Investor Presentaiton
Insights
from Global Mobility Services
Nigeria: New Visa Policy 2020 takes
effect from October 2020
October 26, 2020
In brief
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) launched the Nigeria Visa Policy 2020 (the NVP 2020) on
February 4, 2020. This was created as part of the continuous effort of the Federal Government to
support the country's Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) by ensuring that local visa policies
reflect global best practices.
The NVP 2020 seeks to improve the ease of doing business, attract foreign direct investment, tourists,
and individuals with specialized skills without compromising national security.
In detail
Key highlights of the NVP 2020
• New visa classes – The NVP 2020 expands the previous six classes of visas to 79 classes. Each visa
class is intended to cover every conceivable travel purpose. Nigerians who were born abroad with dual
citizenship or who renounced Nigerian Citizenship also have special visa classes. Each visa will have
a unique code for ease of identification and processing.
•
•
Visa on Arrival - The Visa on Arrival is available for short visits to passport holders of African Union
member states.
-
Visa application process It reviews the visa application process to include embassies, application
centers, Visa on Arrival, e-Visas, and the automation of Temporary Work Permit (TWP) application.
The effective date of the NVP 2020 was not announced at the time it was launched. The Comptroller
General of Immigration has now published an effective date.
Effective date
Though introduced earlier in the year, the NVP 2020 comes into effect at all ports of entry and Nigerian
Missions from October 1, 2020.
New visa classes
There are four visa exemption classes:
1. Citizens of any Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS);
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