Nigeria switched to a fully online eVisa system — and most Indian travelers are still preparing for a process that no longer exists.
Agents are still quoting 20–25 business days. Google's AI overview repeats the same outdated figure. Travel forums talk about biometric centres and VFS appointments. None of that applies to Indians applying in 2026.
The reality? Nigeria's eVisa for Indian passport holders is entirely online, requires zero in-person visits, and processes in as little as 24–48 hours. The fee is a flat US$253 — roughly ₹24,200 at current exchange rates. That's it. No biometrics. No VFS queue. No embassy counter. Just an online portal, a handful of documents, and a PDF approval in your inbox.
Here's the full picture for 2026.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Nigeria?
Yes — no exceptions. Nigeria is not visa-free for Indian passport holders, and there is no free visa category under any type of travel. Whether you're going for a business meeting in Lagos, a conference in Abuja, or visiting family, you need a valid visa before you board the plane.
And the visa on arrival? Gone. Nigeria officially phased out visa on arrival on 1 May 2026. If any agent is still offering to "arrange visa on arrival" for your Nigeria trip, walk away — they're selling you an outdated or unofficial route that will get you turned away at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
⚠️ Important: Anyone claiming to offer a Nigeria visa on arrival service for Indian passport holders in 2026 is providing incorrect or fraudulent information. The only valid pre-travel option is the Nigeria eVisa.
Nigeria eVisa in 2026: What Changed and What Didn't
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) introduced the eVisa system as its primary processing route. The good news for Indian applicants: the July 2026 suspension of OIS Visa Application Centre services — which affected US-based applicants — does not affect Indians at all. Indian applicants continue to apply entirely online through the NIS portal, uninterrupted.
There are also no biometrics required for the Nigeria eVisa route in 2026. The NIS disengaged OIS biometric collection for online applications, which means Indian applicants do not visit any centre for fingerprints or photographs. Biometrics may only be requested if the NIS specifically flags your application for additional identity verification — in that case, you'll be notified directly through the portal.
Nigeria also does not use VFS Global or any third-party application centre in India. The eVisa is fully online. Full stop.
Nigeria Visa Fee for Indians in 2026
The fee structure is simpler than most countries — and that's both a surprise and, honestly, a mild irritation for budget travelers.
| Visa Type | Official Fee (USD) | Approx. Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (eVisa) | US$253 | ~₹24,200 |
| Business Visa (eVisa) | US$253 | ~₹24,200 |
| Student Visa (eVisa) | US$253 | ~₹24,200 |
| Work Visa (eVisa) | US$253 | ~₹24,200 |
| Transit Visa (eVisa) | US$253 | ~₹24,200 |
The official Nigeria visa fee is a flat US$253 across all categories, per the NIS Service Level Agreement 2026. There is no cheaper tourist category or discounted short-stay tier. Every visa type costs the same.
Third-party agents quote higher bundled prices — ranging from ₹9,565 on the low end to ₹44,250 for premium facilitation packages. These are agent service charges layered on top of the government fee. The government fee itself doesn't move. Always verify what you're actually paying for.
Note: INR figures are approximate and will shift with the USD/INR exchange rate at the time of payment.
How Long Does Nigeria Visa Processing Take for Indians?
This is where most online guides — and Google's own AI summaries — get it badly wrong.
The official Nigeria eVisa processing time is 24–48 hours, confirmed in the NIS SLA 2026. Some applicants receive approval in as little as 1–4 hours. The "20 to 25 business days" figure circulating on travel agent websites and AI overviews is outdated and sourced from pre-eVisa era guides.
That said, the NIS does advise applying 2–4 weeks before travel. This isn't because processing takes that long — it's a buffer for cases that get flagged for manual review (a local Nigerian authority can raise an objection, which pauses automated processing). It's rare, but it happens. Applying early costs you nothing; applying last minute can cost you your trip.
My personal recommendation: apply 10–14 days before departure. That gives you the buffer without tying up your passport unnecessarily far in advance.
Documents Required for Nigeria eVisa from India
The NIS portal is strict about file formats and sizes. Get this wrong and your application gets auto-rejected before a human even looks at it.
