Travel and Visa Info for Nigeria - B A L | Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP

At a Glance

Capital	Abuja
Language	English
Population	206,140,000
GDP Total	$421.8 billion
GDP Per Capita	$2,153.50

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

When traveling to Nigeria, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require a work permit. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

Traveling for Business

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Nigeria, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

» Attend business and sales meetings
» Attend conferences and workshops
» Negotiate contracts
» Conduct job interviews
» Receive training
» Purchasing and distributing Nigerian goods

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Nigeria?

Most foreign nationals, including nationals of the United States and the European Union member states, are required to obtain a Business Visa from a Nigerian Consulate or Embassy prior to travel. Additionally, visas on arrival are available, provided that a pre-approval letter has been obtained from the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service. Only nationals from select African countries, including member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), are eligible for visa waiver status, which allows visitors to enter and conduct business activities in Nigeria. Please obtain an individual assessment prior to travel to determine your eligibility for a visa on arrival or visa waiver.

Working in Nigeria

What types of activities require a work permit?

Many professional activities may be performed without work authorization for a short duration of time, provided that the foreign national is not remunerated in Nigeria. However, certain activities, such as auditing, may require work authorization. Foreign nationals are advised to verify that work authorization is not required prior to travel.

If I am traveling to Nigeria for work, what type of work permit do I need?

The requirements for a work permit depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Nigeria. The most common forms of work authorization in Nigeria are:

» Temporary Work Permit and Visa (short-term work authorization)
» Subject to Regularization (STR) Visa and Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card (CERPAC) (long-term work authorization)
» ECOWAS Residence Card (work authorization for ECOWAS nationals)

Is it possible to be exempted from work permit requirements?

There are no nationalities that are exempt from work permit requirements.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.

News and Events

7 May 21

Nigeria

At a Glance

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Nigeria?

What types of activities require a work permit?

If I am traveling to Nigeria for work, what type of work permit do I need?

Is it possible to be exempted from work permit requirements?

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At a Glance

Nigeria

At a Glance

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Nigeria?

What types of activities require a work permit?

If I am traveling to Nigeria for work, what type of work permit do I need?

Is it possible to be exempted from work permit requirements?

News and Events

At a Glance

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