Nigeria — Africa's largest economy and most populous country — rewards South African visitors with an extraordinary music scene (Afrobeats), Lagos's electrifying energy, and some of West Africa's most underrated natural and cultural highlights. E-visa in 3–5 days (USD 100). No yellow fever cert needed from SA.
Key Warnings
Insider Tips
Create account, fill travel details, upload passport bio page, digital photo, return ticket, hotel booking or invitation. Pay USD 100 (~ZAR 1,635) by card. Approval email in 3–5 business days.
Download and print the e-visa approval letter. Present at check-in and to Nigerian Immigration on arrival.
South African Airways or Air Peace fly JNB → Lagos (LOS) direct ~4.5 hours. Ethiopian via ADD is also an option.
Lagos (Lekki, Victoria Island, Eko Atlantic, music scene), Abuja (Aso Rock, National Mosque, Millennium Park), Cross River National Park (gorillas), Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove (UNESCO), Yankari Game Reserve.
⚠️ Yellow Fever Certificate needed for your return to South Africa. South Africa is not a yellow fever endemic country. South Africans are not required to present a yellow fever certificate at Nigerian immigration when travelling directly from South Africa. However, Nigeria Health Authority staff at Lagos Airport (LOS) may informally request the card. Carrying one is advisable to avoid delays. Separately from entry to the destination: South Africa requires a valid yellow fever certificate from anyone arriving — including returning South Africans — who has been in, or transited through, a yellow fever risk country. Nigeria is on that list. Without a certificate you can be refused entry or quarantined for up to six days at a South African port of entry. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before you fly home; the certificate is valid for 10 years. Source: South African Tourism, checked 2026-07-31.
No published rejection rate. The Nigeria Immigration Service publishes no visa refusal rate by applicant nationality. Checked August 2026.
Nigeria abolished visa on arrival on 1 May 2025
Nigeria's Ministry of Interior replaced the visa-on-arrival facility with an e-visa from 1 May 2025, approved by email in about 48 hours across thirteen short-visit categories. Automated landing and exit cards were introduced at the same time and apply to every inbound non-Nigerian regardless of visa status. E-visas cannot be extended.
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