For Nigerian travellers, the first hurdle of an international trip is often not the flight or accommodation — it is the visa.
But while many destinations require travellers to secure approval from an embassy or consulate before boarding a plane, some countries offer a simpler option: visa on arrival.
This means eligible Nigerian passport holders can obtain their entry visa after arriving at an approved airport, border crossing or other designated entry point, rather than completing the entire visa process before departure.
However, visa-on-arrival access does not mean travellers can simply arrive without preparation. Entry conditions vary from one country to another, and some destinations may require proof of accommodation, return tickets, sufficient funds, online registration, pre-authorisation or other supporting documents.
Based on current passport information, here are 11 countries where Nigerian citizens are listed as eligible for visa-on-arrival access in 2026.
1. Burundi
Burundi is among the destinations offering Nigerian passport holders access through a visa-on-arrival arrangement.
Travellers can obtain a visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days, according to current passport information.
2. Cambodia
Nigerian travellers can also access Cambodia through a visa on arrival.
The Southeast Asian country additionally offers an electronic visa option, giving travellers another route for securing entry.
Before travelling, visitors should confirm the permitted duration of stay and the entry points where visa-on-arrival services are available.
3. Comoros
The Comoros is another destination listed for Nigerian passport holders seeking visa-on-arrival entry.
Current information indicates that Nigerian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival for stays of up to 45 days.
The island nation, located off Africa’s eastern coast in the Indian Ocean, offers a different travel experience from the more traditional tourist destinations Nigerians may be familiar with.
4. Djibouti
Nigerian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Djibouti, with current information listing stays of up to 90 days.
Djibouti also provides an electronic visa option, meaning travellers should check the applicable requirements before deciding which route to use.
5. Iran
Iran is also included among destinations where Nigerian citizens are listed as eligible for visa-on-arrival access.
Because entry policies and eligibility requirements can change, travellers should confirm the latest conditions before booking their journey.
6. Lebanon
Nigerian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Lebanon, although additional conditions may apply.
Travellers may be asked to provide documents such as a return ticket, accommodation details and evidence that they have sufficient funds for their stay.
This makes it particularly important to check the current requirements before departure rather than assuming that visa-on-arrival access means automatic entry.
7. Madagascar
The island nation of Madagascar is another option for Nigerian travellers.
Current passport information lists Nigerian citizens as eligible for a visa on arrival, with stays of up to 90 days.
Madagascar also has an eVisa system, providing travellers with an alternative way of arranging entry before their trip.
8. Maldives
For Nigerians dreaming of an Indian Ocean getaway, the Maldives is listed among destinations offering visa-on-arrival access.
Nigerian citizens can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival, provided they meet the country’s entry requirements.
Travellers should still have the necessary travel documents and be prepared to provide evidence of sufficient funds and other information required by immigration authorities.
9. Mauritius
The popular island destination of Mauritius also offers Nigerian passport holders a visa-on-arrival route.
Current information lists stays of up to 14 days for Nigerian travellers using this arrangement.
As with other destinations, travellers should confirm the latest immigration requirements before departure.
10. Mozambique
Nigerian citizens can also travel to Mozambique using a visa-on-arrival arrangement.
Current passport information lists a stay of up to 30 days.
Travellers should verify the applicable conditions and documentation requirements before setting out.
11. Timor-Leste
Completing the list is Timor-Leste, where Nigerian passport holders are also listed as eligible for a visa on arrival.
The arrangement remains subject to the country’s prevailing immigration and entry requirements.
Visa on arrival does not mean visa-free travel
While visa-on-arrival arrangements can make international travel easier, they should not be confused with visa-free entry.
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A visa on arrival means the traveller may obtain the visa after reaching the destination, but immigration authorities can still require specific documents and proof of eligibility.
Requirements can also change, including permitted duration of stay, applicable fees, designated entry points and whether travellers need to complete an online process before departure.
For this reason, Nigerian travellers should confirm the latest requirements directly with the destination country’s embassy, immigration authority or official government travel portal before booking or boarding a flight.
The passport rules listed above are therefore best treated as a starting point for travel planning, rather than a guarantee of admission.