Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
To clear immigration at a Nigerian airport in 2026, foreign visitors need a passport valid for at least six months, an approved Nigerian e-visa (visa on arrival ended on 1 May 2025), and a digital landing card completed at lecard.immigration.gov.ng within 72 hours before arrival. Travellers from yellow fever risk countries also need a vaccination certificate. Nigerian citizens show their Nigerian passport; dual citizens are also asked to complete the landing and exit cards. On departure, non-Nigerians complete an exit card within 72 hours before leaving.
Nigeria moved its entry process online in 2025. Paper landing cards were replaced by digital ones, and the old visa on arrival route was replaced by an e-visa. This guide explains what to prepare before you fly, what happens at the immigration desk in Lagos, Abuja and other airports, and how to avoid the most common problems.
What changed: e-visa and digital landing cards
| Requirement | Who it applies to | When and where |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa | Foreign nationals who need a visa to enter Nigeria | Apply online before travel at evisa.immigration.gov.ng; approval reported within 48 hours |
| Digital landing card | Non-Nigerians and dual citizens, including visa-exempt nationals | Within 72 hours before arrival at lecard.immigration.gov.ng |
| Digital exit card | Non-Nigerians and dual citizens | Within 72 hours before departure, on the same portal |
| Visa on arrival | Discontinued from 1 May 2025 | Replaced by the e-visa |
Sources: Nigeria Immigration Service notice; Envoy Global (14 May 2025); Fragomen (9 May 2025).
According to Fragomen, the digital system is designed to track how long visitors stay and to flag overstays, which can trigger penalties including visa bans. Fragomen also warned that technical issues could arise on the portal during rollout, so complete your card early rather than at the airport.
Documents to have ready
- Passport with at least six months’ validity from the date of arrival and free pages for stamps.
- E-visa approval (printed and on your phone), if you need a visa.
- Landing card confirmation from lecard.immigration.gov.ng.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Return or onward ticket and the address where you will stay.
- Invitation letter or business documents if you are travelling for work.
Nigerian citizens returning home should travel on a valid Nigerian passport. If yours is close to expiry, see Travo passport assist for help planning a renewal appointment.
Step by step: arriving at a Nigerian airport
- Before you fly: get your e-visa (if needed) and complete the landing card within 72 hours of arrival.
- On landing: follow signs to immigration. There are separate queues for Nigerian passport holders and foreign nationals; follow staff directions.
- Health check: be ready to show your yellow fever certificate if asked.
- Immigration desk: present your passport and e-visa. The officer may check your landing card record, take your photograph and fingerprints, and ask about the purpose and length of your stay.
- Baggage reclaim: collect your bags and keep your baggage tags.
- Customs: declare any goods or cash that must be declared, and follow the officer’s instructions.
- Arrivals hall: meet your pre-booked driver or greeter at the agreed point.
Common problems and how to avoid them
| Problem | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Landing card not completed | Fill it in within 72 hours before arrival and save the confirmation |
| Passport too close to expiry | Renew if fewer than six months remain on arrival |
| Details that do not match | Use your name exactly as it appears in your passport on the e-visa and landing card |
| No yellow fever certificate | Carry it if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission |
| No onward plan | Have your hotel address, host’s contact and return ticket to hand |
Based on the requirements in the sources above.
Departing Nigeria
Foreign nationals and dual citizens should complete the digital exit card within 72 hours before departure. Arrive early for international flights: check-in, security and departure immigration can all have queues, particularly in Lagos. Make sure you have not stayed beyond the period you were allowed, because the system can flag overstays.
Arriving in Nigeria soon?
Book a pickup or meet and assist at Lagos, Abuja or another airport, so a driver is waiting when you clear immigration.
Tips for a smooth clearance
- Complete the landing card early and keep a screenshot of the confirmation.
- Keep printed copies of your e-visa and hotel booking in case your phone battery dies.
- Answer questions clearly and keep your documents together in one folder.
- Only deal with uniformed officials inside the terminal. Nobody needs to be paid extra to process your entry.
- If you have a problem with the portal or your status, contact the Nigeria Immigration Service directly: the NIS lists nis.servicom@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng and +234 912 1900 655 for SERVICOM enquiries.
Travo.ng does not work for the Nigeria Immigration Service, does not decide immigration matters and cannot speed up official processing. We help with the practical side: airport pickup, meet and assist, and onward transport.
Visa and entry help
Travelling out of Nigeria as well? Our visa guide covers popular destinations, and the ECOWAS passport vs international passport guide explains which document to use for West African trips.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still get a visa on arrival in Nigeria?
No. Visa on arrival was discontinued from 1 May 2025 and replaced by the e-visa, applied for online before travel.
How long does a Nigerian e-visa take?
Envoy Global reported approval within 48 hours when the system launched. Apply well before your trip in case of delays.
Who must fill the Nigeria landing card?
Non-Nigerians and dual citizens, including visa-exempt nationals, must complete the digital landing card within 72 hours before arrival.
Do Nigerians need to fill the landing card?
Reports on the new system say it applies to non-Nigerians and dual citizens. Nigerians travelling only on a Nigerian passport should follow any instructions from the NIS or their airline.
Is a yellow fever certificate required for Nigeria?
Yes, for travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, according to a 2026 travel advisory.
What happens if I overstay in Nigeria?
The digital system can flag overstays, which may lead to penalties including visa bans, according to Fragomen.
Can Travo help me clear immigration?
No. Immigration clearance is handled only by the Nigeria Immigration Service. Travo can arrange a greeter and a car for when you come out.
Related guides
- Meet and assist at Nigerian airports
- Airport pickup service in Nigeria
- Book a car service before arrival
- Getting picked up at Lagos airport
- Travo airport services
Sources: Nigeria Immigration Service e-visa and landing card notice (portal links and SERVICOM contacts, accessed 28 September 2026); Envoy Global (14 May 2025); Fragomen (9 May 2025); Mantra travel advisory (updated 14 May 2026). Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
