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Nigeria Visa for South Africa Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

South African citizens need a Nigeria e-Visa (Short Visit) - apply online at portal.immigration.gov.ng; fee around $160, processing about 5 working days, plus a yellow fever certificate is mandatory.

Guide last updated September 19, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid at least 6 months beyond arrival, with 2 blank pages
  • Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) e-Visa application form completed online
  • Digital passport-style photo, white background, taken within the last 6 months
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory - checked on arrival, must match passport details exactly)
  • Return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
  • Biometrics: not required online, but fingerprints/photo may be captured on arrival at the airport
  • Travel health insurance: recommended, not mandatory

Visa types

  • Nigeria e-Visa (Short Visit) - single entry, valid 90 days from issue, max stay 90 days, fee approx $160
  • Nigeria e-Visa (Business) - single entry, similar validity, requires an invitation letter from a Nigerian company, fee approx $160
  • Nigeria e-Visa (Multiple-Entry Business) - valid 12 months, fee approx $200
  • Visa on Arrival - reserved mainly for pre-cleared VIPs, diplomats and select business travellers; most South Africans use the standard e-Visa route

How to apply online

  • Register an account at portal.immigration.gov.ng (Nigeria Immigration Service e-Visa portal)
  • Complete the application form with passport and travel details
  • Upload passport bio page, photo, yellow fever certificate and hotel booking or invitation letter
  • Pay the fee online by card
  • Approval letter is emailed, usually within 5 working days
  • Print the approval and present it with your passport on arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos) or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja), where the visa is stamped into your passport

Fees & processing time

  • e-Visa fee: approx $160 (about R2,900) for Short Visit single entry
  • Multiple-entry Business e-Visa: approx $200
  • Standard processing: 5 working days
  • No official express service; some agents offer paid expediting for an extra $50-100
  • Total cost estimate including bank charges: $160-220

Tips for South Africa travelers

  • Apply 2-3 weeks before travel to allow for processing delays
  • Make sure your yellow fever certificate details match your passport exactly - mismatches are a common rejection reason
  • Use the official NIS portal directly; several look-alike third-party sites charge extra fees
  • Carry printed copies of your approval letter and payment receipt
  • Business travellers need a formal invitation letter on company letterhead
  • Extensions are handled at NIS offices in Lagos or Abuja before the 90-day validity expires

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.