Five countries that offer five-year multiple-entry visas to Nigerians

DDM News

A growing number of countries are now offering five-year multiple-entry visas to Nigerian citizens, enhancing global mobility and cutting application stress.

This development has been welcomed by Diaspora digital media (DDM), a UK-based Nigerian media company advocating for easier travel access for African nationals.

Reports published on Friday, June 6, 2025, by Vanguard reveal that these long-term visas are gaining popularity among Nigerian businesspeople, tourists, and diaspora families.

The five-year visa arrangement allows approved individuals to make repeated entries into certain countries without having to reapply for a visa each time.

It saves both time and money while offering greater convenience in international travel planning.

Several nations have adopted this policy as part of broader diplomatic, economic, or tourism-based strategies.

From North America to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, these multi-year visas are enabling stronger people-to-people connections.

For Nigerian citizens with regular international obligations or those seeking greater travel freedom, this is a welcome shift in policy.

Here are five countries currently offering five-year multiple-entry visas to qualified Nigerian applicants:

United States

The United States remains a top destination for Nigerian travellers seeking business, leisure, or family visits.

Nigerians can apply for the B1/B2 visa category, which combines business and tourism under one visa.

The B1/B2 visa is valid for up to five years and allows multiple entries throughout the visa’s duration.

While holders may travel frequently, each visit generally permits a stay of no more than six months.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, however, retain discretion at the point of entry to decide the allowed duration of stay.

Applicants for the U.S. visa must demonstrate strong social, economic, and familial ties to Nigeria.

A clear travel itinerary, previous international travel records, and financial capacity often increase approval chances.

The visa application process is standardized, involving an online DS-160 form, visa fee payment, and a U.S. embassy interview.

Over the years, the U.S. has remained Nigeria’s largest non-African travel destination due to education, diaspora ties, and economic interests.

Schengen Area

The Schengen Zone, encompassing 29 European countries, offers multiple-entry visas to Nigerian applicants with credible travel histories.

This visa allows entry into any Schengen member state without needing separate visas for each country.

Nigerians who have previously travelled to Europe and complied with visa regulations often stand a better chance of receiving a five-year multiple-entry visa.

However, the 90/180 rule applies, which limits total stay to 90 days within any 180-day period.

This limitation prevents long-term relocation under the guise of tourism or business travel.

The application process for Schengen visas includes submitting proof of accommodation, travel insurance, financial means, and a return ticket.

Consulates may also require employment verification, tax records, or business documents.

The visa promotes tourism, cultural exchange, and easier participation in international conferences and events.

Countries like France, Germany, and the Netherlands are known to grant long-duration Schengen visas to eligible Nigerian travellers.

South Africa

South Africa has made diplomatic overtures to Nigeria by offering five-year multiple-entry visas to Nigerian nationals.

The policy is targeted at tourists and business travellers who need regular access to South African cities.

Applicants are not always required to submit their passports physically during the application process, thanks to digital verification improvements.

This streamlined system is intended to boost cooperation between the two regional giants of Africa.

South Africa views the initiative as a way to encourage trade, investment, and human capital flow between the nations.

Travellers who engage in regular business trips, family visits, or academic engagements are most likely to benefit.

While the visa grants flexibility in entries, each visit must comply with stay limits determined by immigration officers.

It represents a major shift in visa policy, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and ease movement within the continent.

The move aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement’s objective of increased regional mobility.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The United Arab Emirates is offering a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa to applicants from all countries, including Nigeria.

To qualify, Nigerian applicants must submit a valid passport, recent passport photograph, and proof of financial sufficiency.

A bank statement showing a minimum balance of $4,000 over the last six months is often required.

Medical insurance coverage and accommodation details are also mandatory during the application.

Each entry under the five-year visa allows a stay of up to 90 days, which can be extended if needed.

The UAE visa policy supports tourism, business tourism, and repeat visitors, especially those with interests in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Applicants can use the UAE’s online visa portal or licensed agents to apply.

This development follows earlier tensions between Nigeria and the UAE over flight and visa restrictions.

The five-year visa signals a thaw in relations and a renewed commitment to stronger bilateral cooperation.

Nigerians frequently travel to the UAE for leisure, conferences, real estate investments, and shopping.

Kenya

Kenya now grants long-term multiple-entry visas, up to five years, to Nigerian travellers with solid reasons for repeat visits.

Though standard Kenyan eVisas are typically valid for short stays, the extended version is available on request.

Frequent business travellers, consultants on long-term projects, and those with family ties in Kenya are often considered.

Applicants must submit supporting documents, such as business invitations, marriage certificates, or proof of property ownership.

The application can be made through the official eVisa portal or at immigration offices with proper documentation.

Kenya’s open-visa policy reflects its leadership in East Africa’s regional integration and digital transformation efforts.

The five-year visa provides immense convenience for Nigerian entrepreneurs with cross-border businesses in Nairobi and Mombasa.

It also supports academic partnerships, tech exchange, and religious pilgrimages.

This initiative complements the African Union’s agenda of a borderless continent for African nationals.

Conclusion

Five-year multiple-entry visas represent a significant shift in global mobility for Nigerian travellers.

These visas reduce administrative burden and offer flexibility in planning repeated international trips.

They are especially useful for those attending global conferences, running international businesses, or managing cross-border family obligations.

DDM continues to advocate for better travel frameworks for Nigerians in the diaspora and those still based at home.

The availability of these visas reflects a growing recognition of Nigeria’s global relevance and mobility needs.

However, applicants must still fulfill each country’s requirements and be ready for strict immigration assessments upon arrival.

Strong documentation, a legitimate reason for travel, and proof of ties to Nigeria are essential for success.

Travellers are advised to seek verified information and apply through official visa portals or embassies.

As more countries adopt long-term visa policies, Nigerians may find greater ease in pursuing global opportunities.

These options also foster international cooperation and economic interdependence between Nigeria and its travel partners.

International travel no longer needs to be a tedious, repetitive process for eligible Nigerians with the right documents and intentions.

With five-year multiple-entry visas now accessible, global access is becoming a realistic goal for more citizens.

For the average Nigerian traveller, these developments could represent a new era of global integration and ease of movement.

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