Latest updates from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) regarding business travel
As part of the recently announced 60 day national action plan in aid to improve the ease of foreigners doing business in Nigeria; the NIS have extended the permitted activities that are allowed on a business visa.
The NIS has also extended the eligibility for Visa on Arrival (VoA) to business travelers who may not have been able to obtain a consular business visa prior to arrival in Nigeria.. This was only previously available to ‘frequently traveled high net worth investors’.
Under the new visa policy, foreign nationals can now obtain a business visa for the following:
- contract negotiation
- marketing
- sales
- purchase and distribution of Nigerian goods
- trade fairs
- job interviews
- training of Nigerians
- research
- emergency/relief work
- work as crew member
- work for an NGO or an INGO
- Musical performances
The business Visa on Arrival is initially issued for a stay of 30 days but this can now be extended to 90 days.Visa on Arrival application process
First the applicant’s sponsors in Nigeria will have to apply to the Comptroller general of Immigration (CGI) to obtain Visa on Arrival approval. If it is approved, an electronic of the approval letter will be emailed to the applicant.
The applicant will then need to complete an online application for Visa on Arrival and pay the fee.
Lastly applicants must have the approval letter and evidence of payment at the Visa on Arrival desk where an entry visa is endorsed in their passport.
Additional Changes
- Issuance of passports have be decentralized from Abuja (headquarters) to state commands
- 28 new CERPAC (residence permit) production centers have been opened by the NIS
- Arrival and departure forms/ cards have been combined into a single form all agencies of government
More information
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Immigration team at immigration@sterling.com or call +44(0)20 8836 3359.
