This guide is based on the Chinese government, embassy and visa centre pages listed at the end, checked on 2026-10-20. Tables and worksheets are VisaPilot preparation methods, not an official checklist.
Do Nigerians need a visa for China?
Nigeria is not on China's 30-day unilateral visa-free list or on the 57-country list for 240-hour visa-free transit, so a trip to mainland China needs a visa in advance. The one exception open to every nationality is 24-hour direct transit: with a confirmed onward ticket you may stay up to 24 hours in the airport restricted area without a visa.
Holders of diplomatic or official passports follow separate rules and apply through the embassy, not the visa centre.
Where to apply
Ordinary passport holders apply at the China Visa Application Centre (CVAC) for their consular district:
| Centre | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Abuja | Churchgate Plaza, Central Business Area, FCT | 09:00–15:00, Monday to Friday |
| Lagos | The Manor, Lekki Phase 1 | 09:00–15:00, Monday to Friday |
The embassy guideline says you can go to the centre during working hours to submit documents, pay and give fingerprints, after completing the online application form. Holders of diplomatic or official passports apply through the embassy in Abuja or the consulate-general in Lagos instead. Processing normally takes 4 working days.
Documents for every application
- Original passport valid for at least six more months with blank visa pages, plus a copy of the data page.
- Printed online application form and confirmation, and one recent colour photo with a white background, bare head and front view.
Extra documents by visa type
| Visa | Purpose | What the embassy lists |
|---|---|---|
| M | Business and trade | Invitation letter, plus an Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Unit (TE) or verification letter processed by the Chinese host; six months of bank statements; paid air ticket and hotel booking. Frequent previous visitors may be exempt from the TE letter. |
| F | Exchanges, visits, study tours | Same as M |
| L | Tourism | Travel in a tour group of more than five people, with an invitation letter from an authorised Chinese travel agency |
| Q1 / Q2 | Family of Chinese citizens or permanent residents | Invitation from the relative, copy of their ID or passport and residence permit, and proof of kinship; documents not issued in China need consular authentication |
| S1 / S2 | Family of foreigners working or studying in China | Host's passport and residence permit, invitation letter, kinship documents |
| X1 / X2 | Study | Admission notice, JW201 or JW202 form (X1), academic qualifications authenticated by the Ministry of Education, proof of funds and a medical form |
| Z | Work | Work permit notification letter and employer invitation; over 90 days also six months of income proof |
The tour group rule matters most for individual travellers: the embassy guideline does not list an individual tourist route for Nigerian citizens. Business travellers should start the TE or verification letter with the Chinese company early, because it is processed in China.
Fees
Reduced visa fees for Nigerian applicants, extended until 31 December 2026, excluding CVAC service charges:
| Visa | Fee (naira) |
|---|---|
| Single entry | 10,500 |
| Double entry | 15,750 |
| Multiple entry, six months | 21,000 |
| Multiple entry, one year | 31,500 |
Holders of D, J1, Q1, S1, X1 and Z visas must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry, and most of them also need a consular-authenticated Nigerian police certificate, so prepare it before you travel.
Pre-submission worksheet
Copy this list and fill it in for your own application.
Visa type: [M / F / L group / Q2 / S2 / ...] Centre: [Abuja / Lagos] Passport valid until: [date] Blank pages: [number] Online form printed and signed: [yes / no] M / F: invitation letter + TE or verification letter received: [yes / pending] Bank statements, last six months: [ready?] Air ticket and hotel booking match the form dates: [yes / no] L: tour group of more than five, agency invitation: [ready?] Open questions: [list]
Common questions
Do Nigerians need a visa for China?
Yes. Nigeria is not on the 30-day visa-free or 240-hour transit lists. Diplomatic and official passport holders are exempt for stays of up to 30 days, but ordinary passport holders need a visa.
Can a Nigerian get a China tourist visa alone?
The embassy guideline lists the L visa only for tour groups of more than five people with an invitation letter from an authorised Chinese travel agency. Individual travellers usually apply under the category that matches their real purpose, such as business.
What is a TE letter for a China business visa?
An Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Unit, or a verification letter, that the Chinese host processes with Chinese authorities. The embassy lists it, together with the company's own invitation letter, for M and F visas from Nigeria.
How much is a China visa in Nigeria?
Until 31 December 2026: 10,500 naira for a single entry, 15,750 for a double entry, 21,000 for six-month multiple entry and 31,500 for one-year multiple entry, plus CVAC service charges.
How long does a China visa take in Nigeria?
The embassy says normally 4 working days after submission, subject to the visa officer's decision. Allow extra time for the TE letter, which is processed in China before you apply.
Official sources and check dates
- Embassy of China in Nigeria: Chinese visa application guidelines for Nigerian citizens · 2026-10-20
- Embassy of China in Nigeria: Notice on extension of visa-fee reduction policy · 2026-10-20
- National Immigration Administration: Visa-free transit policies · 2026-10-20
- Embassy of China in Canada: Unilateral visa-free policy (单方面免签) · 2026-10-20
Official instructions take priority. Requirements differ between embassies, consulates and visa centres, so check the page for the place where you will apply. VisaPilot is an independent document preparation and review service, not affiliated with the Chinese government, embassies or visa centres. This guide does not assess eligibility or predict a decision.
Next step: check your own documents
Lay out your invitation letter, TE or verification letter, bookings and bank statements side by side, then request a free human check.