Mandatory Documents
- Indian passport — valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Nigeria, with at least 2 blank pages
- Passport data page scan — clear scan or photo, PDF only, under 1 MB
- Passport-size photograph — JPEG format only (PDF photos are rejected by the portal), under 1 MB, white background, no glasses, taken within the last 6 months
- Bank statement — last 6 months (180 days), PDF under 1 MB, per NIS SLA 2026
- Return flight itinerary — round-trip booking confirmation, PDF under 1 MB
- Accommodation proof — hotel booking, Airbnb confirmation, or host invitation letter
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate — see the health section below
Additional Documents for Specific Visa Types
- Business visa: Invitation letter from a Nigerian company on letterhead, company registration details
- Student visa: Admission letter from a Nigerian institution, proof of tuition payment
- Work visa: Employment contract, letter from the Nigerian employer, proof of relevant qualifications
⚠️ Portal Quirk: All uploads must be PDF or JPEG and strictly under 1 MB each. The NIS portal auto-rejects larger files without warning. Compress your documents before uploading — don't find this out after submitting.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Nigeria eVisa from India
Step 1 — Gather Your Documents
Before touching the portal, have every document ready, compressed, and renamed clearly. The portal times out, and you don't want to scramble mid-application.
Step 2 — Visit the NIS eVisa Portal
Go to the official Nigeria Immigration Service portal at immigration.gov.ng. Do not use third-party lookalike sites — they exist, and they charge you extra for essentially forwarding your application.
Step 3 — Create an Account and Fill the Application
Register with a valid email address — all correspondence, including your approval, goes here. Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport. Any mismatch between your application and passport is grounds for rejection.
Step 4 — Select Visa Type and Upload Documents
Choose the appropriate visa category (tourist, business, student, etc.). Upload each document individually. Remember: JPEG for photos, PDF for everything else, nothing over 1 MB.
Step 5 — Pay the Fee
Payment is in USD via credit or debit card. Make sure your card is enabled for international transactions — some Indian bank cards have international payments disabled by default. Check with your bank before applying.
Step 6 — Wait for Approval
Standard approval arrives in 24–48 hours. Download your eVisa approval as a PDF and print a copy. You'll need the physical printout at Nigerian immigration, not just the email.
Yellow Fever Certificate: Non-Negotiable
This is the one document that catches Indian travelers completely off guard. Nigeria requires a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate — the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), also called the "Yellow Card" — from all travellers arriving from countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. India is on that list.
Vaccination must be obtained at least 10 days before travel. The certificate is valid for life (the WHO removed the 10-year renewal requirement back in 2016, but many Indian travelers still think it expires). If you got vaccinated years ago, you're likely fine — just carry the original yellow card.
Where to get it in India: Government-authorised Yellow Fever vaccination centres. Major cities have multiple options. In Delhi, AIIMS and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital both offer it. In Mumbai, the BMC vaccination centres at Haffkine Institute are well-known. In Bangalore and Chennai, check with government hospitals designated by the state health department. Budget ₹300–500 for the vaccination itself.
⚠️ Critical: No Yellow Fever certificate = denied boarding at most Indian airports, or denied entry on arrival in Nigeria. This is not a "carry it just in case" document — it's mandatory.
Nigerian High Commission in India: Location and When You'd Actually Need It
For the eVisa route — which covers the vast majority of Indian travelers — you don't need the High Commission at all. The process is entirely online.
That said, the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi is the only Nigerian diplomatic representation in India. Its address is EP-4, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021. The consular section operates Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 09:00–15:00 — and these hours can shift around Nigerian public holidays, so always call ahead before visiting.
There is no Nigerian consulate in Mumbai, Bangalore, or Chennai. Travelers from South India or West India applying through the embassy route (non-eVisa) would need to travel to Delhi or courier their documents — one more reason the eVisa route makes more sense for most people.
Who Would Use the Embassy Route Instead of eVisa?
Practically speaking, very few Indian applicants. The embassy route (applying directly at the Nigerian High Commission in Delhi) still exists but is slower and less convenient. The only scenario where you'd consider it: if your eVisa was rejected and you need a consular review, or if you have a highly complex visa situation (diplomatic category, certain work permits, etc.).
Nigeria Visa Types: Which One Do You Need?
| Visa Type | Purpose | Typical Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (C) | Leisure, visiting family/friends, sightseeing | Up to 30 days |
| Business Visa (B) | Meetings, conferences, commercial activity | Up to 90 days |
| Student Visa (R) | Full-time study at Nigerian institutions | Duration of course |
| Work/Subject to Regularisation (STR) | Employment with a Nigerian entity | Up to 90 days (regularised on arrival) |
| Transit Visa (T) | Passing through Nigerian airports | Up to 48 hours |
My honest opinion: if you're going for business and your trip is under 30 days, the tourist visa is tempting but don't do it. Nigerian immigration officers do check the stated purpose of visit, and showing up on a tourist visa with a laptop bag and meeting schedules is a risk. Apply for the business visa. The fee is identical, and it's the correct document for the journey you're actually taking.
