Nigeria Landing Card for U.S. citizens: What Americans need before flying

If you're heading to Nigeria from the U.S., you’ll need more than just your eVisa. Since May 2025, the Nigerian government has introduced a mandatory digital Landing Card, which must be completed before your arrival.

Skip airport delays by getting both documents sorted in advance through iVisa.

What is the Nigeria landing card?

The Nigeria Landing Card is a required digital entry form for all non-Nigerian travelers. It replaced the paper version that was once handed out on planes, streamlining the process for immigration authorities.

It must be submitted before you land in Nigeria within 96 hours of arrival.

Key Nigeria entry facts for U.S. travelers

• U.S. citizens need both an eVisa and Landing Card to enter Nigeria - having one without the other won’t be enough.

• Landing Cards must be completed before landing, ideally 1–4 days prior to arrival.

• Cards are issued via email, and while printing is optional, it’s highly recommended in case of system or internet issues at the airport.

• Each Landing Card is valid for one entry only - you’ll need to fill out a new one for every trip.

What U.S. citizens need to get a Nigeria Landing Card

✔️ Valid U.S. passport

✔️ Flight details (airline, number, date)

✔️ Accommodation address in Nigeria (hotel or host)

✔️ Approved Nigeria eVisa reference number

🛑 Important: You can only apply for the Landing Card after your eVisa has been approved. Apply for the eVisa first.

How to apply for your Nigeria Landing Card from the U.S.

Getting your landing card is simple when you apply through iVisa:

1️⃣ Start with your Nigeria eVisa: Apply online via iVisa or use our mobile app.

2️⃣ Once approved, register your Landing Card: If you used iVisa for your visa, you can access your landing card form in the same account.

3️⃣ Complete the landing form: Enter your flight and accommodation info. Once approved, it’ll be delivered instantly via email.

Use the below tool to calculate your timeline for both the eVisa and Landing Card, to plan your Nigerian trip accordingly:

iVisa vs government platform: What’s better?

eVisa vs. Landing Card: what’s the difference?

• The eVisa is your permission to enter Nigeria, it replaces the old visa-on-arrival system (which ends May 30, 2025).
• The Landing Card is a digital customs and immigration form that records your travel details and what you’re bringing in.

💡 Travel tip from our expert Femke Strietman:

“After May 30, 2025, visa on arrival will no longer be accepted. All U.S. travelers must apply for an eVisa online before flying.”

Both documents are essential and easy to get online via iVisa.

What happens when you land in Nigeria?

Even with both documents sorted, you’ll still need to go through biometric screening at immigration:

• 📸 Facial photo and fingerprint scan required
• ⏱️ Expect 15–20 minutes extra for this process

💡 Michael Zervos from Project Kosmos shares his experience:

“When you arrive, the process is pretty straightforward. They take your photo, scan your fingerprints, and within minutes you're through. Everyone was polite and helpful."

💡 Jason T., frequent business traveler, recommends:

“Arriving around 11 AM–3 PM on a Tuesday or Wednesday tends to be the least crowded time at Lagos Airport.”

Don’t forget your Nigeria Exit Card

In addition to the landing card, you’ll also need to complete a Nigeria Exit Card before flying home.

• Landing Card = for arrival
• Exit Card = for departure

The Exit Card can be submitted within 96 hours of your flight home via the official Nigerian government site. (Heads-up: their site can be buggy - contact us if you run into trouble.)

Health requirements for U.S. travelers

Travelers from the U.S. may be asked for a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, especially if arriving from a region with high transmission risk. Always check the CDC’s Nigeria travel page before flying.

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