As a foreign National, obtaining a visa to visit Nigeria is a necessary requirement. Whether you're planning to visit family, attend business meetings or simply explore the country's diverse culture and landscape, obtaining a Nigerian visa is a critical step in your travel plans.
In this article, we'll discuss how to obtain a Nigerian visa from diaspora, specifically those in the United States. We'll also highlight the importance of obtaining a Nigerian visa and provide tips on how to make the process smoother.
Importance of Obtaining a Nigerian Visa
Obtaining a Nigerian visa is essential for anyone planning to visit Nigeria. Without a visa, you won't be allowed entry into the country. The Nigerian visa is a document issued by the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence, allowing you to travel to Nigeria and stay for a specified period. Having a Nigerian visa also shows that you have fulfilled all the necessary requirements for entry into the country.
Determine Visa Type
There are several types of Nigerian visas available, and the type you need will depend on the purpose of your visit. Some of the most common types of Nigerian visas include:
Tourist Visa: This type of visa is for individuals who plan to visit Nigeria for tourism or leisure purposes, such as visiting family and friends, or sightseeing.
Business Visa: This visa type is for individuals who plan to visit Nigeria for business-related purposes, such as attending business meetings, conferences, or seminars.
Transit Visa: This visa type is for individuals who are traveling through Nigeria to another destination and will not be staying in Nigeria for an extended period. This visa allows you to transit through Nigeria for a specified period.
Temporary Work Permit: If you plan to work in Nigeria temporarily, you may need a temporary work permit. This visa type is issued to individuals who plan to work on short-term projects or assignments in Nigeria.
Permanent Residence Visa: If you're a Nigerian in diaspora who plans to return to Nigeria permanently, you may need to apply for a permanent residence visa. This visa type allows you to live and work in Nigeria permanently.
Gather required documents
As you're planning a trip to Nigeria, you'll need to gather specific documents to support your application, through the Nigerian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. This is an essential step in the process to successfully apply for a Nigerian visa,
Here, we'll provide a list of the required documents and guide you through the process of obtaining and preparing them.
List of Documents Required for a Nigerian Visa
A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Nigeria, and must have at least two blank pages for the visa and entry/exit stamps.
Completed visa application form: You'll need to fill out a Nigerian visa application form, which can be downloaded from the Nigerian Passports website. Ensure that you provide accurate and truthful information on the form.
Two recent passport-sized photographs: The photographs must be taken within the last six months and meet the Nigerian visa photograph requirements.
Payment receipt: You'll need to pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and your country of residence. Make sure you keep the payment receipt as proof of payment.
Proof of accommodation: You'll need to provide evidence of where you'll be staying while in Nigeria. This can be in the form of a hotel reservation, invitation letter from a host, or any other form of accommodation confirmation.
Proof of sufficient funds: You'll need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Nigeria. This can be in the form of bank statements, credit card statements, or any other financial documents.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate: You must provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Nigeria.
How to Obtain and Prepare Required Documents
Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Nigeria and has at least two blank pages. If your passport is not valid, renew it before applying for a visa.
Visa application form: Download and fill out the Nigerian visa application form accurately and truthfully. If you're unsure about any part of the form, seek assistance from Nigeria Travels.
Passport-sized photographs: Take two recent passport-sized photographs that meet the Nigerian visa photograph requirements.
Invitation Letter: If you're visiting Nigeria for business, you'll need an invitation letter from a Nigerian company.
Letter of Introduction: If you're visiting Nigeria for tourism, you'll need a letter of introduction from your employer or educational institution.
Payment receipt: Pay the visa application fee, and keep the payment receipt as proof of payment.
Proof of accommodation: Book your accommodation and obtain a confirmation, or request an invitation letter from your host.
Proof of sufficient funds: Gather financial documents, such as bank statements or credit card statements, to show that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Nigeria.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate: Get vaccinated for yellow fever and obtain a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Flight Itinerary: You'll need to provide a copy of your flight itinerary showing your arrival and departure dates.
Apply for Nigerian visa
If you're a non-Nigerian living in the US, and planning to travel to Nigeria, you will need to obtain a Nigerian visa. Nigeria Travels assists individuals or cooperate travel departments to apply for their Nigerian Visas in the United States and here are the processes involved.
Fill and Submit the Visa Application Form for Nigerian Visa
The Nigerian visa application form is available online and can be completed and submitted electronically. To access the application form, visit the Nigeria Travels website, “complete the e-application form".
When completing the application form, ensure you provide accurate information and attach all necessary documents. Some of the documents required include your passport, passport photograph, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation in Nigeria.
Also, you must pay close attention to the application requirements, especially for visa categories such as business, tourism, or education.
Fees and Payment Options for Nigerian Visa
The Nigerian visa fees vary depending on the visa category and the applicant's nationality. You can check the visa fees on Nigerian Passports website.
Nigerian Passports website accepts online payment of Visa application but the Nigerian Consulate requires payment to be made in cash, cashier's check, or money order payable. Credit or debit cards are not accepted.
Where to Submit Your Visa Application for a Nigerian Visa
The Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C. is the primary diplomatic mission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United States of America. However, if you live in Atlanta, you can submit your visa application at the Nigerian consulate in Atlanta.
The Nigerian Consulate in Atlanta is located at 8060 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30350. It's essential to note that the consulate only accepts visa applications on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Conclusion
In conclusion, applying for a Nigerian visa from the United States, is a straightforward process. However, it's essential to follow the guidelines and requirements for the visa category you are applying for. Nigeria Travels is always ready to assist and provide information to ensure a smooth and successful visa application process.
About Nigeria Travels
Nigeria Travels is a private Nigerian travel documentation company that assists individuals with their application process. Our services which is aimed at relieving you of the stress and anxiety attached with getting travel documents, includes; Nigerian Passport Renewal, New Passport, Nigerian Visa, National Identification Number (NIN), Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) and other services. You can visit our website Nigeria Travels or Call us on +1-770-510-9332 to GET STARTED TODAY!