Nigerian passport holders have several international destinations where they may qualify for visas on arrival, allowing them to apply for entry permits after reaching their destination rather than visiting an embassy beforehand.
The destinations include Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Cambodia, Iran, Lebanon, the Maldives, Timor-Leste, Palau, Samoa and Tuvalu.
Visa-on-arrival arrangements can make travel planning easier, but entry conditions vary by country. Requirements may include return or onward tickets, confirmed accommodation, proof of sufficient funds and additional travel authorisation. Permitted stays also differ across destinations.
VisaChecker’s September 2026 data identifies 14 destinations offering visa-on-arrival facilities to Nigerian passport holders. Passport Index also lists several countries in this category, although the total varies between travel databases.
However, eligibility for a visa on arrival does not guarantee admission. Immigration authorities retain the right to inspect travel documents and determine whether visitors satisfy the relevant requirements.
African countries offering visas on arrival to Nigerians
Six African countries feature on the list, providing options for travellers interested in destinations across the continent and its surrounding islands.
1. Burundi: Up to 30 days
Burundi, an East African country known for its mountainous landscapes and Lake Tanganyika, is listed by Passport Index as offering Nigerian travellers visas on arrival for stays of up to 30 days.
Prospective visitors should confirm whether advance authorisation is necessary and establish the required documentation before departure.
2. Comoros: Up to 45 days
Nigerians travelling to Comoros may qualify for a visa on arrival permitting a stay of up to 45 days, according to Passport Index.
The island nation is situated in the Indian Ocean, off Africa’s eastern coast. Travellers should verify the applicable fees and entry procedures before making travel arrangements.
3. Djibouti: Up to 90 days
Djibouti, located in the Horn of Africa, offers Nigerian passport holders visa-on-arrival and electronic visa options, according to Passport Index.
The database lists a maximum stay of 90 days under the visa-on-arrival category. Travellers should confirm which option applies to their circumstances and whether their intended entry point supports the arrangement.
4. Madagascar: Up to 90 days
Madagascar is known for its distinctive wildlife, rainforests and beaches, making it an option for visitors interested in nature and outdoor activities.
Passport Index lists Nigerian citizens as eligible for visas on arrival for stays of up to 90 days. Electronic visas are also listed as an alternative.
Travellers should check the latest entry conditions to determine the appropriate application route.
5. Mauritius: Up to 14 days
Mauritius, a popular holiday destination in the Indian Ocean, is known for its beaches, lagoons and resorts.
According to Passport Index, Nigerian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 14 days.
Those intending to stay longer should confirm the appropriate immigration procedure before booking their trip.
6. Mozambique: Up to 30 days
Mozambique, in south-eastern Africa, is another destination listed as offering Nigerian citizens a visa-on-arrival option.
Passport Index indicates a maximum stay of 30 days. Visitors should verify the latest entry conditions, including documentation requirements and any additional authorisation that may be necessary.
Asian and Middle Eastern destinations
Beyond Africa, Nigerian travellers may consider several destinations in Asia and the Middle East where visa-on-arrival arrangements are listed.
7. Cambodia: Up to 30 days
Cambodia, a South-east Asian country known for the Angkor Wat temple complex and other historical attractions, offers Nigerian passport holders visa-on-arrival and electronic visa options, according to Passport Index.
Eligible visitors can stay for up to 30 days under the visa-on-arrival category.
Travellers should verify designated entry points, visa fees and documentation requirements before departure.
8. Iran: Entry requirements must be confirmed
Iran is included among the destinations listed as offering Nigerian passport holders a visa-on-arrival option.
However, travellers should pay particular attention to current entry regulations, eligible airports and any advance approval requirements.
They should consult official immigration sources and relevant travel advisories before making travel commitments.
9. Lebanon: Up to 30 days
Lebanon, located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, is another destination listed as offering visa-on-arrival access to Nigerian passport holders.
Passport Index indicates a permitted stay of up to 30 days for eligible visitors.
As additional conditions may apply, travellers should confirm their eligibility with Lebanese immigration authorities or the relevant diplomatic mission before departure.
10. Maldives: A 30-day tourist visa
The Maldives offers tourists a visa on arrival valid for 30 days, subject to immigration requirements.
According to the Maldives Immigration Service, visitors do not need prior approval for a tourist visa but must satisfy several conditions.
These include holding a machine-readable passport with at least one month of remaining validity, possessing a confirmed return or onward ticket, having prepaid accommodation at a registered tourist facility and demonstrating sufficient funds. An approved sponsorship arrangement may also be accepted under the applicable rules.
Visitors must also submit the required Traveller Declaration electronically within 96 hours before arrival.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee entry, as the final decision rests with immigration authorities.
11. Timor-Leste: US$30 for a 30-day visa
Timor-Leste, which occupies the eastern part of Timor island in South-east Asia, offers eligible tourists access to visas on arrival.
Published tourism information states that visitors arriving at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili can generally obtain a 30-day visa for US$30.
Travellers should have a passport valid for at least six months, a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds. An online arrival declaration is also required.
Those entering through land borders should confirm the applicable procedures, as they may differ from airport requirements.
Pacific island destinations Nigerians can consider
The list also includes three destinations in the Pacific region: Palau, Samoa and Tuvalu.
12. Palau: Up to 30 days
Palau, an island country in the western Pacific Ocean, offers a tourist visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days, according to published entry guidance.
Visitors may be required to provide proof of return or onward travel. They must also complete the country’s entry form within 72 hours before arrival and sign the Palau Pledge, committing to protect the environment and respect local traditions.
Nigerian travellers should confirm the latest conditions with Palau’s Bureau of Immigration before departure.
13. Samoa: Visitor permits of up to 90 days
Samoa allows eligible visitors to obtain a visitor permit on arrival. Information published by its Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet states that the permit can be valid for up to 90 days, with applications made using the arrival card.
Travellers must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, a confirmed return or onward ticket, sufficient funds and a confirmed residential contact address.
They must also possess any visa required for their next destination. Employment is not permitted under the visitor permit.
14. Tuvalu: Up to 30 days
Tuvalu, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, is listed by Passport Index as offering Nigerian passport holders visas on arrival for stays of up to 30 days.
Before travelling, Nigerians should verify the current entry conditions, designated arrival points and required documents with the relevant authorities.
Important checks before booking an international trip
Although a visa on arrival may reduce the need for an advance embassy application, travellers must still prepare adequately.
Nigerian passport holders should take the following precautions:
- Verify eligibility: Confirm directly with the destination country’s immigration authorities that Nigerian ordinary passport holders qualify for a visa on arrival.
- Check passport validity: Establish how long the passport must remain valid beyond the intended travel dates.
- Prepare travel documents: Keep accommodation details, return or onward tickets, proof of funds and other required supporting documents available.
- Confirm entry points: Determine whether the visa can be issued at the airport, seaport or border crossing through which the traveller intends to enter.
- Establish the cost: Check the visa fee, accepted currencies and available payment methods before departure.
- Complete additional formalities: Submit any required electronic declaration or obtain advance authorisation within the specified period.
- Check with the airline: Confirm that the airline recognises the traveller’s eligibility and that all documents meet its boarding requirements.
Why Nigerians should verify visa policies
Visa regulations can change, and information published by travel databases may not always reflect the latest rules or individual eligibility conditions.
A country’s inclusion on a visa-on-arrival list does not mean every Nigerian traveller will automatically receive a visa or be admitted.
Immigration officials may request additional evidence, and travellers who fail to meet the applicable requirements could be denied entry.
Nigerians planning international trips should therefore confirm current requirements through official government or immigration channels before purchasing non-refundable tickets or finalising their itineraries.