Saudi Arabia receives many Nigerian visitors every year — mainly pilgrims for Umrah and Hajj, but also business travellers, families visiting relatives and tourists. The visa you need depends on why you are travelling, and Nigerians are not eligible for the standard tourist eVisa that many other nationalities use.
This guide explains the Saudi Arabia visa requirements for Nigerians in 2026: which visa fits your trip, the documents and vaccinations required, fees and recent rule changes.
Recent changes to know: Nigeria is not on Saudi Arabia’s 2026 tourist eVisa eligibility list. Since February 2025, Nigerians have generally been issued single-entry visas valid for 30 days, and tourist and family visit visas are usually paused during the Hajj season. Always confirm current rules with official Saudi channels or a licensed agency.
Which Saudi visa do Nigerians need?
| Purpose of travel | Visa type | How to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Umrah | Umrah visa | Through the Nusuk platform or a licensed Umrah agency, with an accommodation package |
| Hajj | Hajj visa | Through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), state pilgrims’ boards or licensed operators |
| Tourism | Tourist eVisa (only if you qualify through another visa) | Online, if you hold a valid US, UK or Schengen visa that has been used at least once |
| Visiting family | Family visit visa | Your relative in Saudi Arabia starts the request; you complete it through an authorised agency |
| Business | Business visit visa | Invitation from a Saudi company, processed through authorised channels |
| Work | Work visa | Arranged by your Saudi employer |
Umrah visa requirements for Nigerians
Umrah is the most common reason Nigerians visit Saudi Arabia. You can apply through the official Nusuk platform or a licensed Umrah agency. Since mid-2025, Umrah visas are issued together with confirmed accommodation, so you will need a hotel booking as part of your package.
Typical requirements:
- Nigerian passport valid for at least six months, with blank pages.
- Recent passport photograph with a white background.
- Confirmed accommodation in Makkah and Madinah.
- Return flight booking.
- Mandatory health insurance (usually included in the visa fee or package).
- Meningococcal (meningitis ACWY) vaccination certificate — required for pilgrims.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate — required for travellers from Nigeria.
Choose an agency licensed by the relevant authorities, get every promise in writing and confirm your hotel’s distance from the Haram before paying.
Tourist eVisa for Nigerians with other visas
Nigerians are not eligible for the standard tourist eVisa on their passport alone. However, Nigerians who hold a valid US, UK or Schengen visa that has been used at least once may qualify to apply online. The fee is about SAR 535, including mandatory medical insurance.
Approval is still at the discretion of Saudi immigration, so carry proof of your qualifying visa and travel history.
Family visit and business visas
Family visit visa: A relative living in Saudi Arabia — usually a Saudi citizen or a resident with a valid iqama — submits the invitation online. Once it is approved, you complete the visa process through an authorised agency or visa centre in Nigeria, which may include biometrics.
Business visit visa: You will need an invitation letter from the Saudi company you are visiting, a letter from your Nigerian employer and supporting company documents.
Hajj visa
Hajj visas are not issued like ordinary visas. Nigerian pilgrims register through NAHCON, their state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare board or a licensed private Hajj operator, and pay the Hajj fare announced for that year. Apply early, as seats are limited by Nigeria’s Hajj quota.
General documents for Saudi visas
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for at least six months, with at least two blank pages |
| Passport photo | Recent, white background, no glasses |
| Completed application | Online form or agency form, depending on the visa |
| Flight booking | Return or onward ticket |
| Accommodation | Hotel booking or host’s details |
| Vaccination certificates | Yellow fever for all travellers from Nigeria; meningitis ACWY for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims |
| Supporting letters | Invitation, employment or business letters, depending on the visa |
Saudi visa fees
| Visa | Approximate fee |
|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa (if eligible through another visa) | About SAR 535, including insurance |
| Umrah visa | Varies by package; includes visa fee and insurance, plus agency charges |
| Other visit visas | Depend on the visa type and agency or visa-centre charges |
For a full cost breakdown including flights and hotels, see how much it costs to travel to Saudi Arabia from Nigeria.
Rules to respect while in Saudi Arabia
- Overstaying your visa can lead to fines, detention and bans on future travel.
- Umrah visas are for pilgrimage — do not work while on a visit or Umrah visa.
- Dress modestly and follow local laws and customs, especially in Makkah and Madinah.
- Only Muslims may enter the holy city of Makkah.
Frequently asked questions
Can Nigerians get a Saudi eVisa?
Not on a Nigerian passport alone. Nigerians who hold a valid US, UK or Schengen visa that has been used at least once may qualify for the tourist eVisa.
How long is a Saudi visa valid for Nigerians?
Since February 2025, Nigerians have generally received single-entry visas valid for 30 days.
What vaccinations do I need for Umrah from Nigeria?
You need a yellow fever certificate and a meningococcal (ACWY) vaccination certificate. Check whether any other health requirements apply before you travel.
Can I perform Umrah during Hajj season?
Umrah visas are generally not issued for the Hajj period, and tourist and family visit visas are usually paused then too. Plan your Umrah outside the Hajj season.
Do I need an agent for an Umrah visa?
You can use the official Nusuk platform or a licensed agency. If you use an agency, make sure it is licensed and that your hotel and transport are clearly stated in writing.
Final word
Getting a Saudi visa as a Nigerian depends on choosing the right route for your purpose — Umrah, Hajj, family, business or, if you qualify, the tourist eVisa. Prepare your vaccinations early, use official or licensed channels and remember that most visas are now single-entry for 30 days.
Related guides: visa-free countries for Nigerians, Qatar visa requirements and can Nigerians travel to Dubai?
Last checked: October 2026. Sources: House of Saud visa guide, reports on Saudi Arabia’s 2026 tourist eVisa eligibility list and the February 2025 visa changes. Saudi visa rules change often, so confirm with official Saudi sources or a licensed agency before applying.
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