Nigeria Visa for Ugandans 2026: E-Visa Required — No More Visa on Arrival

Quick Facts

Requirement E-Visa

Visa Fee UGX 185,000 (~$50)

Processing Time 2–5 working days

Appointment Wait ~ weeks

Stay Duration Up to 30 days

E-Visa Available online

Nigeria is accessible for Ugandan passport holders via Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Lagos and Abuja airports, or through an advance e-visa. The Yellow Fever Certificate is absolutely non-negotiable — Nigeria enforces this strictly. For first-time visitors, flying into Abuja (ABV) rather than Lagos (LOS) offers a calmer, more organized airport experience. Lagos is a dynamic megacity and Africa's commercial capital — business opportunities are significant, but safety awareness and good local contacts are essential.

Key Warnings

Yellow Fever Certificate is mandatory for all travelers entering Nigeria — no exceptions, even for citizens of other endemic countries. Nigerian immigration has denied entry to travelers without a valid Yellow Card. Carry your ICVP certificate and ensure it is current.
Lagos Murtala Muhammad Airport (LOS) has a reputation for congestion, long queues, and aggressive touts. Keep your documents secure, avoid unsolicited helpers, use only official taxi or ride-hailing services (Bolt, Uber) outside the terminal, and consider flying into Abuja (ABV) instead for a smoother entry.
Nigeria's security situation varies significantly by region. Lagos and Abuja are generally manageable with standard urban safety precautions. Research current conditions for any destination outside these cities, particularly in the northwest and northeast. Register with the Ugandan Embassy/High Commission in Abuja before travel.

Insider Tips

Abuja is Nigeria's purpose-built capital and is far calmer, cleaner, and easier to navigate than Lagos. The central city is well-organized with good hotels and restaurants. If your trip is primarily business-related with government or official contacts, Abuja is the right destination.
Lagos is Africa's largest city and most dynamic commercial hub. Lekki, Victoria Island, and Ikoyi are the upscale, relatively safe business districts where most Ugandan visitors will have meetings and accommodation. Avoid moving around Lagos late at night — traffic jams ('go-slow') can trap you for hours.
The Naira (NGN) has fluctuated significantly. Bring USD cash and exchange at a bureau de change or bank in Lagos/Abuja for the best rates. Ugandan Shillings (UGX) are not convertible in Nigeria — bring USD or use international cards.

Step-by-Step Guide

Apply online before travel
Nigeria replaced its visa-on-arrival facility with an online application, so arriving unprepared is not an option even though the visa itself is issued on entry.
Get the yellow fever certificate
Both Uganda and Nigeria are endemic. The card is checked at Lagos and Abuja before immigration.
Carry proof of accommodation and onward travel
A confirmed return ticket and your first night's booking. Immigration asks for both often enough to be worth having on your phone.
Complete the landing card and clear immigration
Landing card checks are consistent at both Lagos and Abuja. Have the approval reference to hand.

Required Documents

Valid Ugandan passport (6+ months validity) Must be valid at least 6 months beyond your date of entry.
Confirmed return or onward ticket Confirmed return or onward ticket required. Nigerian immigration and airlines both verify this.
Proof of accommodation Hotel reservation or an official invitation letter from a Nigerian host. Business travelers should carry an invitation from a Nigerian company.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate (ICVP) Nigeria REQUIRES a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate for ALL travelers, including arrivals from Uganda. Nigeria itself is a yellow fever endemic country and takes this requirement very seriously. Travelers without a valid Yellow Card will be denied entry — no exceptions. Ensure your vaccination was done at least 10 days before arrival.

Health Requirements

⚠️ Yellow Fever Certificate required. Nigeria enforces the Yellow Fever Certificate requirement strictly for ALL international arrivals, including Ugandans. Both Nigeria and Uganda are yellow fever endemic countries. Your International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP / Yellow Card) is checked at Lagos and Abuja airports. Do not travel to Nigeria without a valid Yellow Card — denial of entry is certain.

Latest Updates

2025-05

Nigeria abolished visa on arrival on 1 May 2025

Nigeria's Ministry of Interior replaced the visa-on-arrival facility with an e-visa from 1 May 2025, citing security grounds. Applications are made online and approved by email, usually within 48 hours, across thirteen short-visit categories. Automated landing and exit cards were introduced at the same time and apply to every inbound non-Nigerian. E-visas cannot be extended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ugandans get a Visa on Arrival for Nigeria?

Yes — Ugandan passport holders qualify for Nigeria's Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Lagos (LOS) and Abuja (ABV) international airports under Nigeria's Africa-wide VOA scheme for AU member states. The fee is approximately USD 50 payable at the airport in USD cash. Bring your Yellow Fever Certificate, return ticket, hotel booking, and passport. You can also apply for a Nigeria e-visa in advance at portal.immigration.gov.ng.

Do Ugandans need a Yellow Fever Certificate for Nigeria?

Absolutely yes — this is strictly enforced. Nigeria requires a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (ICVP / Yellow Card) from ALL international travelers, including Ugandans. Nigerian immigration at Lagos and Abuja airports checks the Yellow Card on arrival. Travelers without a valid certificate are denied entry. Both Uganda and Nigeria are yellow fever endemic countries. Ensure your vaccination was done at least 10 days before travel.

Should I fly to Lagos or Abuja?

For first-time visitors to Nigeria, Abuja (ABV) is strongly recommended. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja is modern, organized, and far less hectic than Lagos. The VOA process in Abuja is typically 20–30 minutes. Lagos MMIA can be chaotic with long queues, aggressive touts outside the terminal, and traffic jams. If your business or meetings are in Lagos, fly into Lagos — but be prepared for the experience and arrange airport pickup with your host in advance.

What currency should Ugandans bring to Nigeria?

Bring USD cash to Nigeria — it is the most widely exchangeable foreign currency. Exchange at official bureaux de change (BDC) in Lagos or Abuja city centres for the best Naira (NGN) rates; avoid airport exchange counters which offer poor rates. You need USD 50 cash at the VOA counter on arrival. International Visa/Mastercard cards work in most hotels and upscale restaurants. Ugandan Shillings (UGX) cannot be exchanged in Nigeria.

Data Sources & Verification

Last verified: August 2026

Nigeria Visa on Arrival for Ugandan Passport Holders