Visa-Free Countries for Nigerians

Do you know that not all countries require Nigerians to get a visa to travel to the country? Certainly, there are countries that Nigerians can visit even without getting a visa. As of January 2023, Nigerian passport holders can visit about 26 countries without having a visa. In this article, we would be unveiling some of the visa-free countries.

Visa-free Countries for Nigerians

1. Barbados

Nigerian passport holders can travel to Barbados without a visa. Barbados is an Eastern country in the Caribbean Island with its capital, Bridgetown. The country has a developed economy with beautiful sights. Its official language is English and so Nigerians would have no problems living in the country. Even though Barbados is a small country, it is known for its gorgeous scenery, lovely beaches and rich cultural heritage. It also has a tropical climate and is especially great for anyone seeking to bask in the sun and enjoy the sand and sea. The nightlife in Barbados is one to live for as there are lots of bars, clubs and restaurants offering local and international cuisine. Barbados is also known for its historical sights and wildlife.

While in Barbados, you can do water sports, shop as much as you like, visit wildlife reserves and many more.

2. Republic of Benin

This is another West African country that accepts Nigerian travellers even without a visa. The capital of this country is Porto Novo and its official language is French. Benin has a rich cultural heritage and is famous for its art, traditional dances, festivals and music. It is indeed a hub for commerce and tourism for foreigners. While at Benin, you can visit the wildlife reserve and forest areas. You can visit museums to learn more about the country’s cultural heritage. The beaches are beautiful and suitable for anyone seeking to relax and soak up the sun. Benin is definitely a fun place to visit as there are lots of amazing and adventurous things to do!

3. Cameroon

Cameroon is an African country that does not require a visa for Nigerian passport holders. It is known for its coastlines, beautiful landscapes, mountains, rainforest, beaches etc. Cameroon also has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its art, music, dances and festivals. The country is a unique mix of beauty, culture and development. While in Cameroon, you can visit national parks, wildlife reserves, beaches and marketplaces. You can blend with the natives and have a good conversation with them too.

4. Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is a country located in West Africa that doesn’t require Nigerian passport holders to have a visa. It is bordered by other African countries, including Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. Even though the country is not financially buoyant, there are still fun things you can do in the country while you are there. For instance, you can enjoy the country’s rich cultural heritage, explore the countryside, try local cuisines etc. The country is peaceful and it has welcoming citizens. However, the official language is French and you might want to learn a bit of French to enjoy your stay to the fullest.

5. Togo

Nigerians do not need a visa to enter Togo. Togo is a small country in West Africa that has a population of approximately 8 million people with its official language as French. Togo is famous for its diverse landscape, which consists of lovely beaches, forests, savannas, and hills. Nigerians who visit Togo can explore its capital city, Lomé, which is known for its vibrant markets and rich cultural heritage. Togo also has various national parks and wildlife reserves, including the Fazao-Malfakassa National Park, which is home to elephants, monkeys, and other wildlife. You would definitely love the Togolese as they are warm and hospitable. You can also try the country’s cuisine, which is influenced by both West African and French traditions and features tasty dishes like koklo meme, a spicy stew made with chicken and vegetables. You are certain to enjoy your time in this peaceful and welcoming country.

6. Ghana

Ghana is another visa-free country for Nigerian passport holders. This West African country has a population of approximately 31 million people and the official language is English making it easy for Nigerians to live. Ghana is famous for its lush tropical forests, rolling hills, and stunning beaches. Nigerian travellers can explore its rich history by visiting historical sites. Ghana is also famous for its vibrant cultural scene, including traditional music, dance, and festivals. The country is home to various ethnic groups, each with its own unique customs, traditions, and art. Ghana is also one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa and is known for its exports of gold, cocoa, and oil. Ghana is a good choice for anyone seeking to travel abroad without a visa.

7. Mali

You don’t need a visa to travel to Mali. Mali is a country located in West Africa and is known for its diverse landscape, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant music scene. The country is home to the desert landscape of the Sahara, lush savanna grasslands, traditional architecture and the Niger River. Despite facing poverty and political instability and other challenges, Mali is known for its hospitality and friendly people, who are deeply connected to their cultural traditions, including weaving, pottery, and music. At Mali, you can visit Tumbuktu, explore the desert, Bamako the capital city etc.

8. Liberia

Liberia is a visa-free country for Nigerians. It is a West African country bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire. Monrovia which is its capital city is home to the Liberia National Museum, with exhibits on national culture and history. The country is rich in culture as it has more than 30 ethnic groups, each with its own distinct language, customs, and traditions. While in Liberia, you can visit the Sapo National Park, the community of West Point, the Touba Mosque, the tribal villages, the Waterfall Hiking Trail, and explore the beaches among others.

