Nigeria Visa from Dubai: Complete Tourist & Business Visa Guide 2026
How do I get a Nigeria visa from Dubai?
Apply online at the Nigeria Immigration Service portal (portal.immigration.gov.ng), then submit documents at the Nigerian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or Consulate in Dubai. Tourist visa fee is approximately USD 80 (~AED 295), business visa USD 120 (~AED 440). Processing takes 5-10 working days. You need a passport, photos, bank statements, employment letter, invitation letter (for business), and return flight.
Key Takeaway
- Apply online at the Nigeria Immigration Service portal (portal.immigration.gov.ng), then submit documents at the Nigeria...
- Tourist Visa Fee: ~USD 80 (~AED 295)
- Business Visa Fee: ~USD 120 (~AED 440)
- Processing: 5–10 working days
- Direct Flight: Dubai–Lagos ~8 hrs
Nigeria is Africa's largest economy and a major business hub for Dubai-based companies and entrepreneurs with interests across West Africa. Whether you are travelling for business meetings in Lagos, visiting family in Abuja, or exploring Nigeria's rich cultural heritage, understanding the visa process is essential for a smooth trip.
Nigeria requires almost all foreign nationals to obtain a visa before travel. The Nigerian Immigration Service offers several visa categories including tourist visas, business visas, and visa-on-arrival for certain nationalities. The application can be started online through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal.
This guide covers everything Dubai residents need to know about obtaining a Nigeria visa in 2026 — visa types, the online application process, required documents, fees, processing times, and practical tips from OraVisa.
Nigeria Visa Types Available from Dubai
Nigeria offers several visa categories depending on your purpose of travel. Most Dubai residents apply for either a tourist visa (for family visits, tourism, or short stays) or a business visa (for meetings, conferences, and trade activities).
Nigeria Visa Types for Dubai Residents
| Visa Type | Purpose | Fee (approx.) | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (STR) | Tourism, family visits, short stays | ~USD 80 (~AED 295) | Up to 90 days | Single or multiple entry |
| Business Visa (STR) | Meetings, conferences, trade | ~USD 120 (~AED 440) | Up to 90 days | Requires invitation from Nigerian company |
| Visa on Arrival | Tourism, business | ~USD 80-160 | Up to 90 days | Pre-approval required — not all nationalities eligible |
| Transit Visa | Transit through Nigeria | ~USD 40 (~AED 147) | Up to 48 hours | For connecting flights |
| Temporary Work Permit (TWP) | Short-term work assignment | ~USD 200+ | Up to 90 days | Employer sponsorship required |
Tourist Visa (STR)
- Purpose
- Tourism, family visits, short stays
- Fee (approx.)
- ~USD 80 (~AED 295)
- Duration
- Up to 90 days
- Notes
- Single or multiple entry
Business Visa (STR)
- Purpose
- Meetings, conferences, trade
- Fee (approx.)
- ~USD 120 (~AED 440)
- Duration
- Up to 90 days
- Notes
- Requires invitation from Nigerian company
Visa on Arrival
- Purpose
- Tourism, business
- Fee (approx.)
- ~USD 80-160
- Duration
- Up to 90 days
- Notes
- Pre-approval required — not all nationalities eligible
Transit Visa
- Purpose
- Transit through Nigeria
- Fee (approx.)
- ~USD 40 (~AED 147)
- Duration
- Up to 48 hours
- Notes
- For connecting flights
Temporary Work Permit (TWP)
- Purpose
- Short-term work assignment
- Fee (approx.)
- ~USD 200+
- Duration
- Up to 90 days
- Notes
- Employer sponsorship required
Fees vary by nationality and are subject to change. Confirm current fees on the Nigeria Immigration Service portal.
How to Apply for a Nigeria Visa from Dubai
The Nigeria visa application process involves two stages: an online application through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal followed by an in-person document submission at the Nigerian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or Consulate in Dubai.
- 1Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service portal at portal.immigration.gov.ng and create an account.
- 2Select your visa category (tourist, business, or other) and fill in the online application form with personal details, passport information, and travel plans.
