Nigeria Visa Requirements for Maritime Crew (2025 Guide)

Maritime crew entering Nigeria generally need one of three entry options: a Business Visa on Arrival, a Temporary Work Permit, or a Subject-to-Regularization visa. Which one applies depends on the length of stay and the nature of the assignment.

Business Visa on Arrival (BVoA)

The BVoA suits crew on short assignments, typically under a few weeks. It requires a pre-approval letter from Nigeria Immigration Service, a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Approval for the pre-arrival letter usually takes a few working days, and the visa itself is stamped on arrival at the airport.

Temporary Work Permit (TWP)

A TWP is needed for crew working in Nigerian waters for extended periods, since this counts as a work assignment rather than a short business visit. The application process typically takes about five to seven working days when documentation is complete, including a formal invitation from the sponsoring company and evidence of the specific offshore or vessel assignment.

Subject-to-Regularization (STR) Visa

The STR option allows crew to enter Nigeria while a fuller visa application is still being processed. It works well for urgent crew changes where waiting for standard visa processing would delay the vessel. Once in the country, the crew member or the sponsoring agent completes the remaining regularization steps.

Comparing the Three Options

• BVoA: best for short business visits under a few weeks.
• TWP: best for longer offshore or vessel work assignments.
• STR: best for urgent, time-sensitive crew changes.

Common Visa Application Mistakes

1. Submitting passport copies with less than six months validity.
2. Missing the formal invitation letter from the sponsoring company.
3. Applying for the wrong visa type for the length of stay.
4. Waiting until the week of travel to start the process.

CERPAC for Longer-Term Personnel

Crew or shore staff who remain in Nigeria beyond a temporary assignment may also need a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), which is a separate registration from the entry visa and applies to longer residency situations rather than short vessel calls.

PeaceRyde works directly with Nigeria Immigration Service processes to match crew to the correct visa category and keep documentation moving, so vessel operators avoid last-minute scrambling before a crew change.

Key Takeaways

• BVoA suits short business visits; TWP suits extended work assignments.
• STR visas allow entry while full documentation is still processing.
• TWP applications typically take five to seven working days.
• CERPAC applies to longer-term residency, not short crew changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which visa do most maritime crew use to enter Nigeria?

Most short-term crew use the Business Visa on Arrival, while crew on longer offshore assignments typically need a Temporary Work Permit instead.

How long does a Temporary Work Permit take to process?

A TWP generally takes about five to seven working days with complete documentation, though this can extend if the invitation letter or sponsor details are incomplete.

Can crew enter Nigeria before their visa is fully approved?

Yes, the Subject-to-Regularization visa allows entry while the full application is completed, which is useful for urgent or last-minute crew changes.

Is CERPAC required for a short vessel crew change?

No, CERPAC applies to longer-term residency in Nigeria, not to short-term crew changes covered by a BVoA or TWP.