Nigeria eVisa for Canadian citizens: Full 2025 guide to avoid airport surprises

If you're a Canadian citizen planning a trip to Nigeria, you must apply for the Nigeria eVisa before departure. The popular visa-on-arrival option is ending soon, and travelers who arrive unprepared may be denied entry.

Use this step-by-step guide to avoid airport hassles, meet the new requirements, and get your visa approved fast.

What is the Nigeria eVisa?

The Nigeria eVisa is a digital single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days. It's fully online – no embassy visits, no paperwork, no in-person interviews.

🛑 The visa-on-arrival option is being phased out and won’t be available after May 30, 2025. If you already have a visa-on-arrival approval, you can still enter before this date.

Fast facts about the Nigeria eVisa

• Valid for 90 days from issue date
• Allows 30-day stay
• Single-entry only
• For over 170 nationalities, including Canadians

How to apply for the Nigeria eVisa from Canada

Skip the stress – here’s how to apply in minutes using iVisa:

1️⃣ Fill out your personal, passport, and travel details online or through our handy mobile app

2️⃣ Pay securely via card, PayPal, or Apple Pay

3️⃣ Upload documents and wait for approval, possible in as little as 48 hours

What happens when you arrive in Nigeria?

Even though the visa is digital, there’s a quick biometric step upon landing:

• Join the eVisa queue
• Complete fingerprint and facial scan
• Show your printed eVisa approval

🕒 This process takes 15–20 minutes. Want to avoid crowds? Arrive between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, when airports are usually less busy.

🗨️Michael Zervos, Project Kosmos traveler:

“When you arrive, they scan your hands and take a photo. Everyone was polite and it was fast – I was done in minutes.”

What documents do Canadians need for the Nigeria eVisa?

✔️ Passport valid at least 6 months beyond your stay

✔️ Recent passport-style photo

✔️ Proof of return flight

✔️ Proof of accommodation (or invitation letter)

✔️ Bank statement (last 6 months)

✔️ Birth certificate + parental consent (for minors)

✔️ Invitation letter if staying with friends or family

Your host’s invitation letter (if needed) must include:

• Full name and address in Nigeria
• Your travel dates
• Copy of their Nigerian ID or residence permit

🗨️iVisa expert Femke Strietman:

"No invitation letter? Book a cancellable hotel and submit the reservation instead. It works just as well for the application."

Reminder: Mandatory landing card

Even if you already have your Nigeria eVisa, you’re also required to complete the Nigeria Landing Card before entering the country. This is a separate document that all travelers must submit, regardless of their visa status.

It replaces the old paper forms and only takes a few minutes to complete online. To save time at the airport, make sure to get it done in advance - iVisa can help you with both forms in one place.

A separate exit card is also mandatory and should be submitted via the official government site no earlier than 96 hours before leaving Nigeria.

Why apply for the Nigeria eVisa with iVisa?

Many travelers report issues using the Nigerian government’s website. iVisa makes it smoother:

🗨️Dean P., traveler from Toronto:

"The goverment site rejected my card 3 times. I gave up and let iVisa handle everything, and their support was amazing."

How much does the Nigeria eVisa cost?

Check your fee by selecting Canada → Nigeria here:

Frequently asked questions about the Nigeria eVisa

Do Canadians still qualify for visa on arrival?

No. The system ends after May 30, 2025. You must apply for an eVisa in advance.

Can I fly into any Nigerian airport with this eVisa?

Yes. Major airports like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Calabar, and Enugu accept eVisas.

Do I need to pay extra at the airport?

No – if your eVisa and documents are in order. Always carry printed copies.

What if my payment fails on the Nigerian site?

This is common with non-Nigerian cards. Use iVisa for seamless payments and expert help.

Ready to apply?

Get your Nigeria eVisa with iVisa and breeze through the process.

If you have any questions, we're here to help via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.