WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW NIGERIAN VISA POLICY AND HOW YOU CAN PROCESS YOUR VISA.

February 4^th 2020 marked the beginning of a new experience for travelers into and out of Nigeria following the launch of the New Visa Policy 2020 (NVP 2020). The New Visa Policy (NVP 2020) was launched by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to enhance economic growth and by extension economic development and national security. In addition, the inclusion of the African Union (AU) in the Visa on Arrival application method reflects the readiness of Nigeria to associate with the vision of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) treaty. Here is what you need to know about the New Visa Policy 2020 (NVP 2020) and how it does affect you……

Firstly, with the NVP 2020, the classes of visas have now increased to 79 (seventy-nine) from the previous six (6). All 79 classes are grouped into 3 main classes:

• Short Visit Visas (28 classes)
• Temporary Residence Visas (36 classes)
• Permanent Residence Visas (15 classes)

Short Visit Visas: These classes of visas permit non-Nigerians to visit Nigeria for up to 3 months which could be for tourism, short business meeting etc.

Temporary Residence Visas: These classes of visas allow everyone to reside in Nigeria for reasons such as employment, accompanying employed migrants, schooling etc.

Permanent Residence Visas: These allow individuals such as spouses of Nigerian citizens, Nigerians by birth who have revoked their Nigerian citizenship and their spouses, investors who import an annual minimum threshold of capital, highly skilled individuals, and some categories of retirees to obtain permanent residence status.

HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR VISA UNDER THE NEW VISA POLICY 2020 (NVP 2020)?

As a traveler, there are 3 ways you can apply for the Nigerian Visa;

1. Visa on Arrival (VoA)
2. Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

• Visa at the Nigerian Mission or Visa Application Center

VISA ON ARRIVAL (VoA):

The Visa on Arrival application method is valid for frequent business travelers, tourists, emergency relief workers, returning holders of other national passports who are Nigerians by birth, and holders of African Union (AU) Countries.

How to apply:

Application for this can do done at the Nigerian Port of Entry (where you make a payment online, through the NIS’S website, undergo biometric enrolment after which you are issued the entry visa).

ELECTRONIC VISA (e-Visa):

For the e-Visa, this allows you as a visitor apply online via the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS)  website and collect a pre-approval before traveling into Nigeria. This application method is open for a larger amount of Short Visit Visas than the Visa on Arrival method. Hence, the e-Visa application method is your preferred visa application method if your visa falls into the Short Visit Visas explained above.

How to apply:

The application can be done on the NIS website and you will need; a valid passport, return ticket, evidence of sufficient funds, and hotel reservation/host address.

VISA AT THE NIGERIAN MISSION OR APPLICATION CENTER:

All classes of visas can be applied for through the Nigerian Mission or accredited Visa Application Centers.

How to apply:

The application can be done on the NIS website and payment can be done electronically. Required documents are then submitted at the Nigerian Mission and visa is granted once approved by the Mission.

Ready to apply for your visa? Click HERE to go to the NIS website.