Nigeria Visa Requirements for UK Citizens 2026: Fees, Documents & How to Apply

Planning a trip to Nigeria from the UK? If you are travelling on a full British citizen passport, you will generally need to obtain a Nigerian visa before you travel. Visa on arrival is no longer available for ordinary visitors, and visa applications must be submitted through the Nigerian immigration process before departure.

The visa you need depends on the purpose of your trip. You may need a Tourism Visa for a holiday, a Visiting Visa if you are visiting family or friends, a Business Visa for qualifying business activities, or a Transit Visa if you are travelling through Nigeria.

This guide explains the Nigeria visa requirements for UK citizens in 2026, including visa types, fees, documents, application steps, processing times, passport requirements, yellow fever rules and the entry forms you need before travelling.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Immigration and entry requirements can change, so always check the latest official information before travelling.

Quick Answer: Nigeria Visa Requirements for UK Citizens

Question	Quick Answer
Do UK citizens need a visa for Nigeria?	Yes, for ordinary visitor travel.
Can UK citizens get a visa on arrival?	No. Visa on arrival is no longer available.
How long must my passport be valid?	At least 6 months after your arrival date.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate?	Yes, subject to the applicable exemptions.
Do I need a landing card?	Yes. Foreign travellers may be required to complete landing and departure cards online.
Do I need a health declaration?	Yes. Current UK government guidance says travellers must complete the Nigeria Health Declaration Form before entering Nigeria, including transit passengers.
When should I apply?	Apply well before your flight and allow extra time for any additional checks or enrolment requirements.

The UK government's current Nigeria entry guidance confirms that British citizens need a visa before travel, that visa on arrival is no longer available, and that passports must be valid for at least six months after arrival.

Do UK Citizens Need a Nigeria Visa?

Yes. If you are travelling on a full British citizen passport and visiting Nigeria, you generally need to obtain the appropriate Nigerian visa before you travel.

The UK government states that visitors must get their Nigerian visa before travelling and that visa on arrival is no longer available. The Nigeria High Commission in London also advises eligible visitors to obtain the appropriate visa before entering Nigeria.

There are important exceptions and different rules for some travellers.

• Nigerian citizens: If you are a Nigerian citizen, different entry arrangements apply. See the dual-national section below.
• Nigerian residence permit holders: The UK government states that holders of a valid Nigerian residence permit, such as a CERPAC or Green Card, do not need a visitor visa.
• Other exempt travellers: Some nationalities and travel documents may have separate arrangements. If you are not travelling on a full British citizen passport, check the rules that apply specifically to you.

If you are unsure which category applies to you, check the latest Nigerian immigration guidance or contact the Nigeria High Commission in the UK before travelling.

Which Nigeria Visa Do You Need?

The correct Nigerian visa depends on why you are travelling. Choosing the wrong category can cause delays or problems with your application, so make sure your stated purpose matches your supporting documents.

Visa Type	Best For	Key Point
F5A Tourism Visa	Tourism and holidays	For tourism only.
F6A Visiting Visa	Visiting family or friends	Requires an invitation and supporting information about the host.
F4A Business Visa	Qualifying business activities	Includes activities such as meetings, conferences and negotiations.
F3B Transit Visa	Qualifying transit travel	Requires onward travel evidence and other supporting documents.

The Nigeria Immigration Service's published Service Level Agreement identifies F5A as the Tourism Visa, F6A as the single-entry Visiting Visa, F4A as the single-entry Business Visa and F3B as the Transit Visa.

Tourism Visa — F5A

The F5A Tourism Visa is designed for people travelling to Nigeria for tourism. The published NIS requirements include a valid passport, passport photograph, return ticket, hotel reservation or host address and evidence of sufficient funds.

The current NIS SLA states that the F5A is valid for 90 days from issuance, permits a 30-day single entry within that validity period and is not extendable.

