🇳🇬 → 🇦🇺

Australia Visa for Nigerians

⚠ Visa Required — You must apply before travel
35% Rejection Rate
4/5 Difficulty
33–60d Processing

Quick Facts

Requirement Visa Required
Visa Fee
Processing Time 33–60 working days
Appointment Wait ~ weeks
Stay Duration Up to days
E-Visa Available online

Australia is aspirational for many Nigerian travellers — Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef, visiting family. The Visitor Visa (subclass 600) costs AUD 200 and is applied for entirely online. The challenge is not the form — it's convincing Australia's case officers (who process Nigerian applications out of Pretoria) that you are a Genuine Temporary Entrant who will go home. Two things unique to Nigeria that you must not forget: polio vaccination certificate and the likelihood of a biometrics request.

Key Warnings

  • The AUD 200 visa fee is completely non-refundable even if your application is refused. Prepare and review all documents thoroughly before paying and submitting.
  • Do NOT select eVisitor (subclass 651) — it is not available to Nigerian passport holders and your application will fail. Always select Visitor Visa subclass 600.
  • Polio vaccination certificate is MANDATORY for Nigerian applicants. Anyone who has spent 28+ days in Nigeria since May 2014 must include this at application time — it is not optional.
  • Do not book non-refundable flights or tours before your visa is granted. Nigerian applicants typically wait 33+ working days and biometrics or health exams can add further time.
  • Applications are assessed offshore by the Australian High Commission in Pretoria — not at the Abuja High Commission, which does not process visas.

Insider Tips

  • The GTE statement is more important than your bank balance. Nigerian case officers see many applications with excellent financials that still get refused because the GTE is vague. Name your employer, your specific leave dates, your family members in Nigeria, your property — make your reasons to return concrete and personal.
  • If you have previous compliant visits to the UK, UAE, USA, Canada, or Schengen, mention them prominently. Australia's case officers view prior visa compliance at comparable destinations as strong evidence you'll return home.
  • Consistent salary credits and savings over 6 months are far more persuasive than a sudden large deposit before applying. If someone is helping fund your trip, document that relationship clearly — unexplained large credits are a red flag.
  • A police clearance certificate from Nigeria Police Force is not always asked for but proactively including it strengthens your character declaration and can prevent delays.
  • Australia's working holiday visa (subclass 417 and 462) is not available to Nigerian passport holders. Subclass 600 is your primary option for tourism, visiting family, and short-term business meetings.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Get your polio vaccination certificate

    Before applying: confirm you have a valid polio vaccination certificate (ICVP). All Nigerian applicants who have spent 28+ days in Nigeria since May 2014 must include this in their application. If you need vaccination, visit an accredited vaccination centre at least 4 weeks before your intended departure — the certificate must be valid at application time.

  2. Write your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement

    The GTE statement is the most important document for Nigerian applicants. Before filling in the form, draft a clear, specific statement. Explain: what you want to see or do in Australia, exactly how long you plan to stay, and why you are returning to Nigeria (your job, your employer's leave approval, your property, your family, your business). Nigerian case officers pay close attention to this — generic statements are the #1 refusal trigger.

  3. Create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

    Go to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and create a free ImmiAccount. Select 'Visitor Visa (subclass 600)' → 'Tourist stream' → 'Applying outside Australia'. Do NOT select eVisitor (subclass 651) — that is not available to Nigerian passport holders and your application will be rejected.

  4. Complete and upload the application

    Fill in all sections: personal details, full travel and visa history, health and character declarations. Upload colour scans of your passport (all pages including old passports), GTE statement, 6 months bank statements, employment letter and payslips, polio vaccination certificate, and travel itinerary.

  5. Pay AUD 200 visa fee online

    Pay the non-refundable AUD 200 (~NGN 193,000) by credit or debit card through ImmiAccount. Do not buy non-refundable travel before your visa is granted.

  6. Attend biometrics at VFS Global Lagos or Abuja (if requested)

    If Home Affairs requests biometrics, you will receive an email and letter via ImmiAccount. Book an appointment at VFS Global Australian Biometric Collection Centre, 2 Purple Way, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos — or the Abuja centre. Bring your passport and the Biometric Requirement Letter. Processing time restarts after biometrics are received.

  7. Attend health examination (if requested)

    If a medical exam is required (common for longer stays or if TB risk flags), you will receive an eMedical referral through ImmiAccount. Attend an approved panel physician (IOM Abuja or Lagos, or another Australian-approved clinic). Bring your polio certificate. The exam typically includes a chest X-ray and TB blood test.

  8. Receive visa decision by email

    You will receive an email with your grant letter or refusal decision. The visa is electronic — it is linked to your passport number in Australia's immigration system. There is no sticker. Print your visa grant letter and carry it when travelling. If refused, the refusal letter explains the reason and whether you can reapply.

