Are you aware that no matter how poor we Nigerians perceive this country to be, there are places where we are welcome with open hands? Have you ever thought of a list of visa-free countries for Nigerians to visit without applying for Visa? Well, Dailyschoolnews got you covered.
These Visa-free countries for Nigeria mean you can choose to visit the country without going through the stress of applying for a physical visa at the embassy of the destination country you plan to go to.
It is not something new that Nigerians want to “Japa” and are applying for visas to countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, the USA, UAE Dubai, etc, and these countries are not making it easy for Nigerians anymore, because they are finding more ways to frustrate Nigerians. Getting a visa approved is quite difficult, and most times requires a long and long time, not to talk of the time and costs.
There are a number of countries where Nigerians are welcome with open hands, meaning that you can travel or go on vacation to these countries, using only your Nigerian passport, which is very convenient.
For some people, holidays are synonymous with travel, there’s no need to say you are going on holiday/vacation without travelling. Thanks to Technology, travelling has been made easy, and you can practically do 90% of everything from the comfort of your home. Starting from accessing information, making travel no longer a hassle.
Choosing your destination, means of transportation, accommodation, culinary, etc, and you can even employ the help of travel consultant services, making everything much easier for you.
It is so easy to travel within Nigeria, and you can access the 36 states and capital of Nigeria freely. However, if outside the country is your destination, there are several documents you need to have before embarking on the journey. One of them is a passport, identical documents accompany trips with overseas destinations.
Every country in the world has a unique passport for all their citizens. A passport, is a mandatory document that is owned, to get out and enter from one country to another. All countries require a passport as an identity document that signifies visitor nationality, permission to arrive, visit, stay, duration, the purpose of visitation, etc.
To protect their countries from being harmed or flooded with visitors, some countries have added other documents for visitor who wants to visit/reside/study in their country, namely a visa.
LATEST UPDATE: A Nigerian passport holder can only visit a total of 23 visa-free countries to visit. To be fair, this number is one of the worst, but at least, we can visit 23 countries and enjoy ourselves.
However, aside from the 23 Visa-free countries, there are other countries that offer a visa on arrival or e-visa program to Nigerian passport holders. This brings up the total number of visa-free, visa on arrival and eVisa destinations of Nigerian Passport holders to forty-seven (47) countries.
In this article, I will be sharing with you, countries, including their respective consulate or embassy details that you SHOULD ALWAYS crosscheck the visa status of every country before you buy that ticket to visit there. Sometimes, these statuses may change and you do not want to be stranded if they do.
What is a Visa?
A visa on arrival enables you to obtain a visa at the port of entry of the country offering it. What this actually means is that you do not need to make any prior arrangements for visas, like going to the country’s embassy to get your Visa approved, etc. You simply pay for one at the border and once you pass the few requirements, you’ll be allowed entry into the country.
Some countries that offer a visa-on-arrival program also offer an e-visa program. However, since more and more countries are now sceptical of Nigerian citizens visiting their countries, and refusing Nigerians entry, I advise every Nigerian citizen to better use the e-visa option.
A visa is proof of a visit approved by the embassy of the country you want to go to, allowing residents of a country to enter the territory of another country that requires an entry permit. The visa is usually approved and stamped before departure through the destination country’s embassy or other institution that does provide visa services.
However, there is no need to worry because the number of countries that requires visas for visitors from Nigeria isn’t that much. But to ensure I provide you with the best information, eVisa, Visa on Arrival and Visa Free Countries for Nigerian Citizens by Continent.
List of Visa-Free Countries – Travel abroad without having a visa from Nigeria.
- Morocco.
- Kenya.
- Cape Verde.
- Uganda.
- Sudan.
- Rwanda.
- Djibouti.
- Cambodia.
- Comoros. (A 30-day visa is available upon arrival).
- Côte d’Ivoire. Côte d’Ivoire is located in West Africa (Visa free).
- Cameroon. (Cameroon is located in West Africa and offers Nigerians, Visa free for 90 days)
- Chad. (Visa free for 90 days)
- Burundi. (Visa free for 30 days)
- The Benin Republic. (Visa free for 3 months)
- Burkina Faso. (Free Visa for Nigerians to stay as much as they want)
eVisa, Visa on Arrival and Visa Free Countries for Nigerian Citizens in Africa.
- Benin.
- Burkina Faso.
- Cameroun.
- Cabo Verde.
- Chad.
- Comoros.
- Côte d’Ivoire.
- Djibouti.
- Ethiopia.
- The Gambia.
- Ghana.
- Guinea.
- Guinea-Bissau.
- Kenya.
- Lesotho.
- Liberia.
- Madagascar.
- Mali.
- Mauritania.
- Mauritius.
- Mozambique *.
- Niger.
- Rwanda.
- São Tomé and Príncipe.
- Senegal.
- Seychelles.
- Sierra Leone.
- Somalia.
- Togo.
- Uganda.
