A Wren Says

I previously wrote about how frustrating the visa process was for me in preparation for my trip to Nigeria. Here are some things you should know before your visa interview, if you choose to plan a trip yourself.

There are two main types of visas you will probably be applying for to go to Nigeria: Tourist and Visitor. (There is also Business, but I have no experience with that. Sorry.) The main difference? Visitors plan to stay with an in-country host. Tourists stay at hotels.  The requirements for these are mostly the same except these exceptions I list below.

Here is what you will need for your visa appointment

1.  Your passport and a copy of your passport- It still baffles me that they need both, but they do
2. Completed application, and a printout of the application signed and dated- You will complete an online application prior to your visa appointment. Afterwards it allow you a link to print the completed application and a link to pay.
3. Payment acknowledgement slip- If you choose to pay online, make sure you print this out as proof of your payment. Else they may try and have you pay again.
4. 2 passport sized photos-This may not be needed. They didn’t take mine, but better safe than sorry.
5. Flight itinerary- You need to show the date you will arrive and depart so that they match up with the dates in your application
6. Bank statement with adequate funds- You just need to show you have at least $500 in your account. Also, you can black out your account number to protect your data.
7. Prepaid priority mail envelope and stamps if you will not be returning to pick up your visa

If you are a getting a tourist visa, you will also need evidence of your hotel reservation. If you are getting a visitor visa, you will also need a signed letter of invitation from your host as well as a copy of their passport’s data page where their photo and signature is. I also have a sample invitation letter you can use below.

One thing I was not prepared for was a processing fee. When you go to your appointment, the third-party provider is going to request payment. This amount varies based on location.  

And that’s it. I’m going to post some more advice tomorrow clarifying some more things about the process.

——Sample host’s invitation letter—–

[Header: Name and address of your host]

THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF NIGERIA,
[Consulate address where you are applying]

[Date]

Dear Sir or Madam,
NIGERIA VISA INVITATION LETTER FOR [your name]
This letter serves as official invitation to [your name] who will be visiting Nigeria from the dates of [month, day, year] to [month, day, year] [the purpose of your visit]. Throughout [his/her] stay [he/she] will reside with me at the address below:

[address where you will be staying]

[He/She] will be responsible for all [his/her] financial expenses associated with this stay. Attached to this letter is the data page of my Nigerian Passport. I accept full immigration responsibility in respect of the above named applicant while in Nigeria.

Thank you for your expected kind consideration of [his/her] visa application. You may feel free to contact me at the phone number: [host’s phone number]

Yours Faithfully,

[signature of your host, matching the passport data page]

[host’s name in print]

—————-