9. Chad

A Nigerian passport holder does not need a visa to travel to Chad. Chad is a country in Africa bordered by Nigeria, Libya, Sudan, and Niger. Despite its economic challenges, Chad is blessed with natural resources, including oil, and is constantly working to develop its infrastructure, sectors and economy. While in Chad, you can visit the Zakouma National Park, and the Lake Chad region, explore the Ennedi Plateau, discover the history and culture of N’Djamena and enjoy local cuisines. Generally, Chad is a beautiful country that has a rich cultural heritage. The people there are receptive and welcoming to travellers.

10. Fiji

Fiji is an island country that Nigerians can travel to without a visa. It is a beautiful country located in the Pacific Ocean, known for its vibrant culture and amazing sights. The country is made up of many islands and is famous for its clear blue waters, white sand beaches, warm climate, lush green forests, and vibrant coral reefs. Fiji is a multicultural country with a unique blend of indigenous Fijian, Indian, and European influences. The country’s food, music, dance, and traditions should be explored while you are there. As a popular tourist destination, the country offers a range of activities such as scuba diving, hiking, sunbathing and more.

11. Cabo Verde

Cape Verde or Cabo Verde is an African country that does not require Nigerians to get a visa. With its capital city being Praia and its largest city being Mindelo, the country is a great place to spend leisure time and relax. The people there speak Portuguese and spend Cape Verdean escudo. The country is especially famous for its culture, music and dance. It also offers a range of exciting activities for travellers. For instance, you can visit beaches such as Santa Maria Beach and Boa Vista Beach where you can sunbathe and do water sports. You can also the historic cities of Cidade Velha and Mindelo which gives you a glimpse into the country’s past. You can also enjoy the nightlife, especially in Mindelo, go hiking in the mountains, and go diving.

12. Cook Islands

The Cook Islands is a small territory in New Zealand that permits Nigerians to travel into the country without a visa. The country has about 17,000 people and its official languages are English and Cook Islands Maori. The Cook Islands are famous for their stunning natural beauty, including lush tropical forests, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular travel destination for activities such as sunbathing, diving, fishing, and hiking. The country has a rich and unique culture, with traditional dance, music, and art still an important part of the lives of citizens. One fun to do is to learn about the history and culture of the islands by exploring museums, cultural centres, and local festivals.

13. Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d’Ivoire, is a country located in West Africa which is visa-free for Nigerians. It is bordered by Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana. The capital and largest city is Yamoussoukro, while the economic capital is Abidjan and the official language is French. Côte d’Ivoire is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a mix of African, European, and Middle Eastern. The country is also famous for its natural beauty, with tropical forests, stunning beaches, and a diverse landscape. Nigerian travellers can experience the local culture through music, dance, and festivals, as well as explore historic sites and cultural centres. Côte d’Ivoire is also a leading producer of coffee, cocoa, and palm oil, and has a developing economy. Although the country has many challenges it is facing, it is still a popular destination for tourists looking to experience Africa’s unique culture and natural beauty.

14. Haiti

Haiti is a Caribbean country located on the island of Hispaniola which is a visa-free country for Nigerians. Although this country is famous for its natural disasters and many challenges, it has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of African, French, and indigenous Taíno influences. In a bid to explore, you can experience the country’s culture through music, dance, and festivals, as well as visit historic sites and cultural centres. Haiti is also known for its stunning natural beauty, tropical forests, beautiful beaches, and mountain landscapes. You can also participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, bird watching, etc.

15. Niger

Niger is a country located in West Africa which does not require a visa for Nigerian passport holders. . It is bordered by Nigeria, Chad, Libya, Algeria, Mali and Burkina Faso. The capital of Niger is Niamey, its largest city is also Niamey and its official language is French. Niger is known for its diverse landscape which consists of the Sahara Desert, the Sahel, and the lush southern region which is along the Niger River. The country is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of African, Islamic, and European factors. Travellers especially Nigerians can experience the culture of Niger through music, dance, and festivals, as well as visiting historic sites and cultural centres. Niger is also famous for its wildlife, including many species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. In Niger, you can participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing, or visit protected areas such as national parks

Other countries that do not require a visa for Nigerians include:

• Niue
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Gambia
• Vanuatu

Countries that require a visa on arrival for Nigerians include:

• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Comoros
• Ethiopia
• Iran
• Lebanon
• Madagascar
• Maldives
• Mauritania
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Palau
• Rwanda
• Samoa
• Seychelles
• Somalia
• Timor-Leste
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• Countries that offer an electronic visa to Nigerians include:
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• Azerbaijan
• Colombia
• Djibouti
• Gabon
• Georgia
• Kenya
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Lesotho
• Moldova
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Qatar
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Suriname
• Tajikistan
• Türkiye
• Uzbekistan
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Conclusion

As a Nigerian, it is not all countries that you need a visa to enter. All you need to do is to have a valid passport ready and fulfil the requirements for the specific country you wish to travel to. This article has just shown you the visa-free countries for Nigerians and we hope you learnt a thing or two.