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🇳🇬Nigeria
🇨🇳ChinaNG-CN

Nigeria to China visa requirements

Nigerian ordinary passport holders need a visa to enter China for tourism. Nigeria is not covered by China's unilateral visa-free or 240-hour transit-free schemes, and Nigerian tourists must apply as part of an organized tour group of 5 or more. As of 30 May 2026, a Nigerian ordinary passport holder must obtain a Chinese tourist (L) visa before travelling. Nigeria is excluded from both China's unilateral 30-day visa-free policy and the expanded 240-hour transit visa-free policy — only Nigerian diplomatic and official passport holders enjoy a 30-day visa exemption. A notable restriction for Nigerian nationals: the L (tourist) visa is issued only to applicants who join an organized tour group of more than 5 people, supported by a tourism invitation letter from an authorized Chinese travel agency; individual tourist applications are generally not accepted. Applications are filed at the China Visa Application Center (CVAC) in Abuja or Lagos. Regular processing is about 4 working days, with paid express options. Fees are modest in Naira (single entry ₦10,500) but express handling fees are substantial.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Tourist visa (L) — visa required
Maximum stay
Up to 30 days per entry (set by consular officer)
per entry
Entries
Single, double, or multiple (6 or 12 months)
from issue date
Visa fee
₦10,500 (single entry) + CVAC service/express fees
consular fee only
Processing time
About 4 working days (regular)
standard track
Validity
Typically 3 months from issue (single/double); 6 or 12 months for multiple-entry
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Join an organized tour group
Nigerian tourists must travel with a group of more than 5 people and obtain a tourism invitation letter from an authorized Chinese travel agency. Individual L-visa applications are generally not accepted.
· Mandatory· Group of 5+
/02
Prepare documents
Gather a passport valid 6+ months with blank pages, the completed online visa application form (COVA), one recent color photo (33x48mm, white background), the tour invitation letter, and proof of funds and itinerary.
· Passport 6+ months· Photo 33x48mm
/03
Complete the online application form
Fill out the China Online Visa Application (COVA) form, print it, and sign it. Book an appointment at the China Visa Application Center.
· COVA form· Appointment
/04
Submit at CVAC Abuja or Lagos
Lodge your documents in person (biometrics may be required) at the China Visa Application Center in Abuja or Lagos, Monday-Friday, 09:00-15:00.
· In person· Abuja / Lagos
/05
Pay fees and choose processing speed
Pay the consular visa fee plus the CVAC service fee. Choose regular (about 4 working days) or paid express service.
· Visa + service fee
/06
Collect passport and verify the visa
Return to collect your passport. Check the entries, validity, and permitted stay printed on the visa before travelling.
· Verify details
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Nigeria -> China · Tourist visa (L) — visa required
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid 6+ months with at least two blank pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted and signed COVA online application form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredOne recent color photo, 33x48mm, white background
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredTourism invitation letter from an authorized Chinese travel agency
Signed or stamped letter with host contact details and visit arrangements
required
RequiredProof of organized tour group (5+ participants)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedRound-trip flight reservation and itinerary
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedHotel bookings for the entire stay
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedProof of sufficient funds (bank statements)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
recommended
RecommendedCopy of passport bio-data page
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
recommended
OptionalPrevious Chinese visas, if any
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
optional
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Official sourcesChinese Consulate Lagos — Visa Application Guidelines for Nigerian CitizensChinese Embassy in Nigeria — Apply for a Chinese VisaNational Immigration Administration (China) — Visa-Free Transit Policies
Application link included: Chinese Consulate Lagos — Visa Application Guidelines for Nigerian Citizens
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Single-entry visa₦10,500Consular fee per person
Double-entry visa₦15,750Consular fee per person
Multiple-entry (6 months)₦21,000Consular fee per person
Multiple-entry (12 months)₦31,500Consular fee per person
Express service₦116,900-₦149,000Optional 2-3 working day handling fee
Total estimate₦10,500 — ₦149,000incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Regular
About 4 working days
Standard processing after document submission at CVAC.
Express 2
3 working days
Faster handling for an added fee (about ₦116,900).
Express 1
2 working days
Fastest handling for the highest fee (about ₦149,000).
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Nigeria not on China's visa-free list
Nigerian ordinary passports are excluded from China's unilateral 30-day visa-free policy.
High
/02
Not eligible for 240-hour transit
Nigeria is not among the ~55 countries eligible for the 240-hour transit visa-free scheme.
High
/03
Tour group requirement
Nigerian tourists must apply through an organized group of 5+ with an agency invitation letter.
High
/04
Only diplomatic/official passports exempt
Only Nigerian diplomatic and official passport holders get a 30-day visa exemption.
Medium
/05
Express options carry high fees
Travelers in a hurry pay substantially more for express handling.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Use the foreign visitor lanes, keep hotel or invitation details handy, and make sure your entry purpose matches the visa-free category.
/02
Registration
Hotels normally register foreign guests automatically. If staying in a private residence, complete temporary residence registration with local police within 24 hours.
/03
Connectivity
Install maps, translation, and payment apps before travel. Some foreign services may not work reliably without roaming or a compliant VPN.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30
Nigeria to China route verified
Confirmed via the Chinese Consulate in Lagos and China's National Immigration Administration that Nigerian ordinary passport holders still require an L visa, are excluded from visa-free and 240-hour transit schemes, and must apply through an organized tour group of 5+.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can a Nigerian visit China without a visa?—
No. Ordinary Nigerian passport holders need a visa. Nigeria is not part of China's unilateral visa-free or 240-hour transit-free programs. Only diplomatic and official passport holders get a 30-day exemption.
Can I apply for a Chinese tourist visa as an individual?+
How long does processing take?+
How much does the visa cost?+
How long can I stay in China on a tourist visa?+
Where do I apply in Nigeria?+
/11 — Passport tools

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