QUICK ANSWER FOR UAE-BASED TRAVELLERS
Do UAE Residents Need a Nigeria Visa?
Your passport nationality—not your UAE residence card—is the main visa test. Ordinary UAE, Indian and Pakistani passport holders should plan on obtaining the appropriate Nigerian visa unless a specific waiver applies to their individual passport/status.
For ordinary UAE passport holders, UAE MoFA currently lists Nigeria as 'Electronic Visa'. Nigeria's 2026 NIS tariff lists a US$150 single-entry visa fee for UAE nationals.
Indian and Pakistani passport holders are also visa-required for ordinary tourism and can use Nigeria's eVisa framework when eligible. The current NIS single-entry tariff lists US$253 for India and US$175 for Pakistan.
For a standard tourist trip, the F5A eVisa is single-entry, valid for 90 days from issue and allows up to 30 days in Nigeria. It is not extendable and cannot be used for employment.
Nigeria's former Visa-on-Arrival model is now obsolete for the normal eVisa use case. Apply online and travel with the issued eVisa approval letter/QR code.
UAE MoFA currently describes a 90-day tourism allowance for Emirati travellers, while Nigeria's standard F5A tourist eVisa itself authorizes a 30-day single-entry stay within a 90-day validity window. Your issued Nigerian visa/entry endorsement controls the actual permitted stay; do not assume that the 90-day visa-validity window equals 90 days of stay.
THE OLD VISA-ON-ARRIVAL MODEL HAS BEEN REPLACED
Nigeria eVisa in 2026: What Changed?
Nigeria launched its new electronic visa solution on 1 May 2025 as part of a wider border-management reform.
The Federal Ministry of Interior says the eVisa platform was designed to provide decisions within 24–48 hours, centralize background checks and eliminate unnecessary intermediaries.
The Presidency later clarified that the new eVisa replaced the now-obsolete Visa-on-Arrival model used for ordinary short-term tourism and business.
In 2026, Nigeria Immigration Service continues to publish the eVisa as the standard electronic route for short-visit categories including tourism, business, transit, visiting, sports, study tour and several other temporary purposes.
FEES FOLLOW PASSPORT NATIONALITY, NOT UAE RESIDENCE
Nigeria Visa Rules for UAE, Indian and Pakistani Passport Holders
UAE MOFA CURRENTLY LISTS 'ELECTRONIC VISA'
Nigeria Visa for UAE Passport Holders
UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently classifies an ordinary Emirati passport for Nigeria as 'Electronic Visa', not visa-free and not ordinary Visa on Arrival.
UAE MoFA also advises at least six months of passport validity and points Emirati travellers to Nigeria's official visa portal.
Nigeria's 2026 NIS tariff lists US$150 as the single-entry visa fee for UAE passport holders.
UAE MoFA describes tourism for Emirati citizens as up to 90 days, but Nigeria's standard F5A eVisa class itself states a 30-day stay within a 90-day validity period. Follow the duration printed/encoded in the actual approval and entry endorsement.
UAE RESIDENCY DOES NOT CHANGE THE NIGERIAN VISA FEE
Nigeria eVisa for Indian and Pakistani Passport Holders in the UAE
Current single-entry tariff: US$253
India appears in Nigeria's 2026 nationality fee table at US$253 for the single-entry category. An Indian UAE resident should apply using the Indian passport nationality rather than expecting the UAE fee.
Current single-entry tariff: US$175
Pakistan appears in the same current NIS table at US$175 for the single-entry category.
Useful residence proof, not a fee/visa waiver
A UAE residence permit can help demonstrate legal residence and travel context, but it does not convert an Indian or Pakistani passport into a Nigerian visa-exempt passport.
THE MAIN LEISURE-TRAVEL CATEGORY
Nigeria Tourist eVisa F5A – Validity, Stay and Restrictions
THE OFFICIAL F5A CHECKLIST
Nigeria Tourist eVisa Requirements
NIGERIA PUBLISHES A DOCUMENT PERIOD, NOT A UNIVERSAL MINIMUM BALANCE
How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a Nigeria Visa?
Nigeria Immigration Service requires evidence of sufficient funds for the F5A tourist eVisa and specifically describes this as a 180-day bank statement.
The official F5A sources reviewed do not publish a universal minimum balance in AED, USD or naira that guarantees approval.
Do not rely on claims that a fixed balance such as AED 5,000, AED 10,000 or AED 20,000 is mandatory unless the Nigerian authority requests it for your case.
The statement should show a credible financial pattern for flights, accommodation and the intended trip rather than a last-minute unexplained deposit.
NATIONALITY-BASED 2026 NIS TARIFF
Nigeria Visa Fee from the UAE
FAST SYSTEM, BUT DO NOT LEAVE IT TO THE LAST MINUTE
How Long Does Nigeria eVisa Take?
OFFICIAL ONLINE EVISA WORKFLOW
How to Apply for a Nigeria eVisa from Dubai or Abu Dhabi
- 01
1. Use the Nigeria Immigration Service visa portal
Start from the official NIS website and follow the eVisa/visa application link. UAE MoFA also currently points Emirati travellers to visa.immigration.gov.ng.
