Every one craves to travel, to see new places and mingle with people of different cultures and origins, but with the advancement of technology, a lot of restrictions have made traveling quite harder. For example, before the citizen of a particular country can leave his or her country to another one, he or she must provide a passport.  A passport is not an easy document to get, and in some countries like Nigeria, the cost of a passport is relatively expensive. Another document you might need to travel is a visa, this is where the real restriction is. A visa is like a permit to enter into a country for a specific time, and it is issued by the country you wish to visit.

The processes accompanied by getting a visa can be tiring, so, you keep asking the internet, “Which countries are visa-free for Nigerian citizens?” It would surprise you to know, that countries exist where Nigerians are allowed to travel to visa-free, as long as they have their valid Nigerian passport. Some countries further want to know, whether you have sufficient funds to spend during your visit, whether your accommodation is handled, or whether you have your return ticket handy, to be sure you don’t want to stay back in their country as an illegal immigrant, and also to ensure that you are covered financially during your visit.

In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of visa-free countries and territories for Nigerians who have a valid Nigerian passport.

 

visa-free countries and territories for Nigerians

 

  1. Barbados: This is a beautiful country which is located on the eastern parts of the Caribbean islands, as expected, it is surrounded by beaches and can also boast of caves and other interesting tourist attractions to be explored. Well, Rihanna lovers should know that this is the country where she was born. When traveling to Barbados, you won’t need a visa as a Nigerian citizen, all you would need for your travel is a valid passport and travel tickets. Did I hear you say that you are parking your bags? Yes!

 

  1. Dominica: Dominica is a country located in the Americas, with a lot of beautiful sandy beaches and a relatively small population. This country is one of the visa-free countries for Nigerians, which offers a stay of up to six months.

 

  1. Haiti: Haiti, although recovering from a devastating earthquake that occurred in 2010, happens to be a good tourist location, with tourist attractions such as the Citadelle la Ferriere, the ruins of Sans-Souci Palace, the baroque former royal home of King Henry I, and more. Luckily for you, to travel to this country for a little sight-seeing and relaxation is visa-free for Nigerians, you are permitted to stay for three months, after which you become an illegal immigrant.

 

 

  1. Burkina Faso: This country is located in West Africa just like Nigeria and also a member of ECOWAS. Traveling to ECOWAS member states are visa-free for Nigerian passport holders. More so, this place is a famous location for the Ouagadougou International Arts and Craft Fair, which is regarded as the biggest handicraft fair in Africa. You have a lot of things to enjoy in Burkina Faso.

 

  1. Chad: As a Nigerian, you are free to stay in Chad for three months visa-free as a tourist. This country which also happens to be a neighbor of Nigeria and is located in the central part of Africa boasts of tourist sites like the Chad National Museum and the Chad Cultural Center. However, a return ticket is required on arrival to show that you do not intend to stay in the country permanently.

 

  1. Comoros: When the question of, “Which countries are visa-free for Nigerian citizens?” crosses your mind again, you should be sure to let Comoros sneak into your mind. This country might sound strange to your ear, but it is an East African country with white sandy beaches, giant fruit bats, volcanoes and rainforests. These are good sights to behold, right? Well, for you as a Nigerian, entry into this wonderful nation is visa-free but you will have to apply for a visa on arrival.

 

  1. Cape Verde: This is another African country that sounds strange to the ears of most Africans. It is made up of small islands, so there are beaches there of course. You are not required to provide a visa to enter this country, with a Nigerian passport, but a valid return ticket is required of you. The duration of a visa-free stay is three months.

 

  1. Bangladesh: This country is located in Asia and it is recognized as one of the most populated countries in the world. You are sure to have a bit of Nigeria in this country as white rice is an important ingredient in Bangladeshi cuisine. If this amazes you, it is vital to know, that this country offers visa upon arrival entry for Nigerian passport holders for 30 days, required that you possess a return ticket and proof that you have enough money to spend during your stay. In Bangladesh, you can visit sites like the Sundarbans, Mangrove Forest, Chittagong Hill- Tracts, and others, while enjoying its rich dishes

 

  1. Uganda: This is an eastern African nation that was once popular for being terrorized by the dictator Idi Amin. This country is popularly known as the Pearl of Africa, doesn’t that amaze you? You could be wondering what beauty this country holds to be known by such name, well, this country is home to various kinds of African wildlife. An adventure is sure when visiting this country. If you happen to not be the adventurous type, the Queen Elizabeth National Park is there to suit your taste. The requirement to travel to this country as a Nigerian passport holder is that you would have to purchase a visa on arrival.