- 3Upload a passport photograph (digital, white background) and pay the visa fee online by card.
- 4Print the application acknowledgement slip and payment receipt.
- 5Gather all required physical documents — passport, printed application, bank statements, employment letter, invitation letter (for business), hotel bookings, and return flight.
- 6Submit documents in person at the Nigerian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Nigerian Consulate in Dubai.
- 7Wait for processing — typically 5-10 working days.
- 8Collect your passport with the visa stamp. Verify the visa dates and entries before leaving.
OraVisa recommends starting the online application at least 3-4 weeks before your travel date. This allows adequate time for both the online processing and the embassy submission stages.
Documents Required for Nigeria Visa
The document requirements differ slightly between tourist and business visas. The following checklist covers both categories.
Nigeria Visa Document Checklist
| Document | Tourist Visa | Business Visa | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid passport (6+ months) | Required | Required | 2+ blank pages |
| Passport photographs | Required (2) | Required (2) | White background, recent |
| Online application printout | Required | Required | From portal.immigration.gov.ng |
| Payment receipt | Required | Required | Proof of fee payment |
| Bank statements (3 months) | Required | Required | Stamped by UAE bank |
| Employment letter | Required | Required | Company letterhead, signed |
| Hotel bookings | Required | Recommended | Covering full stay |
| Return flight booking | Required | Required | Confirmed return to Dubai |
| UAE Residence Visa copy | Required | Required | Plus Emirates ID |
| Invitation letter from Nigeria | Not required | Required | From Nigerian company on letterhead |
| Company registration (Nigerian host) | Not required | Required | CAC registration certificate |
| Yellow fever certificate | Required | Required | International vaccination card |
| Travel insurance | Recommended | Recommended | Covering Nigeria |
Valid passport (6+ months)
- Tourist Visa
- Required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Notes
- 2+ blank pages
Passport photographs
- Tourist Visa
- Required (2)
- Business Visa
- Required (2)
- Notes
- White background, recent
Online application printout
- Tourist Visa
- Required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Notes
- From portal.immigration.gov.ng
Payment receipt
- Tourist Visa
- Required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Notes
- Proof of fee payment
Bank statements (3 months)
- Tourist Visa
- Required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Notes
- Stamped by UAE bank
Employment letter
- Tourist Visa
- Required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Notes
- Company letterhead, signed
Hotel bookings
- Tourist Visa
- Required
- Business Visa
- Recommended
- Notes
- Covering full stay
Return flight booking
- Tourist Visa
- Required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Notes
- Confirmed return to Dubai
UAE Residence Visa copy
- Tourist Visa
- Required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Notes
- Plus Emirates ID
Invitation letter from Nigeria
- Tourist Visa
- Not required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Notes
- From Nigerian company on letterhead
Company registration (Nigerian host)
- Tourist Visa
- Not required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Notes
- CAC registration certificate
Yellow fever certificate
- Tourist Visa
- Required
- Business Visa
- Required
- Notes
- International vaccination card
Travel insurance
- Tourist Visa
- Recommended
- Business Visa
- Recommended
- Notes
- Covering Nigeria
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry to Nigeria. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
Nigeria Visa Fees and Costs
Nigeria Visa Cost Breakdown from Dubai
| Item | Cost (USD) | Cost (AED approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry) | ~USD 80 | ~AED 295 | Standard tourist visa |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry) | ~USD 120 | ~AED 440 | For frequent visitors |
| Business visa (single entry) | ~USD 120 | ~AED 440 | Requires invitation letter |
| Business visa (multiple entry) | ~USD 160 | ~AED 590 | For regular business travel |
| Visa on Arrival approval | ~USD 80-160 | ~AED 295-590 | Pre-approval fee |
| Yellow fever vaccination | AED 150-300 | AED 150-300 | Mandatory — at any approved clinic |
| OraVisa service fee | Variable | Contact OraVisa for a quote | Professional application assistance |
Tourist visa (single entry)
- Cost (USD)
- ~USD 80
- Cost (AED approx.)
