Understanding Nigeria's designated ports of entry and landing card requirements is essential for e-visa holders to ensure smooth arrival and compliance with immigration procedures. The Nigeria Immigration Service has established specific entry points where e-visas are accepted and has implemented standardised landing card procedures that all international visitors must follow. Proper preparation for arrival procedures helps avoid delays, complications, and potential entry refusal despite holding valid travel authorisation.

Overview of Nigeria's Port of Entry System

• Nigeria operates a comprehensive network of international entry points that serve different regions of the country and accommodate various types of international travel. The port of entry system is designed to facilitate legitimate travel whilst maintaining security standards and efficient immigration processing.
• The designation of specific ports for e-visa acceptance reflects infrastructure capabilities, security arrangements, and staffing levels required to properly verify electronic visas and process international arrivals. Not all Nigerian entry points are equipped to handle e-visa verification, making it crucial for travellers to understand which locations accept their travel authorisation.
• The port of entry system is regularly reviewed and updated based on security assessments, infrastructure improvements, and changes in travel patterns. New ports may be added to the e-visa acceptance list as facilities are upgraded and staff are trained in electronic visa verification procedures.
• Understanding port of entry requirements is particularly important for travellers with complex itineraries, connecting flights, or specific regional destinations within Nigeria. Choosing the appropriate entry point can significantly impact travel convenience and onward journey planning.

Major International Airports

Nigeria's primary international airports serve as the main entry points for e-visa holders and offer the most comprehensive immigration facilities and services.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos)

Located in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) is the country's busiest international gateway and the primary entry point for business and leisure travellers. The airport handles the majority of international flights to Nigeria and maintains the most advanced e-visa verification systems.

The airport operates two main terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 (MMA2) for international operations. E-visa holders should ensure they arrive at the correct terminal based on their airline and flight details. The international terminal is equipped with modern immigration facilities, including electronic verification systems for e-visa processing.

Immigration processing at Lagos typically operates 24 hours a day to accommodate international flight schedules, though staffing levels may vary during overnight hours. Peak processing times occur during morning and evening hours when multiple international flights arrive simultaneously.

The airport provides comprehensive support services for international arrivals, including currency exchange, transportation options, and assistance for travellers with special needs. Ground transportation to Lagos city centre and other destinations is readily available through various options including taxis, ride-sharing services, and airport shuttles.

Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja)

Serving Nigeria's federal capital, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) is the second-largest international gateway and the primary entry point for government and diplomatic travel. The airport offers modern facilities and efficient immigration processing for e-visa holders.

The airport's strategic location in the federal capital makes it particularly convenient for business travellers with government meetings, diplomatic activities, or central Nigeria destinations. Immigration facilities are well-equipped with e-visa verification systems and experienced staff familiar with electronic visa procedures.

Processing times at Abuja are generally shorter than Lagos due to lower passenger volumes, though this can vary based on flight schedules and seasonal travel patterns. The airport maintains consistent staffing levels and operates immigration services to accommodate all scheduled international arrivals.

Ground transportation options from Abuja airport include taxis, car rentals, and hotel shuttles. The airport's location provides convenient access to the federal capital territory and surrounding regions of central Nigeria.

Port Harcourt International Airport

Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC) serves the oil-rich Niger Delta region and provides an important entry point for business travellers involved in Nigeria's petroleum industry. The airport accepts e-visas and maintains appropriate verification facilities.

The airport primarily serves regional and domestic flights but handles significant international traffic related to oil and gas operations. Immigration facilities are equipped to process e-visas, though staffing levels may be lower than the major hubs in Lagos and Abuja.

Business travellers to the Niger Delta region often find Port Harcourt more convenient than connecting through Lagos or Abuja, particularly for destinations in Rivers State and surrounding areas. The airport provides essential services for international arrivals, though options may be more limited than at larger facilities.

Kano International Airport

Kano International Airport (KAN) serves northern Nigeria and provides access to the region's commercial and cultural centres. The airport accepts e-visas and offers immigration services for international travellers.

The airport handles both international and domestic flights, with particular strength in routes connecting to Middle Eastern and North African destinations. Immigration facilities are equipped for e-visa processing, though passenger volumes are generally lower than southern airports.

Kano airport provides convenient access to northern Nigeria's major cities and cultural attractions, making it valuable for tourists interested in the region's historical sites and cultural experiences.

Seaports and Land Borders

While airports handle the majority of international arrivals, Nigeria also maintains designated seaports and land border crossings that accept e-visas under specific circumstances.

Lagos Seaports

• Apapa Port: Serves as a major entry point for maritime traffic and accepts e-visas for passengers arriving by sea. Primarily handles cargo operations but also processes cruise ship passengers and other maritime arrivals.
• Tin Can Island Port: Another key Lagos seaport accepting e-visas, equipped to process international maritime arrivals alongside cargo operations.
• Immigration Facilities: Seaport immigration is equipped to verify e-visas, though procedures may differ from airport operations. Passengers should allow additional time for processing and coordinate with port authorities regarding arrival procedures.
• Seaport Arrivals: Less common than airport entries, but important for cruise passengers, yacht owners, and other maritime travellers. Ports maintain appropriate security and immigration facilities for safe and efficient processing.

Selected Land Border Crossings

• Certain land border crossings with neighbouring countries are designated to accept e-visas, though the list of approved crossings is more limited than airport options. These crossings primarily serve regional travel and trade between Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.
• Land border procedures may involve additional documentation and verification steps compared to airport arrivals. Travellers planning to enter Nigeria by land should verify that their intended crossing point accepts e-visas and should prepare for potentially longer processing times.
• Border crossing facilities vary in their infrastructure and staffing levels, with major crossings offering more comprehensive services than smaller, remote locations. Travellers should research specific crossing requirements and operating hours before planning land-based entries.

Landing Card Requirements and Procedures

All international arrivals to Nigeria, including e-visa holders, must complete landing cards as part of the immigration entry process. Understanding landing card requirements and procedures helps ensure smooth processing upon arrival.

Landing Card Purpose and Function

Landing cards serve as official arrival documents that capture essential information about each visitor's entry to Nigeria. The information collected helps immigration authorities track visitor movements, verify travel purposes, and maintain security records.

The landing card system complements e-visa verification by providing additional data points for immigration officers to verify traveller identity and intentions. Information provided on landing cards is cross-referenced with e-visa details to ensure consistency and detect any discrepancies.

Landing cards also serve statistical purposes, helping the Nigeria Immigration Service track visitor patterns, popular destinations, and tourism trends that inform policy decisions and resource allocation.

Required Information

Landing cards require comprehensive personal and travel information that must be completed accurately and legibly. Required information typically includes full name as shown in passport, passport number and nationality, date and place of birth, and occupation or profession.

Travel-related information includes flight number and origin, intended length of stay, purpose of visit, and accommodation details in Nigeria. Some landing cards may request information about previous visits to Nigeria or other countries in the region.

Contact information requirements include address in home country, local contact information in Nigeria, and emergency contact details. This information helps authorities reach travellers if necessary and provides backup verification of travel legitimacy.

Completion Guidelines

Landing cards must be completed in block letters using black or blue ink to ensure legibility for processing and record-keeping purposes. Electronic or digital completion may be available at some airports with advanced systems.

All information must match exactly with passport details and e-visa information to avoid processing delays or complications. Any discrepancies between documents may trigger additional questioning or verification procedures.

Incomplete or illegible landing cards will be returned for correction, potentially causing delays in immigration processing. Travellers should take time to complete cards carefully and review all information before submission.

Distribution and Collection

Landing cards are typically distributed during flights by cabin crew or are available at immigration counters upon arrival. Some airlines provide cards during check-in or boarding processes to allow completion during travel.

Completed landing cards are collected by immigration officers during the entry interview process. Officers may ask questions about information provided on the card and may request clarification or additional documentation.

Travellers should retain any receipt portions of landing cards as these may be required for departure procedures or other administrative purposes during their stay in Nigeria.

Immigration Processing Procedures

Understanding the step-by-step immigration processing procedures helps e-visa holders navigate arrival requirements efficiently and avoid common delays or complications.

Document Preparation

Before approaching immigration counters, travellers should prepare all required documents including passport, printed e-visa, completed landing card, and any supporting documentation that may be requested. Having documents organised and readily accessible speeds processing and demonstrates preparation.

E-visa printouts should be clear and legible, with all information visible and properly formatted. Immigration officers need to verify e-visa details against passport information and may request additional copies if the original is unclear.

Supporting documents may include return flight tickets, hotel reservations, invitation letters, or financial documentation, depending on the purpose of visit and specific circumstances. While not always requested, having these documents available demonstrates thorough preparation.

Queue Management and Processing

Most Nigerian airports use queue management systems that direct passengers to appropriate immigration counters based on passport type, visa category, and other factors. E-visa holders typically use the same queues as other visa holders rather than special e-visa lines.

Processing times vary based on arrival volumes, staffing levels, and individual case complexity. Peak arrival times, particularly when multiple international flights arrive simultaneously, may result in longer queues and processing delays.

Immigration officers conduct individual interviews with each traveller, reviewing documents, asking questions about travel purpose and plans, and verifying information consistency. Cooperation and clear, honest responses help expedite this process.

Verification Procedures

Immigration officers use electronic systems to verify e-visa authenticity and validity, checking against central databases to confirm approval status and detect any fraudulent documents. This verification process is typically quick but may take longer if technical issues arise.

Biometric verification may be conducted, including fingerprint scanning and photograph comparison to verify traveller identity and prevent document fraud. These procedures are standard security measures and should not cause concern for legitimate travellers.

Additional questioning may occur if officers identify discrepancies, have security concerns, or need clarification about travel plans. Honest, detailed responses help resolve any concerns and complete the entry process successfully.

Special Considerations and Circumstances

Certain travellers may face special considerations or requirements during the port of entry process that require additional preparation or documentation.

Understanding Nigeria's port of entry requirements and landing card procedures ensures that e-visa holders can complete their arrival process smoothly and begin their visit to Nigeria without unnecessary delays or complications. Proper preparation, accurate documentation, and cooperation with immigration procedures contribute to positive arrival experiences and successful visits to this vibrant West African nation.