How To Apply For Nigerian Diplomatic Visa

Nigeria has created diplomatic visas for representatives or foreign diplomats working in the name of their government in another country.

The visa is designed to provide the necessary support needed by these diplomatic officials while they are on their short-term visit to Nigeria.

A diplomatic visa is a unique kind of visa with quite a lot of immunity. Applicants for this visa class should get detailed information before filling out the necessary forms.

Diplomatic visas have been a part of the visa process for decades, but they received a lot more attention in recent years. The Diplomatic Visas Act of 2018 introduced the idea that diplomatic visas would be granted to all eligible applicants and those who are willing to pay for them.

 

How To Apply For a Nigerian Diplomatic Visa

 

This article will provide detailed information on how to apply for a Nigerian diplomatic visa, including their essential requirement and general knowledge, among others.

 

Requirements for Applying For a Nigerian Diplomatic Visa

 

To apply for the Nigerian diplomatic visa, you need to possess the documents below;

 

• Passport of diplomat/official valid for at least six months with at least two blank pages (if the dependent relative of diplomat/official has a standard passport, the embassy can accept it)

• Two (2) recent passport photographs of the size 35/40mm

• Note Verbale from the applicant’s Foreign Ministry home country or appropriate International Organization. (The Note Verbale is used to acquire an authorization letter from the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• Printout of the Online Payment Acknowledgement slip

• Printout of completed Online Visa Application form

 

Process of Applying For the Nigerian Diplomatic Visa

 

The step-by-step procedures for applying for a Nigerian diplomatic visa include the following;

 

Step 1: Get Together Requirements

Bring a copy of the Visa Approval Letter presented to your employer and get ready all additional documents/requirements as mentioned above.

Step 2: Make an Online Application

Fill out the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) Online Visa Application form and print out the completed form. 

Step 3: Make Stipulated Payment

In the same online portal you used in step 2, pay online and print out your proof of payment.

Step 4: Attach 2 Passport Photographs 

Attach 2 Passport Photographs of 35/40mm on a white background without covering the face or the head.

Step 5: Submit the Application Form

After completing the Nigerian diplomatic visa application form, submit it while attaching the requirements only to the Nigerian Mission.

Step 6: Attend the Nigerian Diplomatic Visa Interview 

There are situations where the Nigerian consular may demand that you have an oral interview with him after you have filled in the necessary documents. Such cases include if you are applying for the first time or depending on the visa type you want to acquire.

It is advisable to equip yourself with sound knowledge of the office you represent, your traveling purpose, and other things.

 

Eligibility of the Nigerian Diplomatic Visa

 

Below is the list of travelers eligible and allowed to apply for the Nigerian Officials/Diplomatic Visa;

• Visiting Statesmen/Stateswomen and their families

• United Nations / International Agencies Diplomatic Passport and Laisser Passez Holders

• Accredited Diplomats and their families

• Top Government officials and their families

• Non-Accredited Diplomats can as well apply for a particular class of visa.

The Nigerian Officials/Diplomatic Visa or residence permit is only obtainable to qualified diplomatic passport holders who complete the necessities.

 

Classes of Nigerian Diplomatic/Official Visas

 

The various classes of diplomatic/official visas are mentioned below in detail;

 

1. Diplomatic Visa (Non- accredited) – F2A

2. Accredited Diplomat Visa – R1A

 

Diplomatic Visa (Non- accredited) – F2A

 

A diplomatic (non-accredited) Visa is a single-entry short visit visa (SVV) for Diplomats who are not accredited but desire to go to Nigeria for business or any other official purpose. 

 

Therefore, only Non-Accredited Diplomats coming for temporary work are eligible for this visa class.

 

Requirements for Diplomatic (Non-accredited) Visa – F2A

 

The requirement for a Diplomatic (Non-accredited) Visa is a diplomatic/official passport with at least a validity of six months. The Diplomatic (Non-accredited) Visa is valid for up to 90 days from the date of issuance.

 

Holders of the F2A Visa are permitted only to attend meetings, conferences, and seminars. However, they are restricted from employment, stay beyond 90 days, and can only apply through the embassy.

 

Accredited Diplomat Visa – R1A

The second class of Nigerian diplomatic visas is the Accredited Diplomat Visa – R1A. This kind of visa is issued only to accredited diplomats in Nigeria.

The Accredited Diplomat Visa- R1A is a Temporary Residence Visa valid for no more than 90 days from the date of issuance. The Diplomatic Work permit lasts for two years and is renewable.

 

Requirements for the Accredited Diplomat Visa – R1A include;

• Diplomatic Passport

• Letter from Nigeria Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Holders of the Accredited Diplomat Visa – R1A can take on any Diplomatic Work or activities in Nigeria, and there are no restrictions on any activity. Diplomats can apply for this class of visa at the embassy.

 

Other classes of Nigerian Diplomatic/Official Visas include;

• Spouse of Accredited Diplomat – R1B

• Dependant of Diplomat (Minor) Visa- R1C

• Dependant of Diplomat (18 years and above) Visa- R1D

• Dependant of Diplomat – Aged Parents (65 years and above) Visa- R1E

 

Additional Information

In Nigeria and other parts of the world, the categories of visas fall according to their purpose; a visa for business is quite different from that of tourism, diplomatic, or temporary working permit.

It is unlawful to use a visa designed for a particular purpose for a different purpose. 

 

However, some situations may allow a person to use a visa intended for a particular purpose to achieve two or more things simultaneously.

For instance, a business visa that allows him to stay for three months can also achieve his tourism need by visiting any tourist centers within the specified period.

 

What is a Diplomatic Visa?

A diplomat is a representative of a sovereign nation in another country. A diplomat visa is a traveling document issued explicitly to top government officials, their families, members of international organizations, and other related persons.

 

This type of visa is reserved solely for high government officials representing the country in various capacities in other countries like Ambassadors, High commissioners, and related others who fall under this category of persons qualified for a diplomatic visa.

 

Obtaining a diplomatic visa in Nigeria is more technical than other visa types. It requires very few but essential things for qualified persons to get one.

 

Conclusion

Many Nigerians, including diplomats, find it difficult to obtain a visa before internet technology. With the advancement in information technology, things are done much easier than before and the process of obtaining a visa is now much smoother.

 

Diplomats who need Nigeria diplomatic visa can quickly obtain one following the guideline established above.