- ~AED 295
- Notes
- Standard tourist visa
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
- Cost (USD)
- ~USD 120
- Cost (AED approx.)
- ~AED 440
- Notes
- For frequent visitors
Business visa (single entry)
- Cost (USD)
- ~USD 120
- Cost (AED approx.)
- ~AED 440
- Notes
- Requires invitation letter
Business visa (multiple entry)
- Cost (USD)
- ~USD 160
- Cost (AED approx.)
- ~AED 590
- Notes
- For regular business travel
Visa on Arrival approval
- Cost (USD)
- ~USD 80-160
- Cost (AED approx.)
- ~AED 295-590
- Notes
- Pre-approval fee
Yellow fever vaccination
- Cost (USD)
- AED 150-300
- Cost (AED approx.)
- AED 150-300
- Notes
- Mandatory — at any approved clinic
OraVisa service fee
- Cost (USD)
- Variable
- Cost (AED approx.)
- Contact OraVisa for a quote
- Notes
- Professional application assistance
Fees are paid online during the application process. Additional embassy handling fees may apply.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement
Nigeria requires all incoming travellers to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis — the "yellow card"). This is strictly enforced at all Nigerian ports of entry.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Details
- Get vaccinated at least 10 days before your departure — the vaccine takes 10 days to become effective
- Available at DHA clinics, hospitals, and approved travel health clinics in Dubai
- Cost: approximately AED 150-300 depending on the clinic
- The certificate is valid for life (WHO updated guidance — no longer requires 10-year renewal)
- You will be asked for the certificate at airport check-in in Dubai and upon arrival in Nigeria
- Without a valid certificate, you may be vaccinated at the airport or denied entry
Get Help with Your Nigeria Visa
OraVisa assists Dubai residents with Nigeria visa applications for both tourist and business travel. We handle the online application, document preparation, and embassy submission coordination.
Travelling to Nigeria from Dubai?
Let OraVisa handle your Nigeria visa application. We manage both the online process and embassy submission for a hassle-free experience.
Get Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Do UAE residents need a visa for Nigeria?
Yes. Most nationalities, including UAE nationals, need a visa to enter Nigeria. The application starts online at portal.immigration.gov.ng, followed by document submission at the Nigerian Embassy. Some nationalities may be eligible for a visa on arrival with pre-approval.
How long does a Nigeria visa take from Dubai?
Nigeria visa processing from Dubai typically takes 5-10 working days after document submission at the embassy. The online application stage takes 1-3 days. Total process from start to finish is approximately 2-3 weeks.
Is yellow fever vaccine mandatory for Nigeria?
Yes. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travellers to Nigeria. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. Without the certificate, you may be denied boarding or entry.
Can I get a Nigeria visa on arrival?
Some nationalities are eligible for Nigeria visa on arrival, but pre-approval is required. You must apply through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal before travel. Check the portal for current eligibility by nationality.
Do I need an invitation letter for a Nigeria tourist visa?
An invitation letter is not mandatory for a Nigeria tourist visa but is required for a business visa. For tourist visas, hotel bookings and a travel itinerary are sufficient. If visiting family, a letter from your host in Nigeria can strengthen your application.
Are there direct flights from Dubai to Nigeria?
Yes. Emirates operates direct flights from Dubai to Lagos (Murtala Muhammed International Airport). The flight takes approximately 8 hours. Other airlines offer connecting flights to Abuja and other Nigerian cities.
Need Expert Visa Assistance?
OraVisa handles everything from document preparation to embassy submission. Get a free consultation today.
Get Free ConsultationTools to Help You Prepare
All tools are free — no login required. View all tools →
Related Visa Guides
Written by
Ahmed Al Rashid
Senior Visa Consultant
Senior Visa Consultant at OraVisa with 12+ years of visa consultancy experience. Has guided thousands of UAE residents through successful visa applications for 100+ countries.
Expert reviewed by Ahmed Al Rashid
Senior Visa Consultant
Last updated: · 12+ years of visa consultancy experience
Last updated: