Nigeria Visa Guide for Saudi Arabian Citizens

Do Saudi Arabian Need a Visa to visit Nigeria 

Saudi Arabian passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Nigeria; visa-on-arrival is no longer available as of May 2025. Instead, travellers must apply for a Nigerian eVisa and also complete a mandatory digital Landing Card before arrival.

1. Nigeria eVisa (Required)

Saudi citizens are required to apply for a Nigerian eVisa via the official portal. This is a fully online process; no embassy visit needed.

The eVisa generally allows single-entry stays of up to 30 days, valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

2. Nigeria Landing Card (Mandatory)

A digital Landing Card must be completed within 96 hours prior to arrival and can only be submitted after your eVisa is approved. This replaces previous paper entry forms.

It’s strongly advised to carry a printed copy of both your eVisa and Landing Card when arriving in Nigeria, in case of any technical issues at entry.

Overview of Nigerian Visa Types for Saudi Arabian Nationals

Saudi Arabian nationals require a visa to enter Nigeria. There are several Nigerian visa types available, depending on the purpose and length of stay:

Tourist Visa

This short-stay visa enables Saudi citizens to visit Nigeria for leisure or tourism purposes. It typically permits a stay of up to 30 days and requires a valid passport, a return ticket, a hotel booking, or a host invitation, along with proof of sufficient funds. This visa can often be applied for online through Nigeria’s eVisa platform.

Business Visa

For business meetings, conferences, or trade-related visits, the Nigerian business visa requires an invitation letter from a Nigerian business entity, a passport, a return ticket, and proof of financial means. This can also be applied for online or at the Nigerian embassy.

Work Visa (Subject to Regularisation – STR)

Saudi citizens intending to work in Nigeria must first secure a job offer from a Nigerian company. The employer must obtain an Expatriate Quota Approval, and the applicant applies for a STR visa, followed by a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card (CERPAC) after arrival.

Student Visa

Issued to Saudi nationals accepted into accredited Nigerian educational institutions. Requirements include an admission letter, proof of tuition payment, a passport, and evidence of sufficient financial support.

Family Reunion Visa

Saudi nationals with close family members legally residing in Nigeria can apply for this visa. It requires proof of relationship and a letter of invitation from the resident's family member.

Transit Visa

Required for Saudi travellers transiting through Nigeria to a third country. Applicants must show confirmed onward travel and may stay for a maximum of 7 days.

Discover the various types of Nigerian visas.

Nigerian Visa Requirements for Saudi Arabia Applicants

Planning a trip to Nigeria from Saudi Arabia? Before you go, it’s important to understand the visa requirements for Saudi citizens.

Eligibility Criteria

Saudi Arabian citizens must meet the eligibility criteria based on the type of visa they are applying for—such as tourism, business, work, or study. These criteria may include purpose of visit, length of stay, and sponsorship (in the case of work or family-related visas).

Required Documents

Common documents include:

• A valid Saudi passport (with at least 6 months' validity)
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photos
• Proof of travel arrangements (e.g. return ticket)
• Hotel reservation or invitation letter from a host in Nigeria
• Financial proof (e.g. bank statements)
• Travel insurance (recommended)
• Additional documents may be required for business, work, or study visas.

Certified Translation Requirements
If any documents (such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or police clearance certificates) are issued in Arabic, they may need to be translated into English and certified to meet Nigerian immigration requirements. Translayte offers certified translation services that are acceptable for visa applications.

Step-by-Step Nigerian Visa Application Process for Saudi Arabians

• Determine the Visa Type: Choose the appropriate visa category based on the purpose of your trip—such as tourism, business, work, study, or family visit.

• Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including your valid Saudi passport, passport-sized photos, hotel or host information, return flight details, and proof of funds. Some documents, such as birth or police clearance certificates, may require certified translation if not in English.

• Get Documents Translated: If your documents are in Arabic or any language other than English, certified translation is often required. Services like Translayte can help ensure translations meet Nigerian immigration standards.

• Submit the Application: Apply online through Nigeria’s eVisa platform or submit your documents to the Nigerian Embassy in Riyadh, depending on the visa type. Pay the applicable visa fee and schedule any necessary appointments.

• Attend Visa Interview (If Required): Some visa categories may require an in-person interview. Be prepared to explain the purpose of your visit and provide supporting information as requested.

• Receive Visa Decision: Once your application is processed, you’ll receive a visa decision. If approved, please ensure that you print and carry all relevant documents, including your visa and digital landing card. If denied, review the reason and check for possible reapplication options.

Notes:

For tourist and business visas, many applicants can use the Nigeria eVisa + digital landing card process without visiting the embassy.

For work or student visas, a physical submission and biometric collection may be required at the embassy.

Certified Document Translation for Nigerian Visa Application

Certified translations are often required for supporting documents that are not in English, such as birth certificates, police clearance certificates, or academic records. For Saudi Arabian applicants, documents originally issued in Arabic may need to be translated into English to meet Nigerian immigration requirements. Translayte provides certified translation services that ensure accuracy and compliance with Nigerian visa application standards.

Tips for a Successful Visa Application from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia

• Ensure all your documents are complete and up-to-date before submission. 
• Double-check to see if translations are required and certified. 
• Preparing for the visa interview thoughtfully can significantly increase approval chances.