Nigeria’s travel landscape is reaching an inflection point in 2026 due to the growing desire of Nigerians to travel abroad, despite stricter immigration policies and rapid changes. International air travel recorded 2.1 million departing passengers in 2023, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) “Air Transport Value to Nigeria” report.
This surge in mobility is also reflected in the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Economic Impact 2024 report, which highlights a record recovery in global travel demand, as Nigerians increasingly view international travel as a non-negotiable element of professional and personal growth.
This guide explains the visa requirements for the countries most commonly traveled by Nigerians (UK, Ghana, Canada, USA, South Africa, and Ethiopia) based on data from IATA and WTTC.
The following sections detail official visa fees, required service fees, verified government websites to avoid third-party fraud, and general processing timelines for each destination.
England
ghana
Visa requirements for Nigerians
Under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, Nigerian citizens do not require a visa to travel to Ghana.
3. Canada
Visa requirements for Nigerians
Canada has tightened restrictions on international student admissions for 2026 to deal with tight housing and infrastructure needs.
4.United States
Visa requirements for Nigerians
The main entry point for foreigners wishing to take short-term trips for tourism or business is the B-1/B-2 tourist visa.
2026 will be a period in which new Nigerian applicants will be severely restricted due to a suspension of visa processing for immigrants from 75 countries, including Nigeria. This comes after Presidential Proclamation 10998, which significantly expands U.S. travel restrictions and suspends visa issuance and entry for most nationals of 19 countries, and the Visa Deposit Pilot Program, which requires certain deposits to be paid to obtain a visa.
5. South Africa
Visa requirements for Nigerians
Nigeria is not on South Africa’s visa exemption list. All travelers must apply through the VFS Global Center or e-Visa Portal.
6. Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a major aviation hub for Nigerians, and Addis Ababa serves as a major transit point for people heading to Europe, Asia, and North America.
Ethiopia has suspended visas on arrival for many nationalities, including Nigerians, from the end of 2022. Currently, all travelers must obtain an electronic or physical visa from an embassy before departure.