Visiting Visa — F6A

If your main reason for travelling is to visit family or friends in Nigeria, the F6A Visiting Visa is the relevant category to investigate.

The current NIS requirements include an invitation from the family member or friend in Nigeria, information about the host, a valid passport, passport photograph, return ticket, accommodation or host address and evidence of sufficient funds.

This is particularly relevant for UK travellers visiting parents, siblings, relatives or friends in Nigeria.

Business Visa — F4A

The F4A Business Visa covers qualifying activities such as meetings, conferences, seminars, contract negotiations, marketing, sales, training, procurement and trade fairs. The NIS requirements include documentation from the inviting Nigerian company, an invitation letter, return-ticket evidence and accommodation or host information.

A visitor visa should not be used as a substitute for a work or employment visa. If you intend to take up employment in Nigeria, check the separate immigration requirements for your proposed activity.

Transit Visa — F3B

The F3B Transit Visa is for travellers who need a Nigerian transit visa. Requirements can include a valid passport, passport photograph, onward ticket, evidence of sufficient funds, a visa for the final destination where applicable, and accommodation or host information if you will stay overnight.

If you are simply changing flights and remaining airside, check with your airline and confirm whether you qualify for transit without a visa before travelling.

Nigeria Visa Fees for UK Citizens

Nigeria visa fees are based on nationality, visa type, entry type and validity. They can also change, so the amount shown during the official application process should always be checked before payment.

The Nigeria Immigration Service's published fee table lists the following fees for applicants from the United Kingdom:

Fee Category	UK Fee
Single Entry — within 6 months	US$144
Multiple Entry — 1 year	US$472
Multiple Entry — 2 years	US$944
Multiple Entry — 5 years	US$2,360
TWP fee	US$472
STR visa fee	US$472

Important: the NIS fee table contains multiple fee categories, and the applicable fee depends on the visa/application type. Do not assume that the single-entry figure applies to every visa category. Check the official application portal for the exact amount applicable to your application before paying.

Visa payments should be treated carefully because fees and payment arrangements can change. The Nigeria High Commission in London also states that applicants should use the current online process rather than paying a processing fee directly to the High Commission.

Nigeria Visa Requirements & Documents

The exact document checklist depends on the visa category, but UK travellers should be prepared to provide several core documents.

Document	What to Prepare
Passport	Valid for at least 6 months after arrival and meeting the applicable Nigerian visa requirements.
Passport photograph	Recent photograph meeting the applicable Nigerian immigration specifications.
Return or onward ticket	Evidence of your onward or return journey where required by your visa category.
Accommodation details	Hotel reservation or host address, depending on your circumstances.
Proof of funds	Evidence that you can support yourself during your stay. The required period can depend on the visa category.
Invitation letter	Required for relevant visiting or business applications.
Host documentation	For family/friend visits, this can include the host's Nigerian passport data page or residence permit.
Yellow fever certificate	Required for entry, subject to applicable exemptions.

The NIS requirements for F5A Tourism and F6A Visiting Visas specifically include six-month passport validity, passport photographs, return-ticket evidence, accommodation/host information and evidence of sufficient funds. The F6A category additionally requires an invitation and host documentation.

Important: Do not upload documents simply because they appear on an old checklist online. Requirements can change by visa category, so use the current checklist displayed for your application.

How to Apply for a Nigeria Visa from the UK

The Nigerian immigration process is online for the relevant visa categories. The Nigeria High Commission in London states that visa submissions have moved to Online Integrated Solutions, while the NIS publishes its online visa application process.

1. Choose the correct visa category. Decide whether you are travelling for tourism, visiting family/friends, business or transit.
2. Use the official Nigerian immigration process. Avoid unofficial websites that present themselves as government portals and add unnecessary service charges.
3. Complete the application carefully. Make sure your name, passport details, travel dates and purpose of travel match your supporting documents.
4. Prepare your documents. Upload the documents required for your particular visa category.
5. Pay the applicable visa fee. Check the full amount, including any eVAC or biometric charges, before submitting payment.
6. Complete any required enrolment or additional steps. Some visa categories may involve additional processing or biometric/interview requirements.
7. Monitor your application. Keep your application/reference information and check the email address used in the application.
8. Check your approval carefully. Before travelling, verify the name, passport details, visa category, validity and permitted stay.
9. Complete your required entry forms. Check the landing card and Nigeria Health Declaration requirements before your flight.

