilizer
Imports
Refined Petroleum Products, Machinery & Transport Equipment, Chemicals & Herbicides, Pharmaceuticals, Manufactured Goods, Food Products (Wheat, Rice, Sugar), Vehicles, Electrical Equipment, Textiles
Trade Agreements
ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area), WTO (World Trade Organization), ACP-EU Partnership (Cotonou Agreement successor), AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act with USA)
Income Tax
0-25% progressive (6 bands: 0% to NGN 800K, 15-25% above) — NTA 2025
Corporate Tax
30% standard; 20% medium; 0% small (under NGN 25M); dropping to 25% from 2026
GST / VAT
7.5%
Corruption Index
26.00/100 (Transparency International)
Ease of Business
#131 (World Bank)
Source: IMF, World Bank, Transparency International
Geography & Practical Details
Region
Africa
Capital
Abuja
Area
923,768 km²
Population
223,800,000
Timezone
UTC+01:00
Languages
English
Calling Code
+234
Drives On
Right
ISO Code
NG