 

  1. Tuvalu: This country has a reputation for being one of the smallest countries in the world, with a majority of its landmass consisting of small islands scattered along the south pacific. This country is not an urban one per se, as you shouldn’t go there expecting to see exquisite city-like architectures, but not to worry, the traditional life and rich culture of the natives would take you to another magical world, where calmness and warmth lies. This is one of the very calm visa-free countries for Nigerian passport holders, as a visa is only required from you on arrival, then you can warm your feet on the beaches with friends and loved ones.

 

  1. Togo: Here is another ECOWAS member-state and at such, it is one of the visa-free countries for Nigerians. You should pack your bags if you are looking for a destination not too far for the home that still feels like home because Togo is rumored to be one of the nicest places to visit in West Africa. It has a nice landscape filled with mountains and hills and beaches, waiting for your warmth.

 

  1. Timor-Leste: If you are a lover of the sea, scuba-diving, and other such things associated with the sea, you shouldn’t joke with this fairly small country. This country lies northwest of Australia in the Lesser Sunda Islands. It is popularly known as East Timor. As a Nigerian tourist, you are permitted a 30 days visa-free stay.

 

  1. Tanzania: Have you ever stood at the highest point in Africa? It’s what you guessed, Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, which can be found in the East African country of Tanzania. This country also holds three of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders, shouldn’t this consider a blessing to the landscape of Tanzania? To stop this, Tanzania has beaches, wildlife, and rich culture. Entry into this country requires a visa upon arrival, you get to have the experience of your life in Tanzania.

 

  1. Cameroon: This is one of the visa-free countries for Nigerians, as it not only shares a border with Nigeria but is also among the ECOWAS member states which Nigerians are permitted visa-free entry. In Cameroon, you would find tourist sites like the Benedictine Museum of Mont Febe, the Limbe Botanical Garden, the National Museum of Yaoundé and the Kribi. This country has a landscape that is similar to that of Nigeria, with rainforest, deserts, and plateaus. The official languages in Cameroon are English and French

 

 

  1. Fiji Islands: The Fiji Islands is a collection of 333 islands that sit on the south of the Pacific Ocean. Its official name is the Republic of Fiji, and it has a population of 800, 000 people who speak English as one of their official languages. Fiji Islands are visa-free for Nigerians but a visitor’s permit may be required during your stay on any of these Islands, the good thing is that this permit can be renewed after a visa-free period of 4 months has expired, this is enough time to enjoy any of the beautiful beaches and elegant sceneries in this country which is believed to have one of the most developed economies in the pacific.

 

  1. The Gambia: This is the smallest country in West Africa in terms of landmass, with a population of more than 2 million people. The Gambia shares borders with French-speaking Senegal although it has English as the official language. This country offers a visa-free stay for Nigerian passport holders for up to 90 days. In the Gambia, you could visit tourist attractions such as the Kachikally Crocodile pool and the breathtaking Sanyang Beach, or you could just take a long road trip while appreciating the rich wildlife in the Gambia.

 

  1. Ghana: Formerly known as the Gold Coast, this West African country promises gold to Nigerian nationals as they permit a visa-free entry for them into their country, mainly because Ghana is a member state of ECOWAS. However, in some cases, a visa on arrival may be required of Nigerians, but this shouldn’t be a bother to you. Ghana is home to the historic Ashanti Empire which still has remains that you can explore. In Ghana, you also get to see the historical artifacts of the slave trade which occurred in the region. But, if you are the type who dislikes poking into the restricted and inhumane past of Africa, you can hop into the free environment of beaches Kokrobite and Winnebe or better still, you can visit the national parks located inland. So next time you ask yourself which countries are visa-free for Nigerian citizens and needs to be explored, think Ghana!

 

  1. Guinea: This is another visa-free country for Nigerian passport holders. Although it doesn’t promise much, you can pay a visit to its National Museum where you can learn about the country’s diverse ethnic groups. This country is rich in natural resources such as bauxite and gold, and it is home to various metal industries.