The NIS SLA lists online application, document upload, payment and receipt of the visa certificate by email for several e-Visa categories.

How Long Does a Nigeria Visa Take?

Processing time depends on the visa category and whether your application requires additional checks or enrolment.

For several online visa categories, the current NIS Service Level Agreement lists a target of 48 hours where there is no local objection (NLO). Other categories have different processing arrangements and may require interview and biometric enrolment before the processing period begins.

For this reason, it is better not to rely on a simple "24–72 hour" promise when planning your trip.

Our practical recommendation: apply several weeks before your flight whenever possible. This gives you time to resolve document issues, complete any required additional steps and deal with unexpected delays.

Passport Requirements for Nigeria

Your passport is one of the most important documents for your Nigeria trip.

The UK government's current entry guidance states that your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Nigeria.

The NIS requirements for several visitor visa categories also specify at least six months' passport validity and two blank visa pages.

• Check the expiry date before starting your visa application.
• Make sure the passport details match your visa application exactly.
• Do not travel using a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
• Check that your passport has sufficient blank pages for the applicable visa requirements.
• If your passport is close to expiry, consider renewing it before applying.

Yellow Fever Requirements for Nigeria

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is an important Nigerian entry requirement.

The current UK government guidance states that travellers entering Nigeria must have a certificate proving they have had a yellow fever vaccination. It also states that infants aged 8 months or younger and adults aged 61 or older are exempt.

The UK government's health guidance recommends checking vaccine requirements and other health risks well before travelling to Nigeria.

Nigeria Landing & Departure Cards

Nigeria has introduced an online system for foreign travellers to complete landing and departure cards.

The UK government's current entry guidance says foreign travellers may be required to complete these cards before entering or leaving Nigeria and may be asked to show them at airports or other border points. The forms can be completed through the online portal.

These cards are separate from your visa. Having a valid visa does not mean you can ignore the arrival and departure formalities.

Nigeria Health Declaration Form

In addition to your visa and travel documents, the current UK government guidance states that travellers must complete an online Nigeria Health Declaration Form before entering Nigeria.

This requirement also applies to transit passengers. Travellers may also be subject to thermal screening or travel-history checks at the border.

Complete the form using the current official process before your journey and keep any confirmation available with your travel documents.

Nigeria Family Visit Visa for UK Citizens

If you are travelling from the UK to Nigeria to visit parents, siblings, relatives or friends, the F6A Visiting Visa is the relevant category to consider.

The current NIS requirements for the F6A include:

• An invitation letter from the family member or friend in Nigeria
• A copy of the Nigerian passport data page of the host, or the host's residence permit if they are not Nigerian
• A passport with at least six months' validity
• A passport photograph
• Evidence of a return ticket
• Hotel reservation or host address in Nigeria
• Evidence of sufficient funds
• Additional documents for minors, where applicable

The NIS describes F6A as a single-entry Visiting Visa for social visits and states that it is valid for 90 days from issuance, with a 30-day single-entry stay within that validity period.

If you are visiting family, make sure your application clearly reflects that purpose rather than selecting a tourism category simply because you are taking a holiday during the same trip.

Nigeria Business Visa for UK Citizens

UK citizens travelling to Nigeria for qualifying business activities should make sure they apply under the appropriate business category.

The F4A Business Visa covers activities listed by the NIS including:

• Business meetings
• Conferences
• Seminars
• Contract negotiations
• Marketing and sales
• Training
• Procurement of Nigerian goods or services
• Trade fairs
• Qualifying job interviews

The current NIS requirements include a valid passport, documents relating to the inviting Nigerian company, an invitation letter, return-ticket evidence and hotel or host information.

