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Do Nigerian Citizens Need a Visa for Canada?

Checked October 19, 2026 · Nigerian ordinary passport · tourism and short visits

Short answer

Visa required

Yes, Nigerian citizens need a visa for Canada, applied for through an embassy, consulate or visa application centre before travel.

How to apply

Visa-exempt visitors flying to Canada need an eTA (Americans need only their passport).

Visa-required visitors apply online for a visitor visa and give biometrics.

Official website: Government of Canada – Visit Canada

Before you travel

  • Make sure your Nigerian passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and has blank pages.
  • Carry a return or onward ticket, your hotel booking and proof that you can pay for your stay; border officers can ask for them.
  • Check whether your airline needs to see your visa or authorization at check-in; many will refuse boarding without it.
  • Visas for work, study or long stays follow different rules from the tourist rules on this page.

Visa rules for Canada by passport

PakistanVisa required
IndiaVisa required
BangladeshVisa required
NigeriaVisa required
PhilippinesVisa required
EgyptVisa required
United StatesVisa-free · 180d
United KingdomeTA

Easier destinations for Nigerian passport holders

Popular places you can visit visa-free, with a visa on arrival or an eTA:

Maldives On arrival Sri Lanka eTA Kenya eTA Mauritius On arrival Seychelles 90d Cambodia On arrival

Frequently asked questions

Do Nigerian citizens need a visa for Canada?

Visa required. Yes, Nigerian citizens need a visa for Canada, applied for through an embassy, consulate or visa application centre before travel.

How long can Nigerian citizens stay in Canada?

The length of stay is set by the visa you are granted; tourist visas commonly allow 30 to 90 days.

Where do Nigerian citizens apply for a Canada visa?

Use the official website: Government of Canada – Visit Canada (www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html). Avoid unofficial sites that charge extra service fees.

How many countries can Nigerian passport holders visit without a visa?

Nigerian passport holders can visit 26 countries visa-free and 18 more with a visa on arrival or eTA.

Based on the Passport Index dataset with our verified corrections for recent rule changes, last reviewed October 19, 2026. Entry rules change often and depend on your passport, purpose of travel and onward tickets. Always confirm with the official website or embassy before you book.