 

  1. Guinea Bissau: This country is not in any way an extension of Guinea, except in the aspect of sharing a spot in the list of visa-free countries for Nigerians, alongside Guinea. Guinea-Bissau is a country which offers a visa on arrival to Nigerian citizens, which could last for up to 3 months. In Guinea-Bissau, you can enjoy the exposure of its natural parks or the mild surprises of its forests.

 

  1. Kenya: Did you know that Kenya is the setting for the famous Lion King film? Well, this east African country which has an amazing collection of wildlife offers Nigerians a visa on arrival entry for 3 months, this is enough time to explore the wild safari and the local dishes of Kenya, which have been rumored to be one of the best in the region. You can also go mountain climbing on Mount Kenya. Whichever you choose, your stay in Kenya would sure be a pleasant one.

 

  1. Liberia: This is a low-budget America, which has a flag similar to that of America in colors and design except in just some areas, like the number of stars and stripes on it. The capital of this country is Monrovia. Liberia has a deep history in slavery and their freedom at the end, its population used to be made up of freed black slaves who came from America to settle there. Being a member of ECOWAS, Nigerians are allowed visa-free entry into this country. In Liberia, you can enjoy the warmth of the sun on the beaches or explore the richly diverse cultural history the country possesses.

 

  1. Maldives: This is a country that is made up of over a thousand coral islands sited on the Indian Ocean. This visa-free country for Nigerians is a perfect location for a honeymoon or a peaceful getaway with family and friends, you can have a good time on one of its many beaches, enjoying the breeze and serenity it offers. Nigerians are allowed to stay in the Maldives for 30 days with a visa which is issued on arrival.

 

  1. Madagascar: if you have seen the animated movie, Penguins of Madagascar, you would long to visit this country with epic scenery, although you might not find the penguins you hoped for. For Nigerians, a visa on arrival stay for 90 days is assured, if they plan to pay a visit. This country is called the eighth continent because although it is seen as part of Africa it has an utterly different landscape and a diversity of cultures. This Island which is the fourth largest in the world is believed to have separated from India over 80 million years ago. In Madagascar, you can enjoy the serenity of its beaches filled with Palm trees and locally made canoes which have been carved from wood.

 

  1. Mali: This is a landlocked country located in West Africa, it also doubles as one of the largest countries on the continent, sitting on the eighth spot. In Mali, you can visit the country’s largest museum which is located in Bamako, its capital, this museum also has a National Park attached to it. You can also go for sightseeing of the different mosques such as the Grand Mosque of Djenne and the Djinguereber Mosque, the later, being the world’s largest library, once. In Mali, you can as well take a quiet chill in the historical city of Timbuktu. This country is visa-free for Nigerian citizens, so what are you waiting for, to visit it.

 

  1. Mauritania; if you itch to have a camel ride in the deserts with the sun above your head and the soft sand below your feet, then Mauritania is the country you have been searching for. This country is mostly desert, with countries such as Mali, Morocco, and Algeria and Senegal surrounding it, it also happens to be near the Atlantic Ocean. In Mauritania, you have the opportunity to enjoy their epic tea after a long camel ride. The city of Chinguetti can also be explored as you would be impressed by its ancient mosques, libraries and much more. Mauritanians are known to be very accommodating and peaceful people, so as a Nigerian passport holder, you can explore this country, with a visa that would be issued on arrival.

 

  1. Mauritius: This is an East African country located along the coast of the Indian Ocean. Mauritius offers Nigerian passport holders a 3-month visa-free stay. If you hope to sharpen your French while taking a nerve-calming vacation, then Mauritius is the country for you. This country had French and English as its official languages. Furthermore, the clear warm beaches of Mauritius make it vacation-worthy. You can pick this country as a destination for your honeymoon or a brief elopement with your lover, away from all the buzz of Nigeria.

 

  1. Micronesia: As a tourist, Nigerian passport holders do not require a visa for entry into this country, for a visa-free stay of 30 days. Micronesia is a country which consists of Islands which has its own culture and traditions. In Micronesia, you can go for a walk on one of its ancient mangrove forests or visit sites such as the Japanese Zeros, the Sunset Park, the Truk Lagoon Underwater Fleet, and many more exciting places. This country which is listed among the visa-free countries for Nigerians is a real opportunity for you, to taste the wonders of the Oceanic.