Important: A business visit is not the same as taking up employment in Nigeria. If your trip involves employment or other work activities, check the relevant Nigerian immigration category before travelling.

Travelling to Nigeria With Children

Children travelling to Nigeria should have their own appropriate travel documentation and must meet the entry requirements that apply to them.

The NIS requirements for several visitor visa categories specifically state that minors under 18 may need to provide a birth certificate and parental consent letter.

Before travelling with children, check:

• Each child's passport validity
• The correct visa application for each child
• Birth certificate requirements
• Parental consent documentation where applicable
• Yellow fever requirements and applicable exemptions
• Any additional documents required when travelling with one parent or another accompanying adult

Do not assume that a child's visa or documentation is automatically covered by a parent's application. Check the current requirements for every traveller.

British-Nigerian Dual Citizens

If you are both British and Nigerian, your situation is different from that of a British citizen travelling solely as a foreign visitor.

The current NIS documentation includes a specific visa category, F9A, for Nigerians by birth travelling on a foreign passport to re-enter Nigeria. The published requirements include evidence of Nigerian parentage and other supporting documents.

If you hold a valid Nigerian passport, check that it is valid and suitable for your journey before travelling rather than automatically applying for a standard visitor visa.

When returning to the UK, British citizens should also carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement, in line with UK requirements.

Common Nigeria Visa Application Problems

Many application problems can be avoided by checking your information carefully before submission.

• Choosing the wrong visa category: Make sure your visa matches the actual purpose of your trip.
• Inconsistent information: Your passport, application, ticket and supporting documents should contain matching information.
• Missing documents: Check the requirements for your exact visa category before submitting.
• Passport validity problems: Make sure your passport meets the six-month requirement.
• Unclear financial evidence: Provide the evidence requested for your visa category.
• Missing invitation or host information: This can be particularly important for visiting and business applications.
• Incorrect personal details: Carefully check names, passport numbers, dates of birth and travel dates.
• Using unofficial websites: Make sure you are using the current official immigration application process.

If an application is refused or delayed, check the reason provided by the relevant immigration authority before submitting a new application. Do not simply submit the same application again without correcting the underlying issue.

Can You Extend a Nigeria Visa?

Do not assume that a standard visitor visa can automatically be extended.

The current NIS SLA states that the F5A Tourism Visa and F6A Visiting Visa are not extendable under the published terms. The F4A Business Visa is also listed as not extendable.

If you need to remain in Nigeria beyond the permitted period, contact the Nigeria Immigration Service before your authorised stay expires and ask what immigration route applies to your circumstances.

Never deliberately overstay your immigration permission. If your plans change while you are in Nigeria, deal with the situation before your authorised stay ends.

Before You Book Your Flight to Nigeria

Once you know which visa you need, use this checklist before finalising your travel plans:

• Check your passport expiry date.
• Identify the correct Nigerian visa category.
• Check the current visa fee, including any eVAC or biometric charges.
• Prepare your supporting documents.
• Apply through the official immigration process.
• Allow enough time for processing and any additional requirements.
• Arrange your yellow fever vaccination/certificate if required.
• Check the current Nigeria Health Declaration requirement.
• Complete the landing card requirements before arrival where applicable.
• Keep copies of your visa approval and important travel documents.
• Check the latest UK government travel advice before departure.

Flights From the UK to Nigeria

Once your visa and travel documents are in order, the next step is finding the right flight.

Dream Fare helps UK travellers compare flight options to popular Nigerian destinations, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu.

Flights to Lagos

Flights to Lagos are popular with travellers visiting family, friends and businesses in Lagos and the surrounding region. Lagos is one of Nigeria's main international gateways and is a major destination for both leisure and business travel.