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2. Choose the correct visa class
Tourism is F5A. A family/friend visit is F6A. Business meetings use F4A or another appropriate business class. Temporary specialized work needs a work-permit route rather than tourism.
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3. Complete passport and trip details
Names, passport number, date of birth and travel dates should match the passport exactly.
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4. Upload the category documents
For F5A this includes passport, photo, return ticket, accommodation/host address and 180-day bank statement, plus minor documents where applicable.
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5. Pay online
NIS says eVisa payment is made online using a valid credit/debit card or other supported e-payment method.
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6. Receive the approval by email
Approved applicants receive an eVisa Approval Letter/Certificate containing a QR code and reference number.
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7. Print/save the approval and complete border forms
Keep the eVisa available for airline and immigration checks and complete Nigeria's electronic Landing Card and health declaration before travel.
KEEP YOUR REFERENCE NUMBER AND QR CODE
How to Check Nigeria eVisa Status and Use the Approval
The electronic application sends status updates to the applicant's email and the approved eVisa contains a QR code and reference number.
Keep the reference information until after entry. The approval letter should be printed or saved offline in case mobile data is unavailable at check-in or immigration.
NIS warns travellers to use only official government portals and to avoid third-party sites claiming guaranteed expedited approval for extra money.
Current NIS eVisa support contacts include help-evisa@immigration.gov.ng and the NIS contact numbers published on its website.
OUTDATED SEARCH RESULTS STILL CAUSE CONFUSION
Does Nigeria Still Have Visa on Arrival?
For the ordinary short-term visitor route, Nigeria's Presidency states that the new eVisa replaced the old Visa-on-Arrival system because the former process had become inefficient.
Older Nigeria Immigration web pages and cached portal pages can still display historical Visa-on-Arrival links. Do not treat those legacy pages as proof that you should travel without the current eVisa.
If you have an exceptional official case, obtain current written guidance from NIS or the Nigerian mission before travel rather than relying on an old VOA screenshot.
MEETINGS ARE ALLOWED; EMPLOYMENT IS NOT
Nigeria Business eVisa F4A
For meetings, conferences, seminars, training, contract negotiation, marketing, sales, procurement, trade fairs and job interviews, use the business category rather than tourist F5A.
F4A is single-entry, valid for 90 days from issuance and permits a stay of up to 30 days.
It is non-extendable and does not authorize direct employment in Nigeria.
Nigeria also publishes multiple-entry business classes for qualifying frequent travellers; use the exact category generated for your circumstances.
A SOCIAL VISIT HAS ITS OWN F6A DOCUMENTS
Visiting Family or Friends in Nigeria
AIR-SIDE TRANSIT AND ENTRY TRANSIT ARE DIFFERENT
Nigeria Transit Without Visa and Transit eVisa
Transit Without Visa – up to 48 hours airside
For travellers who remain in the airport transit area, have a confirmed onward itinerary and do not enter Nigerian territory. No visa is issued.
Transit Visa – when entry is required
For qualifying short transit involving entry into Nigeria. Current eVisa documentation can include passport, onward ticket, sufficient funds, destination visa where needed and accommodation if staying overnight.
SIX-MONTH PASSPORT VALIDITY IS CONSISTENT ACROSS CORE ROUTES
Nigeria Visa Passport and Photo Requirements
At least 6 months
The NIS tourist, business and work visa rules consistently use at least six months' passport validity.
Keep at least 2 blank visa pages
Detailed NIS service guidance for several visa categories, including earlier F5A service text, specifies at least two blank visa pages.
Recent passport-size photograph
F5A requires a passport-size photo. Employment/residence categories more explicitly specify a recent clear photograph with white background.
MANDATORY DIGITAL BORDER FORM
Nigeria Electronic Landing and Exit Card
Nigeria replaced paper arrival/departure cards with electronic Landing and Exit Cards as part of the 2025–2026 border modernization programme.
Nigeria Immigration Service describes the Landing and Exit Cards as mandatory travel documents for passengers entering or departing Nigeria.
The official portal requires each traveller to submit their own information; group submission is not supported.
The Ministry of Interior says the digital cards are provided free of charge. Keep the generated confirmation/QR code because it can be requested during arrival or departure procedures.
UAE MoFA's Nigeria travel page also specifically tells Emirati travellers to complete the electronic Landing or Exit Card and retain the QR code.
COMPLETE IT BEFORE BOARDING
Nigeria Health Declaration Form
Nigeria's current NCDC Health Declaration Portal states that the digital form is mandatory for all international arrivals and should be completed before boarding.
The form is free and asks for passport, flight, residence/transit information, destination address, health symptoms and vaccination status.
After submission, the traveller receives a PDF/QR confirmation by email for presentation to Port Health officials.
Enter passport and contact information accurately because the submitted form cannot simply be edited after submission.