 

  1. Mozambique: This country is located in the heart of Southern Africa. It has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful countries in Africa. As a visitor with a Nigerian passport, you are allowed a stay of up to 30 days, with a visa that can be gotten on arrival. There are clear blue beaches in Mozambique, and did I just hear you whisper something to your lover? Yes, a love trip to one of the beaches, natural wonders and historical attractions that exist in this amazing country, this trip might be the one to give your relationship a strong memorable touch.

 

  1. Mauro: This is a tiny republic that was formerly known as Pleasant Islands. This Island was a rich phosphate rock site. It has a coral reef and white sand beaches with palm trees all over. This country is a perfect location for a peaceful getaway with family and friends. This country offers visa-free entry for Nigerians and the experience there is simply pleasant.

 

  1. Niger: This is a neighbor of Nigeria to the north. Being an ECOWAS member state, Nigerians require no visa for a trip to this country. In Niger, you can take a walk in the Ancient city of Agadez or view the rich wildlife in the W National Park or if you are an art lover, you can visit the site of the Dabous Giraffe Rock Art. You can even stay for the Cure Salee festival, which is the largest traditional festival celebrated in this country. This festival occurs on the last weekend of September, participating in this festival gives you a clear glance of the culture of the Nigeriens.

 

  1. Samoa: If you are in search of a perfect location to get married and spend a blissful honeymoon with your partner, search no more because Samoa is just the right location. This country situated in between Hawaii and Newland offers Nigerian passport holders a visa on arrival entry. As one of the visa-free countries for Nigerians, Samoa offers tourists, the beauty of elegant waterfalls, blowholes, caves, beaches and much more. A honeymoon experience in Samoa can’t be forgotten. So, love birds, what are you guys waiting for? Plan a trip to this visa-free country, now.

 

  1. Senegal: Are you a wildlife lover who is wondering which countries are visa-free for Nigerian citizens, with rich wildlife? Well, Senegal is the country you have been searching for. Being a member of ECOWAS, Senegal permits visa-free entries for Nigerian passport holders. You shouldn’t miss this opportunity to polish your lagging French in a country that was once the French capital of Africa. Afternoons spent riding through a reserve filled with buzzing wildlife such as giraffes, rhinos and birds of different species would be great, don’t you agree?

 

  1. Seychelles: Did you try pronouncing the words of this country? Well, its correct pronunciation is “say-shelz”. This Island country is located in East Africa with Islands like Zanzibar, Madagascar, and Mauritius as neighbors. Seychelles offers visa-free entry for Nigerian passport holders, who can then, enjoy the warmth of its beaches or the diverse mix of French, British, Indian, African, Arab and Chinese cultures, which also features their delicious dishes. As a Nigerian tourist, you can spend 30 days exploring this beautiful African country. English is also spoken in Seychelles, so go out to Seychelles and enjoy the moment of your life.

 

  1. Sierra Leone: Not everything in Freetown (the capital of Sierra Leone) is free, except for visa-free entry for Nigerian citizens, of course. Being a member of ECOWAS, your free entry into this country is guaranteed, given that you own a Nigerian passport. Sierra Leone has a history in the slave trade conducted on the shores of Africa. This country is home to Bunce Island, a key departure point during the slave trade. In Sierra Leone, you could take a trip to the Freetown Peninsula and enjoy a treat on its white sand beaches or if slavery history fascinates you more, you could go to visit the Cotton tree Landmark and King’s Yard Gate, which were once refuged sites for returning ex-slaves in the eighteenth and nineteenth century.

 

  1. Somali: Somali is an East African country feeling with wildlife. Nigerians who wish to visit this country are offered a visa upon arrival. In Somalia, you can visit the many zoos in Magadistiu or better still have a nice time at Somali Beach.

 

  1. Cambodia: The nation of Cambodia has no existing embassy in Nigeria, so it automatically becomes a visa-free country for Nigerians, who want to explore this South-East Asian country. E-visas are what is expected of you for your travel to Cambodia or you can simply apply for a visa on arrival. This e-visas can be processed from the country’s website. Other requirements for a trip to this beautiful country include evidence of your basic transport allowance for the duration of your stay, a confirmed return ticket and proof of hotel reservations.

