Nigeria Tourist VISA

[foreignnaijawife 17]

I just heard in my travel group that in order to receive a Nigerian tourist visa that you have to appear in person at OIS for biometrics. I’ve always submitted my application by mail? Is this true? Does the embassy really expect people to travel for all over the US to Atlanta for a tourist visa?

[Roel 7,193]

Probably not all over the USA since you can't get a tourist visa from within the US.

 

Edit. Oops! Sorry didn't realize OP is asking for a visa to visit Nigeria lol.  

Edited February 7, 2018 by Roel

[KazuriSana 324]

Maybe they are reciprocating 'in kind.'

 

To get a tourist visa to the US, you have to appear in person at the US embassy.

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

Each country can make their own specific requirements. Obviously can't verify this one way or another on my end; but I have had to go in person for literally a 5 minute finger printing for a work visa in Angola, Africa at the embassy in Houston (I didn't live in Houston area at that time).. twice. So definately hope some others with experience about Nigeria specifics can give you the answer.

Edited February 7, 2018 by Ben&Zian

[dwheels76 5,468]

4 hours ago, foreignnaijawife said:

I just heard in my travel group that in order to receive a Nigerian tourist visa that you have to appear in person at OIS for biometrics. I’ve always submitted my application by mail? Is this true? Does the embassy really expect people to travel for all over the US to Atlanta for a tourist visa?

Yes it's true. No longer applications sent by us to embassy. There are 5  OIS centers in US now. Los Angeles, CA., Houston, Atlanta, DC and New York. Started in November.
If you go through cibtvisas.com no visits is allowed but they have their Visa fee. One of the wives just did it and paid $400 for their processing.

 

The application process is still the same you go online fill in, pay the $180 fee print then take to the OIS office. There you pay $90 for processing. If you want it expedited it's $65 more. Slso bring self address envelope for mailing back. Takes about 10 to 14 days to get back.

[foreignnaijawife 17]

I’m just in awe. This is really going to drop tourism from America. 

[Sparky223 16]

I'm in Atlanta right now. Flew in from Denver and went to the OIS services yesterday. All this for 10 minutes there and getting fingerprinted. For what it's worth the cost of a multiple entry visa is the same as a single entry visa and is good for 2 years.

Edited February 9, 2018 by Sparky223
added info

[dwheels76 5,468]

13 hours ago, Sparky223 said:

I'm in Atlanta right now. Flew in from Denver and went to the OIS services yesterday. All this for 10 minutes there and getting fingerprinted. For what it's worth the cost of a multiple entry visa is the same as a single entry visa and is good for 2 years.

And now you have to pay that $90 on top of the $180 application fee. Lordy.

[Sparky223 16]

Just now, dwheels76 said:

And now you have to pay that $90 on top of the $180 application fee. Lordy.

Yup. Plus $377 to fly my son and I to Atlanta. Money I could have spent in Nigeria. Lol

[Adaezze 23]

I had to do it for my son in the beginning of January in Houston.  Before you go, please get everything on the list.  I told them I wasn't going to purchase tickets before the interview because I wanted to wait until he gets the visa in hand, but they still made me get an itinerary with our names printed on it for measure.  They are helpful and friendly but I do agree that it is displeasing to have to travel to go through this ordeal.  I was told it is to crack down on the fraudulent affairs associated with Nigeria.  Good luck!

[Bill Jones 150]

31 minutes ago, Adaezze said:

I had to do it for my son in the beginning of January in Houston.  Before you go, please get everything on the list.  I told them I wasn't going to purchase tickets before the interview because I wanted to wait until he gets the visa in hand, but they still made me get an itinerary with our names printed on it for measure.  They are helpful and friendly but I do agree that it is displeasing to have to travel to go through this ordeal.  I was told it is to crack down on the fraudulent affairs associated with Nigeria.  Good luck!

wow so we can no longer go through online, we have to go in an get a visa for Nigeria.. wow thanks for telling me this how long does it take? Im traveling by Mid march but wont be getting my ticket until end of February is there an expedite option? I do have to purchase my ticket correct ahead of time? thanks in advance

[Adaezze 23]

25 minutes ago, Ada Jerome said:

wow so we can no longer go through online, we have to go in an get a visa for Nigeria.. wow thanks for telling me this how long does it take? Im traveling by Mid march but wont be getting my ticket until end of February is there an expedite option? I do have to purchase my ticket correct ahead of time? thanks in advance

I didn't purchase the tickets, I just put them in the cart and proceeded up until checkout.  I can say it is a quick process, so if you purchase your tickets in February, you'll still have your visa before you travel.  We finished our process on a Wednesday and I had my son's visa maybe that Tuesday.  Get the two year entry just in case.  I got mines last year and I'm so glad I opted for the two year visa so I would not have to go through this again.  When you do go, try to go on a Monday or Tuesday.  That way you'll probably have it by Friday.

[Bill Jones 150]

2 hours ago, Adaezze said:

I didn't purchase the tickets, I just put them in the cart and proceeded up until checkout.  I can say it is a quick process, so if you purchase your tickets in February, you'll still have your visa before you travel.  We finished our process on a Wednesday and I had my son's visa maybe that Tuesday.  Get the two year entry just in case.  I got mines last year and I'm so glad I opted for the two year visa so I would not have to go through this again.  When you do go, try to go on a Monday or Tuesday.  That way you'll probably have it by Friday.

ohh awesome what is the website you went to for the visa ? i had used one in new york for ghana last year it took about a week an it was like 500$.....i wonder if I go through them will it be the same i keep hearing different stories thank you so much,,, its just that i cant take off work as much since im already booked for my vacation time to leave 

[Adaezze 23]

6 minutes ago, Ada Jerome said:

ohh awesome what is the website you went to for the visa ? i had used one in new york for ghana last year it took about a week an it was like 500$.....i wonder if I go through them will it be the same i keep hearing different stories thank you so much,,, its just that i cant take off work as much since im already booked for my vacation time to leave 

I would advise you to take one day off to handle it. I see you filed from Alabama to you may better to do it in Atlanta because Houston is just going to send it there anyway.  Provide the documents they request and you'll probably get it in 2-3 business days.

https://www.oisservices.com/

[dwheels76 5,468]

On 2/10/2018 at 8:30 AM, Ada Jerome said:

wow so we can no longer go through online, we have to go in an get a visa for Nigeria.. wow thanks for telling me this how long does it take? Im traveling by Mid march but wont be getting my ticket until end of February is there an expedite option? I do have to purchase my ticket correct ahead of time? thanks in advance

No you still go online fill out application and pay as usual. It's no more we mail application and passport to Embassy. Either go through OIS office or go through a Visa processing company where the Biometrics is not asked for but you have their fee to deal with but for those that have big flight money or pay that $200 to $400 for Visa company it may well be worth t.

 

CIBTVISAS.com  is one of the companies that a friend of mine just used and went to Nigeria last week.. NO issues she paid $350