Flights to Abuja

Flights to Abuja are particularly useful for travellers visiting Nigeria's capital for business, government, family or other purposes.

Flights to Port Harcourt

Flights to Port Harcourt are popular with travellers visiting family, businesses and communities across Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta region.

Flights to Kano

Flights to Kano can be useful for travellers heading to northern Nigeria for family, business or other personal reasons.

Flights to Enugu

Flights to Enugu are a useful option for travellers heading to southeastern Nigeria, including those visiting family and friends in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do UK citizens need a visa to visit Nigeria?

Yes. British citizens travelling to Nigeria as visitors generally need to obtain a visa before travelling. Visa on arrival is no longer available.

Can UK citizens get a Nigeria visa on arrival?

No. The current UK government guidance states that visa on arrival is no longer available and that visa applications must be submitted through the online process before travel.

How much does a Nigeria visa cost for UK citizens?

The fee depends on the visa type, entry type and validity. The NIS published fee table lists UK fees including US$144 for a single-entry fee within six months and higher fees for multiple-entry visas — but budget for an additional eVAC fee of around US$170 on top, bringing a typical single-entry total closer to ~US$314. Always confirm the amount applicable to your particular application before paying.

How long does a Nigeria visa take from the UK?

Processing time depends on the visa category and application circumstances. The current NIS SLA lists 48 hours for several online visa categories where there is no local objection, while some other categories require additional enrolment or processing. Apply well before your flight.

How long must my UK passport be valid for Nigeria?

Your passport must have an expiry date at least six months after the date you arrive in Nigeria.

Do I need a Nigeria visa to visit family?

Yes, if you are travelling as a British visitor. The F6A Visiting Visa is the relevant category for social visits to family or friends. It has specific requirements including an invitation from your host in Nigeria.

Do children need a Nigeria visa?

Yes. Children travelling as foreign visitors need to meet the applicable Nigerian immigration requirements. The NIS requirements for visitor categories include additional documentation for minors, such as a birth certificate and parental consent letter where applicable.

Do British-Nigerian dual citizens need a Nigeria visa?

The rules are different for Nigerian citizens travelling on foreign passports. The NIS has a specific F9A category for Nigerians by birth travelling on foreign passports to re-enter Nigeria. If you are a British-Nigerian dual national, check the appropriate Nigerian documentation and current immigration requirements before travelling.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Nigeria?

Yes. The current UK government guidance states that travellers entering Nigeria must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate, subject to exemptions including infants aged 8 months or younger and adults aged 61 or older.

What is the Nigeria landing card?

Nigeria requires foreign travellers to complete landing and departure cards through its online system. You may be asked to provide them at an airport or other border point.

Do I need a Nigeria Health Declaration Form?

Yes. The current UK government guidance states that travellers must complete the online Nigeria Health Declaration Form before entering Nigeria, including transit passengers.

Can I extend my Nigeria tourist visa?

No. The current NIS published terms state that the F5A Tourism Visa is not extendable. The F6A Visiting Visa and F4A Business Visa are also listed as not extendable. If your circumstances change while you are in Nigeria, contact the Nigeria Immigration Service before your authorised stay expires.

Book Your Nigeria Flight With Dream Fare

Once your Nigeria visa and travel documents are sorted, let Dream Fare help you arrange your flight from the UK.

We can help you find flight options to Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu.

Call Dream Fare on 020 8264 0018 or request a free flight quote.

Official Sources & Important Disclaimer

Visa and entry requirements can change. This guide is intended as general travel information and should not replace official immigration or government guidance.

Before applying or travelling, check the latest requirements from the UK government's Nigeria entry requirements, the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria High Commission in London.

The UK government also advises travellers to check its wider Nigeria travel advice before deciding to travel, as travel warnings and local conditions can vary by region.

Information checked in September 2026. Immigration rules, fees, processing times and health requirements may change without notice. Always verify the requirements that apply to your passport, visa category and travel dates before making non-refundable travel arrangements.