- Zambia.
- Zimbabwe.
Visa-Free Countries for Nigerian Citizens in Asia.
- Iran.
- Kyrgyzstan.
- The Maldives.
- Timor-Leste.
Visa Free Countries for Nigerian Citizens in North and South America.
- Antigua and Barbuda.
- Barbados.
- Dominica.
- Fiji.
- Haiti.
- Saint Kitts and Nevis.
- Suriname.
eVisa and Visa Free Countries for Nigerian Citizens in Oceania.
- Fiji.
- Micronesia.
- Tuvalu.
- Vanuatu.
How Powerful is Nigeria Passport?
Every citizen of Nigeria with a Nigerian Passport is allowed to visit a total of 23 countries without needing to arrange beforehand, a visa or pay for one before travelling.
The same thing was done in Europe, all fourteen (14) ECOWAS countries (excluding Nigeria) are visa-free for Nigerian citizens and holders of the Nigerian passport. Even though there are no visa requirements to visit these countries, here’s my candid advice to any Nigerian travelling with a Nigerian passport.
- Make sure that you always travel with your return flight tickets (if you are travelling by air),
- Ensure that you have a valid passport with 6 months validity and 2 free pages free/available for stamps,
- Always go with printed proof of funds and accommodation.
More on Visa Free Countries for Nigerian Passport Holders.
| Countries | Continent | Duration of Stay (Up to) | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barbados | North America | 180 Days | Barbados Immigration Website |
| Benin | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS |
| Burkina Faso | Africa | N/A | ECOWAS |
| Cameroon | Africa | 90 Days | N/A |
| Cabo Verde | Africa | N/A | ECOWAS |
| Chad | Africa | 90 Days | N/A |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS |
| Dominica | North America | 180 Days | Dominica Immigration Website |
| Fiji | Oceania | 120 Days | Fiji Immigration Website |
| The Gambia | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS |
| Ghana | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS |
| Guinea | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS |
| Guinea-Bissau | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS |
| Haiti | North America | 90 Days | Haiti Immigration Website |
| Liberia | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS |
| Mali | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS |
| Micronesia | Oceania | 30 Days | Micronesia Immigration Website |
| Niger | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | North America | 90 Days | Saint Kitts and Nevis Immigration Website |
| Rwanda | Africa | 30 Days | |
| Senegal | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS |
| Seychelles | Africa | 90 Days | Seychelles Department of Foreign Affairs Website |
| Sierra Leone | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS |
| Togo | Africa | 90 Days | ECOWAS |
| Vanuatu | Oceania | 30 Days | Vanuatu Immigration Website |
Here is another complete list of countries that offer a visa on arrival to Nigerian passport holders and the associated costs of the visa.
I would love to say this here that all these visas are conditional and you most often than NOT, the immigration officers would ASK you to present your return flight tickets, valid passport with 6 months validity and 2 free pages for stamps, proof of funds (running to at least, $2,000 upward) and accommodation before approving you.
| Countries | Continent | Duration of Stay (Up to) | More Information | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comoros | Africa | 45 Days | N/A | The visa on arrival costs about $33 |
| Ethiopia | Africa | 90 Days | Ethiopian Online Visa Website | You may also apply for an eVisa. The 30-day visa costs $50 and the 90-day visa, costs more – All single entry at Bole Int’l Airport. |
| Iran | Asia | 30 Days | Iran Visa Application Website | You may also apply for an eVisa. The visa on arrival and eVisa cost €55 |
| Lebanon | Asia | 30 Days | Beirut International Airport Website | Nigerian Citizens must have a non-refundable return ticket, a copy of a reservation in a 3 to 5-star hotel or private residential address with a telephone number in the Republic of Lebanon, and at least $2,000 in cash |
| Madagascar | Africa | 90 Days | Madagascar Visa Application Website | The visa on arrival and eVisa fees start from €29.90 |
| Maldives | Asia | 30 Days | Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website | The visa on arrival is free. However, you must have sufficient funds for the duration of your stay. See the Foreign Affairs Website for more information |
| Mauritania | Africa | 30 Days | Mauritania Nouakchott Airport Information on Visas on arrival | The visa on arrival costs €55 |
| Mauritius | Africa | 14 Days | Mauritius Immigration Website | Visa on arrival is Free |
| Mozambique | Africa | 30 Days | N/A | The visa on arrival costs $50 *edit: June 2021 – I’ve read that this country no longer offers a visa on arrival to Nigerians. I can’t find any official confirmation of this but it is something to be aware of. |
| Somalia | Africa | 90 Days | Somalia Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website | The visa on arrival costs $50. |
| Timor-Leste | Asia | 90 Days | Timor-Leste Immigration Website | Visitors must apply for a Visa Authorization Application at a Timor-Leste Embassy or Consulate. The visa on arrival costs $30. |
| Tuvalu | Oceania | 30 Days | Tuvalu Immigration Regulations | The visa on arrival costs $100 (AUS) |
| Uganda | Africa | 30 Days | Uganda Immigration Website | The visa on arrival starts from $50. You may also apply for an eVisa. |
eVisa Countries for Nigerian Passport Holders.
