5 min read

How Travel to Nigeria Has Changed: New Entry Rules, Restrictions & What You Must Know

back view of a car
Written by
John Hunyingan
Published on

1. 🇳🇬 Nigeria Has Officially Moved to eVisa, No More Visa on Arrival

This is one of the biggest changes travelers need to know.

Nigeria has fully stopped Visa on Arrival (VoA). That means:

  • You cannot get a visa at the airport anymore.
  • You must apply before you travel using eVisa online.
  • You must have the approved visa in your email before you check-in.

This change was introduced to reduce long queues and ensure immigration processes are more secure and efficient.

Simple tip: Apply early — at least 4–6 weeks before your travel date — to avoid delays.

2. 🛂 Landing and Exit Cards Are Mandatory for Everyone

Whether you have a foreign passport, are a Nigerian living abroad, or a returning citizen, you must complete a Landing and Exit Card.

This is a border requirement used to track who enters and leaves the country.

Important:
The cards should be completed before arrival and before departure, not at the gate.

If you don’t fill it properly, immigration officers may stop you or delay you at the port.

3. 🛂 Know the Different Visa Types and What They Mean

Nigeria now has clearly defined visa categories depending on your reason for travel:

  • Tourist Visa – For short holiday visits
  • Business Visa – For meetings, conferences, company trips
  • Visiting Visa – Visiting family or friends
  • Special Visas – Sports, creative work, study tours

Each category has different requirements, and missing one document can lead to rejection.

When applying, choose the right visa type and upload ALL required supporting documents. Mistakes here are common reasons for delays or rejections.

4. 🧑‍⚕ Health Declarations Are Still Important

Even though COVID checks and quarantine rules have relaxed, you still must complete the Health Declaration Form before getting on your flight.

This form asks basic health questions and must be filled out accurately, airlines or airports can refuse boarding without it.

Also, stay updated with any new health requirements before you travel, policies can change quickly.

5. ⚠ Security and Travel Advisories Still Matter

Travel advisory agencies still recommend caution in many parts of Nigeria due to safety concerns like:

  • Kidnapping and violent crime in some states
  • Civil unrest or demonstrations
  • Localised security alerts

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t travel, it just means you should plan smart, get good travel insurance, and be aware of current advisory notices before selecting your destinations within Nigeria.

6. 🌍 International Visa Policies Affect Nigerian Travelers Too

Travel to Nigeria is one side, travel abroad as a Nigerian passport holder has also changed.

For example:

  • Some countries have shortened visa validity for Nigerian travelers.
  • Some now require bonds or proof of funds before visa approval.
  • Some embassies look more closely at past travel history and consistency.

This highlights how international travel policies keep evolving, and good preparation helps your travel plans everywhere, not just Nigeria.

7. Practical Travel Tips Before You Book

Here’s a short checklist you can follow before making any travel bookings:

  • Apply for your Nigeria eVisa early
  • Complete your Landing & Exit Cards before travel
  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months
  • Carry proof of funds, return tickets, and accommodation
  • Fill the *Health Declaration Form* correctly
  • Check current travel advisories before you leave

Travel to Nigeria is still open, exciting, and full of opportunity, but the rules are different now.

The key is to plan ahead, stay informed, and prepare properly. Being caught off guard at the airport is one of the most stressful parts of travel, and you don’t need that.

If you follow these updates, you’ll arrive in Nigeria confident and ready to enjoy your trip.

Planning a trip to Nigeria this year?

👉 Get personalized help with your Nigeria visa application and travel planning before you fly.
Visit
https://voyaapp.co to make sure your documents and travel requirements are 100% ready.

Share this post