Are you planning to visit Nigeria? Whether you’re traveling for tourism, business, a visit, or anything at all as a foreigner, you need to apply for the right Nigerian visa.
Here’s a simple guide that can help you apply correctly.
1. Subject to Regularisation (STR) Visa
According to the Nigerian Embassy, Dublin, all the documents under this category must be submitted in 4 copies. The following are the requirements for this visa type:
- A passport that is valid for at least six more months when you travel (This also applies to the other visa types)
- A printed visa application form and proof of visa payment
- A copy of the approved work permit
- Passport photographs
- A job offer letter
- A letter saying you accept the job offer
- Copies of your certificates, school records, and resume
- A letter from the company in Nigeria, which is sent to the Nigerian Embassy in the source country, stating they will handle all immigration matters.
2. Tourist Visa and Visitors Visa
A tourist visa allows people to enter the country for tourism purposes and is often issued on arrival. It’s valid for about three months. On the other hand, while a visitor’s visa is similar to a tourist visa, it’s often applied for in advance and is valid for six months or longer depending on the country’s rules.
The following are the requirements for application for a Nigerian visa under this category:
- A printed and signed visa application form with one passport photograph included
- Proof of payment for the visa and a receipt
- Two passport photographs
- You could receive a letter from someone in Nigeria inviting you and promising to host you during your stay or a confirmed hotel booking.
- Proof of funds showing that you have enough money for your trip
- A copy of the passport of the person hosting or inviting you.
READ ALSO: Countries with visa-free access to Nigeria
3. Business Visas
A business visa is an official paper that allows someone to visit another country for work-related reasons such as meetings, conferences, training, or looking for business opportunities, but only for a specific period.
The following are the things you need to bear in mind if you want to apply for it:
- A printed and signed Nigerian visa application form with one recent passport photograph attached
- Proof that you paid for the visa and a receipt
- Two passport photographs
- A letter from a person or company in Nigeria inviting you, promising to take care of your stay
- Proof that you have enough money – proof of funds
- A letter from your employer confirming that they know about your trip, your job and immigration status
- A copy of the registration certificate of your employer’s company in Nigeria.
4. Temporary Work Permit
According to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), in simple terms, it is the type of visa that allows people to stay in Nigeria for up to two years. Let’s see what the requirements for this Nigerian visa are.
- Two small passport photographs
- A printed visa application form filled out online, with one recent photograph attached and proof of payment
- A message approved from Nigeria’s Immigration Office sent to the Nigerian Embassy in the source country.
- A letter from the company in Nigeria saying they will take full responsibility for your stay.
- A confirmed return travel ticket.
5. Transit visa
According to the Embassy of Nigeria, Athens, a transit visa is for travelers who have a ticket to another country and are allowed to enter there. It allows them to stop in Nigeria for a short time before continuing their journey.
The following are the documents needed to apply for this:
- A printed visa application form with two recent passport photographs attached
- A copy of the payment receipt and acknowledgement slip
- Proof that you have a ticket to your final destination
- Proof that you have a visa for your final destination.
What if you’re a minor?
You’ll need the following to fulfil the Nigerian visa application requirements as a minor:
- A letter of consent
For children under the age of 18, a notarised letter of consent from parents or guardians including copies of their driver’s license, and passport is required.
- Birth certificate
This is proof that you are below 18 years old.
- Passport photographs
One passport photograph of the parents. However, if the mother has sole custody, only hers is needed.
- Passport photocopies
Photocopies of the important page from both parents’ current passports.
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