Single Entry vs. Multiple Entry: Which Should You Choose?
Single-entry Nigeria visas allow you to enter and exit Nigeria once. Multiple-entry allows repeated entry within the visa validity period. If you're making just one trip — choose single entry. If your business involves regular Lagos–India travel, the multiple-entry option saves you money and hassle over time, since the per-trip fee adds up to US$253 every time you apply fresh.
Common Reasons for Nigeria Visa Rejection — and How to Avoid Them
- Photo uploaded as PDF instead of JPEG — The NIS portal specifically rejects PDF photos. JPEG only.
- Files over 1 MB — Auto-rejected without warning. Compress before uploading.
- Passport validity under 6 months — Renew before applying. No exceptions.
- Bank statement showing insufficient funds — Nigeria doesn't publish a minimum balance figure, but thin accounts get flagged. ₹1.5–2 lakh in accessible funds for a short trip is a reasonable baseline.
- No Yellow Fever certificate — Your airline may deny boarding before you even reach this point.
- Mismatch between application details and passport — Even a middle name omission can cause issues. Copy exactly from your passport.
The good news: unlike Schengen rejections (which require a waiting period before reapplying and can affect future applications), Nigeria allows you to reapply after addressing whatever caused the initial rejection. Just fix the issue first — submitting the same flawed application twice guarantees the same result.
Overstaying Your Nigeria Visa: Don't
Overstaying is treated seriously under Nigerian immigration law. The penalty starts at US$2,000 and increases with duration. Overstayers may also be detained at immigration facilities. This isn't a theoretical risk — Nigerian immigration enforcement at Murtala Muhammed and Nnamdi Azikiwe airports is active. Plan your departure well within your visa validity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Nigeria visa on arrival from India in 2026?
No. Nigeria discontinued visa on arrival on 1 May 2026. Indian passport holders must obtain a pre-approved eVisa online before travel. There are no exceptions for tourists, business travelers, or frequent visitors.
How much is the Nigeria visa fee in Indian rupees?
The official fee is US$253, which works out to approximately ₹24,200 at current exchange rates. This applies to every visa category — tourist, business, student, work, and transit. The INR equivalent will fluctuate slightly with the exchange rate at the time you pay.
Is there a VFS Global centre for Nigeria visa in India?
No. Nigeria does not use VFS Global or any third-party application centre in India. The eVisa is applied for entirely online through the official NIS portal. No in-person visit to any centre is required.
Do I need to visit the Nigerian High Commission in Delhi?
Not if you're using the eVisa route, which is recommended for most Indian applicants. The High Commission at EP-4, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 handles consular matters and the traditional visa route — but the eVisa makes a physical visit unnecessary for standard tourist and business applications.
What is the Nigeria visa processing time for Indians?
The official NIS SLA 2026 confirms 24–48 hours for eVisa processing. Some approvals arrive in 1–4 hours. Cases flagged for manual review take longer. Apply 2–4 weeks before travel as a safety buffer — not because it actually takes that long, but because rare delays do occur.
Is Yellow Fever certificate mandatory for Nigeria?
Yes, absolutely mandatory. Nigeria requires a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (Yellow Card) from all travelers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission risk — including India. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. No certificate means denied entry.
Quick Checklist Before You Apply
- ✅ Passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival date, 2+ blank pages
- ✅ Passport data page scan — PDF, under 1 MB
- ✅ Passport photo — JPEG only, white background, no glasses, under 1 MB
- ✅ Bank statement — last 6 months, PDF, under 1 MB
- ✅ Return flight itinerary — PDF, under 1 MB
- ✅ Hotel/accommodation booking confirmation
- ✅ Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (ICVP/Yellow Card)
- ✅ Business travelers: invitation letter on company letterhead
- ✅ Credit/debit card enabled for international transactions (USD payment)
- ✅ Valid email address — approval and all correspondence sent here
Nigeria is one of Africa's most commercially significant destinations — Lagos alone accounts for a substantial share of India–Africa business activity, and Abuja draws a growing number of Indian professionals working in infrastructure, pharma, and IT sectors. The visa process in 2026 is genuinely straightforward once you understand the eVisa system. The fee is steep, but the process itself is clean and fast when you submit the right documents the first time.
At SaathiVisa, we've helped dozens of Indian clients navigate Nigeria eVisa applications this year — and the single most common issue we see is incorrect photo format (JPEG vs. PDF) and oversized files. Get those two things right, and your 24–48 hour approval window is realistic.