Required Documents

  • Valid Nigerian passport Must be valid for the full duration of your intended stay in Australia. Include scanned colour copies of all pages — bio-data page, all stamps, all existing visas. Include old passports if they contain relevant travel history.
  • Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement A written personal statement explaining why you want to visit Australia, how long you plan to stay, and critically — why you will return to Nigeria. This is the most important document in your application. Be specific: mention your employer, job title, leave approval dates, family dependants in Nigeria, property you own, business interests. Vague or generic statements are the most common cause of refusal for Nigerian applicants.
  • Bank statements (6 months) Must demonstrate consistent income and sufficient funds to cover your stay — allow at least AUD 5,000–10,000 for a typical 2-4 week visit. Avoid recent large unexplained deposits. Consistent savings and regular salary credits over time are far more persuasive than a single top-up. Nigerian case officers look carefully for inflated balances.
  • Employment letter on company letterhead Confirms your job title, salary, length of service (aim for 2+ years same employer), approved leave dates, and that your position is held for you on return. This is core evidence of ties to Nigeria.
  • 3–6 months payslips Must match the salary stated in your employment letter.
  • Polio vaccination certificate (MANDATORY for Nigerian applicants) REQUIRED: Any person who has spent a combined total of 28 days or more in Nigeria since 5 May 2014 must provide proof of polio vaccination with their visa application. Nigeria is on Australia's list of countries with polio transmission risk. The certificate must be the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) documenting an oral polio vaccine (OPV) or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) dose, administered at least 4 weeks before departure. Upload this document in ImmiAccount with your application.
  • Travel itinerary Planned activities, cities to visit, accommodation bookings. Does not need to be fully non-refundable at application stage.

Recommended (Optional)

  • Property ownership or tenancy documents in Nigeria Title deed, C of O, lease agreement — demonstrates you have a home to return to.
  • Evidence of family ties in Nigeria Marriage certificate, children's birth certificates, school enrolment records — dependants in Nigeria are strong evidence of return intent.
  • Business ownership documents CAC registration, tax identification, board resolutions — if you run a business in Nigeria, evidence of ownership is strong proof of ties.
  • Previous visa compliance history (UK, US, Schengen, UAE, Canada) Prior compliant visits to comparable destination countries are a significant positive signal for Australian case officers. Include stamps from old passports.
  • Travel insurance with medical cover Not required for the visa but essential for travel — Australia's Medicare system does not cover visitors and hospital costs are among the highest in the world.
  • Invitation letter from Australian host If visiting family or friends — include their Australian passport copy or permanent residency document and a letter confirming accommodation.
  • Nigerian Police Clearance Certificate Can be requested by Home Affairs. Proactively including it demonstrates transparency and good character.

Latest Updates

2025-07-01

Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600) fee increased from AUD 195 to AUD 200 on 1 July 2025 due to annual CPI indexation. Applies to all nationalities including Nigerian applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What visa do Nigerians need for Australia?
Nigerian passport holders need the Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600), applied for online via ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. The fee is AUD 200 (~NGN 193,000). The free eVisitor (subclass 651) is NOT available to Nigerian passport holders — do not select it. Apply at least 8–10 weeks before your travel date.
What is the GTE requirement for the Australian visa?
GTE stands for Genuine Temporary Entrant. Australia requires a written statement proving you intend to visit temporarily and will return to Nigeria. You must explain your purpose of visit, your ties to Nigeria (job, family, property, business), and why you'll go home. Nigerian applicants face heightened scrutiny on this statement — be specific, personal, and detailed. Generic or copy-paste statements are the most common cause of refusal.
Do Nigerian applicants need a polio vaccination certificate for Australia?
Yes — this is a mandatory requirement specific to Nigerian passport holders. Anyone who has spent a combined total of 28 days or more in Nigeria since 5 May 2014 must include a polio vaccination certificate (ICVP) with their Australian visa application. The vaccine must be documented at least 4 weeks before your intended departure. Upload the certificate in ImmiAccount when you submit your application.
Where do Nigerians submit biometrics for the Australian visa?
Biometrics are collected by VFS Global at two centres in Nigeria. The Lagos centre is located at PurpleLekki, 2 Purple Way, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. There is also an Abuja centre — check visa.vfsglobal.com/nga/en/aus for current details. You only attend if the Australian Department of Home Affairs specifically requests it via ImmiAccount after you submit your application.
How long does the Australian visa take for Nigerians?
Nigerian applicants typically wait approximately 33 working days (~6.5 weeks). Allow 8–10 weeks total to account for possible biometrics or health examination requests. Applications are assessed by the Australian High Commission in Pretoria, not the Abuja office. Do not buy non-refundable travel until your visa is granted.
Do Nigerian applicants need a health examination (TB test) for Australia?
Possibly. Nigeria is classified as a high TB-burden country by Australia. A medical examination including chest X-ray and/or TB blood test may be required — particularly for intended stays exceeding 3 months, or if flagged by the case officer. You will be notified via ImmiAccount if an examination is needed, and directed to an approved panel physician in Nigeria.

Data Sources & Verification

Last verified:

Explore More

Where to Apply

VFS Global Australian Biometric Collection Centre, Lagos

Lagos

PurpleLekki, 2 Purple Way, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria

Mon–Thu 08:00–15:00 (verify current hours at booking portal before attending)

Attend ONLY if the Department of Home Affairs specifically requests biometrics after you lodge your online application. You will receive a biometric request letter via ImmiAccount. Do not attend without a request — the application is otherwise fully online.

Book Appointment →
VFS Global Australian Biometric Collection Centre, Abuja

Abuja

VFS Global, Abuja, Nigeria (confirm current address at visa.vfsglobal.com/nga/en/aus/attend-centre/abuja)

Mon–Thu (verify current hours at booking portal before attending)

Attend ONLY if specifically requested by Home Affairs via ImmiAccount.

Book Appointment →

Other popular visa destinations for Nigerians

🇬🇧 United Kingdom Visa Required 🇺🇸 United States Visa Required 🇨🇦 Canada Visa Required