| Countries | Continent | Duration of Stay (Up to) | More Information | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comoros | Africa | 45 Days | N/A | The visa on arrival costs about $33 |
| Ethiopia | Africa | 90 Days | Ethiopian Online Visa Website | You may also apply for an eVisa. The 30-day visa costs $50 and the 90-day visa, costs more – All single entry at Bole Int’l Airport. |
| Iran | Asia | 30 Days | Iran Visa Application Website | You may also apply for an eVisa. The visa on arrival and eVisa cost €55 |
| Lebanon | Asia | 30 Days | Beirut International Airport Website | Nigerian Citizens must have a non-refundable return ticket, a copy of a reservation in a 3 to 5-star hotel or private residential address with a telephone number in the Republic of Lebanon, and at least $2,000 in cash |
| Madagascar | Africa | 90 Days | Madagascar Visa Application Website | The visa on arrival and eVisa fees start from €29.90 |
| Maldives | Asia | 30 Days | Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website | The visa on arrival is free. However, you must have sufficient funds for the duration of your stay. See the Foreign Affairs Website for more information |
| Mauritania | Africa | 30 Days | Mauritania Nouakchott Airport Information on Visas on arrival | The visa on arrival costs €55 |
| Mauritius | Africa | 14 Days | Mauritius Immigration Website | Visa on arrival is Free |
| Mozambique | Africa | 30 Days | N/A | The visa on arrival costs $50 *edit: June 2021 – I’ve read that this country no longer offers a visa on arrival to Nigerians. I can’t find any official confirmation of this but it is something to be aware of. |
| Somalia | Africa | 90 Days | Somalia Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website | The visa on arrival costs $50. |
| Timor-Leste | Asia | 90 Days | Timor-Leste Immigration Website | Visitors must apply for a Visa Authorization Application at a Timor-Leste Embassy or Consulate. The visa on arrival costs $30. |
| Tuvalu | Oceania | 30 Days | Tuvalu Immigration Regulations | The visa on arrival costs $100 (AUS) |
| Uganda | Africa | 30 Days | Uganda Immigration Website | The visa on arrival starts from $50. You may also apply for an eVisa. |
For Nigerians Traveling to West African Countries.
There is one persisting issue one can’t help but notice when travelling as a Nigerian and/or with a Nigerian Passport. In West African Countries, if you travel by land, you are most likely to meet immigration officials who often force travellers to pay certain amounts of money.
The airports are the only ports of entry that respect the visa-free policy to a certain stage. With these details, I think you are checking out the complete list of visa-free countries for Nigerian Citizens and passport holders.
Transportation Ticket Reservations and Lodging.
After determining the destination you wish to visit, either for work or vacation, the next important thing should be searching for the best transportation and lodging tickets. Check your budget and look for the best accommodation that suits you.
Travel Insurance.
I have come to understand that some people usually feel safe when accompanied by travel insurance. Where can one get Travel insurance?
Travel insurance can be prepared before your plane departs, and you can choose to register either online or offline. There are variety of travel insurance, so ask well before choosing the one that suits you.
Create Travel Details.
Thanks to travel bloggers and youtube channels, Instagram travel accounts, etc. However, it is important that you create travel details. Except in a case where you want everything to be a surprise.
Basic information such as interesting destinations to visit, culinary, and museums, historical places, and other entertainment spots can’t be that difficult to get online. One of the most important things you should always have when travelling to another country is this:
Get an emergency number that can be contacted in case you encountered something difficult.
Exchange the Currency to Local Currency.
I don’t know your destination, but when travelling, you should be aware that the United States of America currency, that is, the US Dollar is globally accepted and you can get it before the plane departs. When you arrive, you can look for a currency exchanger and change it to the local currency.
However, thanks to some ATM cards and banks, you can get an international ATM card, that can withdraw money at any ATM stand in that particular currency.
Transportation Methods.
When planning to visit another country, you can try your best to know how their transportation system works. Having an understanding of how your destination’s country’s transportation works, will make the reason for your visitation easier. Except you already have someone there to teach you these things.
But no knowledge is a waste.
You should try to understand how to pay for transportation, routes, schedules and so on. Once again, always carry the country’s local currency with you anytime you’re going out.
Learn the Country’s Local Language.
There’s hardly a country you’ll visit that doesn’t have someone who understands a little bit of the English language.
One of the most outstanding factors when travelling is the language barrier. When travelling abroad, ensure you learn a bit of the country’s basic language. Learning a bit of the basic language of the local destination will make it easier for visitors to talk with local residents and ask questions, or strike up a conversation.
However, if the local language is considered too difficult, you should try to modify yourself with basic conversations in English which is an international language.
Have a good vacation!
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