 

 

  1. Iran: Iran is a country that permits visa on arrival for Nigerian citizens. You can go to this country as a tourist, to taste a bit of the middle-east, which is revered for its rich religious past.

 

  1. Cote d’ Ivoire: Cote d’Ivoire is a West African country, which has a spot in the list of visa-free countries for Nigerian passport holders. Cote d’Ivoire offers Nigerian passport holders a 90 days visa-free stay. Sharing borders with other visa-free, amazing, tourist-friendly countries such as Guinea, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Mali, this country also promises amazing experiences of Nigerian tourists who wish to explore them. Being a country with borders to the Atlantic Ocean, tourists can have a nice, warm time on any of its beaches, you should pit high consideration on the Monogaga beach, which is one of the best beaches in Cote d’Ivoire. You can also pay a visit to the architectural wonders of the Grand Bassam, which holds old, colonial-era buildings.

 

  1. Namibia: Nigerians are required to get a visa on arrival, into this visa-free country for Nigerian citizens. Namibia is a southwest African country that houses the Namib Desert, you can go on a desert hike for relaxation and reflection or you can peep the large Cheetah population in this country. A visit to the Elosha National Park, will do you a lot of good, especially if you are a lover of wildlife, who loves giraffes and rhinos. Namibia also has colonial-era buildings, one being Windhoek’s Christuskirche which was constructed in 1907. A visit to this country is an all-round enjoyment, as beach lovers are also opportune to hang out on the Cape Cross Beach, which is home to thousands of fur seals.

 

  1. Rwanda: This is a small Central African country, which has had its fair share of war and crisis, with the genocidal war between the Hutu and Tutsi people being the most popular in recent times. It would surprise you to know that this country is, in fact, a nation, which consists of locals who share the same language, but which have been divided into three sub-groups, the Hutu, Tutsi and the Twa. English is an official language in this country. Despite Rwanda’s dark past, this once severely divided country has come together to produce one of the most suitable tourist locations in the heart of Africa. One of the best things to do in Rwanda is Gorilla Trekking, which is a term that means hiking to the habitats of these huge mammals to catch a sight of them. Other things to do in Rwanda, includes relaxation in its National parks. Unfortunately, Rwanda is a landlocked country, so a visit to the beach is canceled for you, but you can try out the Lake Kivu, which has picturesque surroundings and is perfectly safe for a cool swim. To get to enjoy Rwanda as a Nigerian passport holder, you are required to get a visa on arrival, which lasts for 30 days.

 

  1. Saint Kitts and Nevis: This is an Island country in the West Indies which is made up of two small islands, the Island of Saint Kitts and the Island of Nevis. It has Queen Elizabeth as its monarch and head of state is that it is a Commonwealth realm. This dual island nation has lots of tantalizing tourist attraction sites for you to savor. In Saint Kitts and Nevis, you can visit one of the most preserved historical fortifications in the Americas, the Brimstone Hill Fortress, which was built during the country’s colonial era, this fortress is located along the Caribbean coast of St. Kitts, also in this fortress, which also doubles as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you get the privilege to view amazing artifacts and artworks in the museum and art gallery. This fortress is full of Caribbean history and would be very enjoyable for you. There are also reservations for beach lovers, a place called the Pinney’s Beach in Nevis. This beach is a very popular beach, which gives your feet, a feel of fine white sand as you walk down its shores. St. Kitts and Nevis are one of the visa-free countries for Nigerians, and it permits a visa-free stay of 90 days.

 

  1. Somaliland: Somaliland offers Nigerian passport holders a visa on arrival entry for 30 days. Yes, this country is a neighbor to Somalia as you guessed and a self-declared state which is internationally recognized as an autonomous region of Somalia. If you love to climb mountains you can visit Daallo Forest and Mountains in Somaliland, which is also a good location for spotting wildlife. Or you can explore the old city of Zeila, which stands as a cultural and historical site for the people of Somaliland. In this city, you can find the ruins of the first mosque built outside the Middle East, and the ancient city’s port which is believed to have been a trading center for Egyptian, Turk and Arabic rulers for centuries. There are also sandy beaches in Somaliland, so consider this place in your plans, when next you plan a vacation.

