If you’re like me, a curious Nigerian soul with a burning passion for travel, then you’ve probably found yourself asking, “Where can I travel without the visa drama?” This has been my thought lately, especially when it comes to exploring Asia. Goodnews, these visa free Asian countries are perfect for Nigerian passport holders.
I mean, who wouldn’t want to explore a continent packed with vibrant cultures, mouth-watering food (hello, Thai noodles and Indian biryani!), stunning beaches, ancient temples, and those oh-so-Insta-worthy moments. There are several Asian countries that welcome us, green passports and all, without requiring a visa ahead of time! I took out time to do some research and I’m here to share my findings with you.
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Visa free Asian countries for Nigerian passport holders
Living or holding a passport that limits your access to many countries can be frustrating. Yet there are about 150 countries that are visa free for Nigerian passport holders.
In this blog post, i will be sharing some Asian countries Nigerian passsport holders can go to visa free. One of these countries is a top tourist destination in Africa.
Maldives – Visa on Arrival (30 Days)
Just hearing the name of this country makes me picture overwater bungalows, crystal-clear water, and breakfast served by floating trays.As a Nigerian, I was thrilled to find out that the Maldives offers a visa on arrival for 30 days! Yes, you read that right!
No embassy queues or documents needed ahead of time. I just needed a valid return ticket, proof of accommodation, and enough funds to survive paradise (trust me, it’s worth saving up for).I would recommend that you book a local island guesthouse if you’re traveling on a budget.
Cambodia – Visa on Arrival & eVisa (30 Days)
Let me tell you, Angkor Wat is breathtaking at sunrise!. And getting there was way easier than I imagined!Cambodia allows Nigerians to obtain a visa on arrival for 30 days, or you can apply for an eVisa online before you go. I used the eVisa option because I love being prepared (plus, I got to breeze through immigration like a boss).
Just make sure you have:
- A passport-sized photo
- Your hotel address
- A valid passport with at least 6 months left
US dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia, so I exchanged naira to USD before leaving Lagos!
Timor-Leste – Visa on Arrival (30 Days)
Now one that most people miss is Timor-Leste. It is a tiny yet stunning country that blends Portuguese and Southeast Asian influences.Nigerians can get a visa on arrival at Dili airport, valid for 30 days.
The beaches are untouched, the mountains are magical, and the people. Super welcoming. It’s not the easiest place to reach (you’ll likely need to connect through Singapore or Indonesia), but it’s absolutely worth the trek. When my friend visited, she said it felt like discovering a secret.
Iran – Visa on Arrival (30 Days)
Iran? Yes, really! This country surprised me in the best way possible. From the colorful mosques in Shiraz to the poetic air of Tehran, Iran is deeply rich in history and beauty.Nigerians can get a visa on arrival at certain international airports, but be sure to check entry requirements regularly as they change often.
When my cousin visited, she had to get travel insurance that specifically included Iran (not every provider covers it). She also made sure to dress modestly. Generally, headscarves are mandatory for women, even tourists! If you love history, architecture, and Persian hospitality, Iran is a must.
Sri Lanka – Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): Visa free Asian countries
Ah, Sri Lanka. The land of elephants, tea plantations, and the best curry I’ve ever had!Nigerian passport holders can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online. It’s simple, fast, and usually approved within 24 hours.
When I went, I explored the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, rode the famous train from Kandy to Ella, and chilled on Mirissa Beach. If you want a mix of history, nature, and beaches, this place delivers! I recommend that you avoid the monsoon season! I went in January, and the weather was perfect.
6. Nepal – Visa on Arrival (Up to 90 Days)
Nepal isn’t just for mountain climbers. They say it’s for spiritual seekers, trekkers, and cultural explorers too!Nigerians are eligible for a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You’ll need:A passport photoCompleted application form (can be done at the airport)Visa fee in cash (it is recommended to use USD)Some people who go there boast of climbing Mount Everest (lol, maybe one day I will!).
Others recommend hiking around Pokhara and visiting the sacred temples in Kathmandu. Nepal has a peaceful vibe that’s hard to describe. You just have to feel it.
Laos – Visa on Arrival & eVisa (30 Days)
Often overshadowed by its neighbors Thailand and Vietnam, Laos is a hidden jewel!Nigerians can get a visa on arrival for 30 days, or apply for an eVisa online. My friend entered through Luang Prabang, which honestly felt like stepping into a dreamy Buddhist postcard. Golden temples, and monks in orange robes. She describes the country as the place to slow down and just… be.
Before you pack your bags (and your pepper soup seasoning if you are like me), here’s what I recommend:
- Check your passport validity (6 months minimum!)
- Book accommodations in advance — some countries ask for hotel proof
- Always travel with USD — easier to exchange than naira
- Get travel insurance — not just for visas, but peace of mind
- Double-check entry rules just before travel — policies can change fast!
Also check out my detailed travel resources. There you will find all you need to book your hotel from my favorite website Trivago.com and other must have travel resources.
Places to stay
In most asian cities, the best places to stay includes hotels which that I would go for. However, you will get hotel alternatives like Hostels which you can book via hostel world. They offer some of the cheapest options in terms of places to stay.
Another option of places to stay in Asian include AirBNBs which I love too. Airbnbs are perfect if you love a feel of home away from home. I would recommend this if you loved to make your own food to.
Things to do
For a country you have never visited, I highly recommend you go with tour groups to have the best experience. Trust me, you would enjoy your trip if you have guided paid tour.
One thing about these tours is that there are cheap and luxury options of things to do. I highly recommend you use GetYourGuide tour which I love to use. They offer varied options of things to do in Asian.
Means of transportation
One of the major means of transportation in major Asian cities is the tuktuk. More like a tricycle or bike. Also, you can get hotel transfers or Ubers. Places like Bali use tuktuk more often and it is easy to get around with it.
So there you have it — seven beautiful Asian countries where we Nigerian passport holders can travel without breaking our backs at an embassy! Whether you’re dreaming of blue waters, spiritual temples, jungle adventures, or historic palaces, there’s something out there for you.Traveling with a
Nigerian passport can be tricky sometimes, but trust me, it’s totally worth it. The memories, the experiences, the people you meet, they all become a part of your story. I hope this guide has inspired you to dust off your suitcase, grab your yellow fever card, and go explore. If you have any questions, just drop a comment — I love chatting about all things travel! Which of these visa free Asian countries are you thinking of visiting first?
I really appreciated how the article didn’t just list the countries, but also gave a brief idea of what each destination offers. That little bit of travel inspiration goes a long way! For example, I didn’t even realize we could visit places like Maldives and Sri Lanka without the headache of a long visa process. Now I’m seriously thinking about planning a trip.
The language of the article is friendly and easy to follow, which makes it really accessible for all kinds of readers. A few sentences could use slight polishing for smoother flow, but overall, it feels more like advice from a fellow traveler than a stiff guide—and I loved that vibe.
It would be great if there were links to entry requirements or travel tips for each destination, but even without that, it’s super helpful. Definitely bookmarking this for future travel plans, and I hope more content like this keeps coming. We Nigerians need more of these travel-focused resources tailored to us!