Last Updated: 16 September 2026
South Africans travelling to Nigeria need a visa. Nigeria moved short-visit visas to an online eVisa system in May 2025, replacing the old visa on arrival approach for most travellers.
Tell us your travel dates, purpose and number of applicants for a Nigeria visa.
Get Visa AssistanceDo South Africans Need a Visa for Nigeria?
Yes. South African passport holders need a visa for Nigeria for tourism and business visits.
Nigeria Visa Requirements for South Africans
Requirements vary according to visa type and applicant circumstances. Business visits generally need an invitation from a Nigerian host. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is commonly required for entry.
Confirm the latest requirements on the official Nigeria Immigration Service portal before applying.
Types of Nigeria Visas
| Visa or permission | Typically used for |
|---|---|
| Short-visit eVisa - tourism | Holidays and family visits |
| Short-visit eVisa - business | Meetings and conferences |
| Temporary work permit and residence | Employment - through the employer |
Nigeria Tourist Visa
Tourist visits use the short-visit eVisa. A host address or hotel booking is usually needed.
Nigeria Business Visa
Business visits use the business category, usually with an invitation letter from the Nigerian company that accepts immigration responsibility.
How to Apply for a Nigeria Visa from South Africa
- Apply on the official Nigeria Immigration Service eVisa portal.
- Upload passport, photo and invitation or booking.
- Pay the fee shown for your nationality.
- Wait for approval by email.
- Carry the approval and yellow fever certificate.
Nigeria Visa Cost in South Africa
| Cost item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Short-visit eVisa | Set per nationality on the NIS portal | Official fee - confirm before paying |
| Yellow fever vaccination | Varies by travel clinic | Third-party cost |
| Visa assistance | R800 - R2,500 | Optional assistance fee |
Fees may change and should be confirmed with the relevant government, embassy, consulate or authorised visa application provider before applying. Rand amounts are approximate conversions and assistance fees are indicative market ranges, not quotations.
Get the assistance fee for your actual Nigeria application rather than a range.
Compare Visa Assistance QuotesNigeria Visa Processing Time
The eVisa system states a short processing target, but allow extra time for document queries. Processing times are estimates and can change.
Where to Apply in South Africa
Short-visit visas are applied for online. For other visas, contact the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria or the Consulate-General in Johannesburg.
Documents Needed
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | At least 6 months validity |
| Photo | Digital |
| Invitation letter | From the Nigerian host or company |
| Return ticket | Booking |
| Hotel booking or host address | For the stay |
| Yellow fever certificate | Commonly checked |
Common Reasons Visa Applications Are Delayed
- Invitation letter without host ID.
- Mismatch between invitation and itinerary.
- Missing yellow fever certificate.
Visa Application Assistance
Providers help with invitation formats and the eVisa submission. See visa application assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do South Africans need a visa for Nigeria?
Yes. South Africans need a visa, applied for through Nigeria's eVisa system for short visits.
Does Nigeria still offer visa on arrival?
Nigeria moved short-visit visas to an online eVisa system from May 2025. Apply before travel.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Nigeria?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is commonly required. Check with a travel clinic.
Use Visa Application to get more than one quote before you pay anyone to help with a Nigeria application.
Related Pages
Visa approval is solely at the discretion of the relevant immigration authority. Visa Application is not a government department, embassy, consulate or visa application centre, and no provider can guarantee approval, appointment availability or processing time.
Tell us where you are travelling and when, and compare visa assistance quotes from independent providers.
Get 5 QuotesGet Nigeria Visa South Africa Quotes
Tell us your destination, travel purpose, travel date and number of applicants, and providers will quote you directly.
Free to use, no obligation. Your request goes to LEADERR APPROVED visa assistance providers, who quote you directly.
Client Reviews
Powered by leaderr