 

  1. Palestine: This self-declared territory, made the list of visa-free countries for Nigerian passport holders. Entry into this country is purely visa-free, but visitors are not allowed to access this country through the sea on Gaza Strip, as it is a territory under dispute of ownership, between Palestine and Israel. Palestine can take you back to the biblical times, with places such as Hisham’s Palace in Jericho, and a trip to the birth town of Jesus Christ, Bethlehem, which houses the Church of the Nativity. Muslims can also peep the fourth holiest place in Islam, the Abraham Mosque, located in Hebron.

 

  1. South Ossetia: This is a visa-free country for Nigerian citizens. It is still a country that is internationally recognized to be a territory of Georgia but is autonomous in its political administration. It even has its unique official currency, the Russian Rubble. On your visit to this country, you can view relics of the Georgian-Russian war of 2008. South Ossetia is your chance for a visa-free stay in Georgia, without actually being in Georgia.

 

  1. Transnistria: Last on our list of visa-free countries for Nigerian passport holders is Transnistria. This is another seceded state, which broke out of Moldova, but is internationally recognized as a territory of Moldova. In Transnistria, you could visit Park Pobeda, to view the country’s war memories, or go shopping in the Green Market, which actually has green buildings. Or better still, take a trip to this country on its Independence Day celebration, a time of festivity for the people of Transnistria.

 

Visa Free countries for Nigerians: Frequently Asked Questions by Nigerian Travelers

Below is a list of carefully selected questions people want to know about travel wither visa-free or not.

How many countries can Nigerians travel to without a visa?

Answer: Currently, there are 45 countries (both intentionally recognized and not intentionally recognized) a Nigerian passport holder can travel to without a visa at hand. Some of these countries, issue visas on arrival, while some make use of e-visas.

Is Nigeria visa-free to the USA?

Answer: Being the free world, and a place where Nigerians and nationals of other nations think they can get a better life, a lot of people dream to one day see the daylight of this great country. But unfortunately, travelling to the USA is not an easy thing. As a Nigerian, you would have to pass through a hectic and sometimes, fruitless effort to acquire a visa into this country.

Is Dubai a visa-free country?

Answer: Dubai is a place that is being hyped all over social media. From the look of things, everyone is taking a plane to Dubai whenever they want, so, the question comes up, “Is Dubai a visa-free country?” Well, the answer is yes and no, at the same time. While nationals of some countries such Australia, Canada, China, Hong-Kong, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Singapore, and the US can get a 30-day visa on arrival to stay in Dubai, along with citizens of Schengen countries who have a visa-free entry for 90 days, others have to purchase a visa before entry can be allowed into Dubai. As a Nigerian, you have to purchase your visa before you can be allowed entry into Dubai. It isn’t as easy as most think.

Which country is near Nigeria?

Answer: well, Nigeria is surrounded by amazing countries. It has Cameroon and Chad to the east, Benin to the West and Niger to the North. You can also reach countries like Togo and Ghana easily from Nigeria.

Is Georgia a visa-free country for Nigerians?

Answer: Did you ever think Georgia would make the list of visa-free countries for Nigerian passport holders? Well, think no more, because no European county is visa-free for Nigerians, Georgia inclusive. So, if you plan to get into this country, be ready to process your visa.

Where can Nigerian citizens travel to without a visa?

Answer: Currently, you can travel to up to 45 countries and territories which are all included in the list above. Attempt to enter anywhere else as a Nigerian citizen without a visa is illegal.

How much is a Nigerian International Passport?

Answer: With the rise of need and necessity to travel by Nigerian citizens, the Nigerian government has come up with a passport, which contains more pages and is valid for a longer period. However, there is also an increase in cost too. Prior to the launching of the new Nigerian passport, the Nigerian passport was a document that contained 32 pages only, but as of March 4, 2019, new features and developments were added to the Nigerian passport.

The Nigerian passport consists of:

  • A 64-page passport, which costs 70,000 naira, valid for ten years. This passport is targeted at Nigerians who have to travel frequently, to save them the stress of often visa renewal.
  • A 64-page passport, which is valid for five years and costs 35,000 naira.
  • A 32-page passport, which is valid for five years and costs, 25,000 naira.