A South African woman living abroad has taken to social media to express her astonishment at the high cost of obtaining a Nigerian tourist visa, revealing she paid a substantial $314 (approximately N447,500) for a single-entry permit.
Visa Approval Comes With a Sticker Shock
The traveler, who uses the TikTok handle @nontoliofficial, shared her experience in a video. While she celebrated the approval of her visa application, she could not hide her dismay at the price tag. She described it as the most expensive visa she has ever had to pay for.
"Please tell me why I had to pay $314 for a single entry," she lamented in the video. Despite the cost, she acknowledged her desire to visit Nigeria, stating, "Yeah, I am not happy about that, but I am the one who wants to go to Nigeria. So, I am going to do the right thing and pay for the visa."
A Dream to Experience the "Giant of Africa"
The woman confirmed that her visa was granted without issues ("no wahala") and that her countdown to visiting Nigeria has begun. She listed the West African nation as a key destination on her 2026 travel to-do list.
Explaining her motivation, the South African, who grew up at home but now resides overseas, said she has always dreamed of traveling across Africa. For her Nigerian trip, she is keen to immerse herself in the local scene. "I am ready to experience the culture, I am ready to experience the arts, I am ready to see fashion," she said. She emphasized that most importantly, she wants to "see Nigeria through the eyes of the local."
Official Fees and Public Reaction
The official website of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) does not explicitly state the fee for a tourist visa. However, online reports and applicant experiences suggest the official cost for a Short Visit Visa (SVV) with single entry typically involves a visa fee plus processing charges, often ranging between $100 (N142,500) and $160 (N228,000), though this can vary by application location.
The South African lady's revelation sparked a flurry of reactions online, with many users comparing visa costs and sharing their own experiences:
- Anko Frank questioned: "Did you find out how much a Nigerian pays to your country? Cause I paid less than 150USD before arrival."
- KG shared a different figure: "On my passport visa to nigeria cost $55 + $20 transaction fee +$50 administration fee...in total $125."
- Ania Zaganczyk cited an even higher cost from the UK: "My visa was £260. also yellow fever vac £70. im here now and im loving it.vibe and so much love."
- Another user, reallynarrowtattoostudio, challenged the amount: "It's a joke. Tourist visa to Nigeria is $51 plus fee $20-$30. I just checked on official website."
The discussion highlights the varying experiences and potential additional fees applicants may encounter when applying for a Nigerian tourist visa from different countries.
