Country guide · Nigerian passport
China entry rules for Nigerians
Whether you need a visa for China, what it is called, where to apply, roughly what it costs, the documents to carry, health rules, and the transit warnings on common routings.
This page covers the general rules. Your ticket may add more. Check your exact route and connections.
Do Nigerians need a visa for China?
Yes. You must hold a By purpose: L (tourism), M (business/trade), F (exchange), Z (work), Q/S (family), X (study). before you fly. Without it you are refused at check-in in Lagos or Abuja, not at the border.
What it is called
By purpose: L (tourism), M (business/trade), F (exchange), Z (work), Q/S (family), X (study).
For tourism, Nigerian citizens applying for an L visa must travel in a group of more than five people, and the group must submit a tourism invitation letter issued by an authorised travel agency in China. Individual tourist visas are effectively closed. Your passport needs at least six months remaining validity and blank visa pages.
Source: lagos.china-consulate.gov.cn · checked 2026-10-15
Where do you apply for a China visa in Nigeria?
Complete the online application first, then submit documents in person at a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Abuja or Lagos. Diplomatic and official visas go to the Embassy or Consulate directly.
Source: lagos.china-consulate.gov.cn · checked 2026-10-15
How does the China visa appointment work?
Book through the online visa application system, then attend the CVAC. The Lagos centre changed address in March 2026 — check the current one before travelling to it.
Source: lagos.china-consulate.gov.cn · checked 2026-10-15
How much does a China visa cost, and how long does it take?
Published by the Consulate per person, excluding CVAC service fees: single entry NGN 10,500; double entry NGN 15,750; multiple entry 6 months NGN 21,000; multiple entry 12 months NGN 31,500. Holders of Nigerian diplomatic or official passports are exempt from the visa fee. Confirm the current schedule before you pay.
Normally around 4 working days once submitted, subject to the visa officer.
Source: lagos.china-consulate.gov.cn · checked 2026-10-15
How much passport validity do you need for China?
At least 6 months left on the day you arrive. The airline checks this at the desk and will refuse you if it is short.
Source: lagos.china-consulate.gov.cn · checked 2026-10-15
What documents do you need to travel to China?
Online application form and printed confirmation Required
Source: ng.china-embassy.gov.cn · checked 2026-08-19
Passport Required
At least six months remaining validity and blank visa pages. A photocopy of the data page is also required.
Source: lagos.china-consulate.gov.cn · checked 2026-10-15
Passport photograph Required
One recent colour photo, white background, front-facing, bare-headed.
Source: lagos.china-consulate.gov.cn · checked 2026-10-15
Supporting documents for your category Required
Tourist, business and visit applications generally need an invitation letter, six months of bank statements, and proof of travel such as paid air tickets and hotel bookings.
Source: lagos.china-consulate.gov.cn · checked 2026-10-15
Invitation letter Required
From an authorised travel agency for tourism, or the inviting company for business. Repeat visitors may be exempt from the verification letter.
Source: ng.china-embassy.gov.cn · checked 2026-08-19
Online arrival card Required
Required since December 2025.
Source: s.nia.gov.cn · checked 2026-08-19
Are there health or vaccination requirements for China?
Yellow fever certificate to LEAVE Nigeria Mandatory
Travellers departing Nigeria must carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card). This applies to every international trip.
Source: porthealthservices.org.ng · checked 2026-10-15
Yellow fever certificate to enter China Mandatory
Required. China requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers aged 9 months and over arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, which includes Nigeria. It also applies if you transit more than 12 hours through an airport in such a country. Airline staff report it is not always checked in practice, but carry your yellow card — the requirement stands.
Source: travelhealthpro.org.uk · checked 2026-10-15
Other vaccinations Advised
None required beyond the yellow fever certificate above.
Source: cdn.who.int · checked 2026-10-15
Travel medical insurance Advised
Not listed among the required documents for a visitor visa.
Source: lagos.china-consulate.gov.cn · checked 2026-10-15
Do Nigerians need a transit visa for China?
Any onward route
Passengers can transit China without a visa for up to 24 hours with an onward ticket, obtaining an entry permit on arrival. This does not apply at Huangshan (TXN), Mudanjiang (MDG) or Urumqi (URC).
When it applies: Connecting through China within 24 hours
If ignored: Outside these conditions a visa is required.
Source: emirates.com · checked 2026-08-19
Check your own route to China
Enter your destination, your connections and your travel date. The check returns the blockers on that specific journey.
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Tell me when rules change for China
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