Are there Visa Free Countries for Nigerians? Travelling abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be a hassle if you need to apply for a visa beforehand. A visa is a document that grants you permission to enter and stay in a foreign country for a specific period and purpose. Depending on the country you want to visit, you may need to fill out an application form, pay a fee, submit supporting documents, and wait for approval.
However, if you are a Nigerian citizen, you have the advantage of being able to travel visa-free to 27 countries and territories in the world. This means that you can enter these destinations without a visa as long as you have a valid Nigerian passport and meet the country’s entry requirements. You can also get a visa on arrival or an e-visa for some other countries, which are easier and faster to obtain than a regular visa.
In this post, we will provide you with a list of visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and e-visa countries for Nigerian passport holders in 2023, as well as some useful tips and information on how to plan your trip.
Visa Free Countries for Nigerians Who Are Passport Holders
As of November 2023, Nigerian passport holders can travel visa-free to 27 countries and territories, according to VisaGuide.World. These are:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Barbados
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Cabo Verde
- Chad
- Cook Islands
- Ivory Coast
- Dominica
- Fiji
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Haiti
- Liberia
- Mali
- Micronesia
- Montserrat
- Niger
- Niue
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Gambia
- Togo
- Vanuatu
These countries offer visa-free access to Nigerian citizens for different periods of time, ranging from 30 days to 6 months. However, visa-free access does not guarantee entry, as the immigration officers may still ask you for proof of sufficient funds, return or onward tickets, accommodation, and health insurance. You should also check the validity of your passport, as some countries require it to be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date.
Visa on Arrival Countries for Nigerian Passport Holders
Visa on arrival (VOA) is a type of visa that you can obtain at the port of entry of the country you are visiting, instead of applying for it in advance. You usually need to fill out a form, pay a fee, and present your passport and other documents to the immigration officer. The process is usually quick and simple, but it may vary depending on the country and the demand.
As of November 2023, Nigerian passport holders can get a visa on arrival for 17 countries, according to Wikipedia. These are:
- Cambodia
- Comoros
- Ethiopia
- Iran
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Maldives
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Palau
- Rwanda
- Somalia
- Timor-Leste
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
These countries offer visa on arrival to Nigerian citizens for different periods of time, ranging from 7 days to 90 days. However, visa on arrival is not available at all ports of entry, so you should check the official website of the country you are visiting to find out where you can get it. You should also prepare the necessary documents and fees, as well as proof of vaccination for some countries.
E-Visa Countries for Nigerian Passport Holders
E-visa is a type of visa that you can apply for online, without having to visit a consulate or an embassy. You need to fill out an online application form, upload your passport and other documents, pay a fee, and wait for approval. Once your e-visa is approved, you will receive an email with a document that you need to print out and bring with you when you travel. Your e-visa will also be registered online, so the immigration officers can verify it electronically.
As of November 2023, Nigerian passport holders can apply for an e-visa for 12 countries, according to VisaGuide.World. These are:
- Djibouti
- Gabon
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lesotho
- Qatar
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Suriname
- Vietnam
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
These countries offer e-visa to Nigerian citizens for different periods of time, ranging from 14 days to 90 days. However, e-visa is not valid for all purposes and ports of entry, so you should check the official website of the country you are visiting to find out the details. You should also apply for your e-visa at least a few days before your departure date, as the processing time may vary depending on the country and the demand.
Tips and Information for Traveling Abroad
Traveling abroad can be a fun and enriching experience, but it also requires some preparation and research. Here are some tips and information that can help you plan your trip and avoid any problems:
- Check the travel advisories and restrictions of the countries you are visiting, as well as the COVID-19 situation and requirements. Some countries may have entry bans, quarantine rules, testing protocols, or vaccination certificates for travelers. You should also check the travel advice of the Nigerian government and follow the health and safety guidelines.
- Register your trip with the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so that they can contact you in case of an emergency or provide you with consular assistance. You can do this online through the [Nigerians in Diaspora Commission] website or by visiting the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate in your destination country.
- Make copies of your passport, visa, and other important documents, and keep them in a safe place. You should also email them to yourself or someone you trust, in case you lose them or they get stolen. You should also have the contact details of the Nigerian embassy or consulate in your destination country, as well as your family and friends, in case you need help or support.
- Buy travel insurance that covers medical expenses, repatriation, cancellation, theft, and other risks. You should also check the coverage and exclusions of your policy, and read the terms and conditions carefully. You should also have enough money to cover your expenses and emergencies, and use a reliable and secure payment method.
- Respect the laws, customs, and culture of the countries you are visiting, and avoid any behavior that may offend or cause trouble. You should also be aware of the common scams and crimes that target tourists, and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. You should also avoid any political or religious demonstrations or conflicts, and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
Conclusion
Traveling abroad can be a great opportunity to explore new places, meet new people, and learn new things. However, it can also be a challenge if you need to apply for a visa beforehand. Fortunately, if you are a Nigerian citizen, you have the option of traveling visa-free to 27 countries and territories in the world, or getting a visa on arrival or an e-visa for some other countries. This can save you time, money, and hassle, and make your trip more enjoyable and convenient.
However, you should also do your homework and prepare for your trip, as visa-free access does not guarantee entry, and you still need to meet the entry requirements and follow the rules of the countries you are visiting. You should also check the travel advisories and restrictions, register your trip, buy travel insurance, make copies of your documents, and respect the laws and customs of your destination country. By doing so, you can ensure a safe and smooth trip, and have a memorable and rewarding experience.