THIS IS A CURRENT NIGERIAN ENTRY HEALTH REQUIREMENT
Yellow Fever Vaccination for Nigeria
Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare currently says Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for travellers entering or leaving Nigeria and proof is provided using a valid Yellow Card.
NCDC guidance advises international travellers to receive the vaccine at least 10 days before travel so the certificate/protection is valid.
Travellers with a genuine medical contraindication should obtain the appropriate medical exemption documentation rather than simply travelling without evidence.
Do not confuse the Yellow Card with the eVisa, Landing Card or NCDC Health Declaration—they are separate requirements.
NOT LISTED AS A UNIVERSAL F5A EVISA DOCUMENT
Is Travel Insurance Required for a Nigeria Tourist eVisa?
The current NIS F5A tourist eVisa checklist lists passport, photograph, return ticket, accommodation/host address and a 180-day bank statement. It does not list a universal Schengen-style travel-insurance policy or a fixed minimum coverage amount.
Travel insurance remains sensible for medical expenses, trip interruption and emergencies, but do not state that EUR 30,000 insurance is a Nigerian tourist-visa requirement.
Yellow Fever vaccination proof and the NCDC health declaration are separate mandatory health-entry matters.
ABU DHABI EMBASSY + DUBAI CONSULATE-GENERAL
Nigerian Embassy and Consulate in the UAE
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Official UAE diplomatic-directory information currently places the Nigerian Embassy in Abu Dhabi near the Singapore Embassy, with the main telephone +971 2 443 1503. Nigeria's March 2026 MFA emergency contact list also gives +971 56 884 4130 for the Embassy.
Consulate General of Nigeria
Dubai's official diplomatic directory lists the Consulate General at Villa Unit 14, Street 73B, Al Satwa, telephone +971 4 352 2505. Nigeria's March 2026 MFA emergency list gives +971 56 377 8678.
Normal short-stay eVisa does not require an embassy visit
Nigeria's digital eVisa reform is specifically designed for online application and electronic approval. Embassy enrolment is more relevant to categories such as temporary residence/work visas that require interview/biometric capture.
THE STANDARD EVISA IS NOT EXTENDABLE
Can You Extend a Nigeria eVisa?
Nigeria Immigration Service explicitly states that all eVisa classes are not extendable beyond their stated duration.
For F5A tourism, that means the standard eVisa authorizes a 30-day stay and should not be treated as a route for staying longer.
If you need a longer stay for work, study, treatment or residence, choose the correct visa/residence category before travelling.
Do not rely on paying an overstay penalty as a substitute for lawful status. Nigeria ran a special expired-visa regularization amnesty in 2025, but that temporary programme is not a standing extension right in 2026.
SPECIALIZED PROJECT WORK IS NOT A BUSINESS VISIT
Nigeria Temporary Work Permit (TWP)
Nigeria has specific Temporary Work Permit routes for experts performing specialized short-term services such as equipment installation, commissioning, upgrades, maintenance, training, audits and similar project work.
Short Temporary Work Permit
The 2026 NIS Service Level Agreement describes R10 as a specialized/project work route requiring a Visa Authority Letter/pre-approval from Immigration, a passport valid at least six months and return/onward ticket. It uses embassy processing with interview/biometric enrolment and a 10-day service target.
Temporary Work Permit up to 6 months
NIS separately publishes R11 for experts performing longer short-term specialized projects. It requires Comptroller-General pre-approval and is multiple-entry for up to six months, non-renewable after that period.
Do not work on F4A/F5A
A business eVisa allows meetings, negotiation, training and similar visitor activity, but not regular paid employment. Use TWP/appropriate work authorization for hands-on project work.
LONGER EMPLOYMENT REQUIRES EMPLOYER QUOTA AND RESIDENCE AUTHORIZATION
Nigeria Employment Visa, STR and e-CERPAC
- 01
1. Nigerian employer secures the employment basis
For the R2A expatriate employment route, the employer must hold an approved Expatriate Quota and provide the employment contract.
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2. Prepare the employment package
NIS lists the employment contract, employee acceptance, employer application accepting Immigration Responsibility, Expatriate Quota approval, academic/skill evidence, CV and Board Resolution for senior management where applicable.
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3. Use the STR / employment residence process
The employment route is separate from short-visit eVisa. Do not enter on tourist F5A intending to convert it to work status; NIS says short-visit eVisas cannot be converted into residence/work permits in Nigeria.
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4. Complete e-CERPAC residence/work authorization
Nigeria has introduced e-CERPAC as the electronic residence/work authorization for eligible expatriates. Current NIS material says the reform is designed to process the legal authorization before entry rather than relying solely on post-arrival regularization.
EMPLOYMENT RESIDENCE COSTS ARE MUCH HIGHER THAN A TOURIST EVISA
Current R2A e-CERPAC Fees
YOUR VISA IS ONLY ONE OF THE DOCUMENTS CHECKED
What to Carry When Entering Nigeria
COMMON PROBLEMS TO FIX BEFORE SUBMISSION
Nigeria eVisa Refusal and Delay Risks
BEFORE YOU FLY FROM THE UAE