Visiting Canada from Nigeria: a practical guide
· Abtech Travel Desk
Canada is one of the most asked-about destinations at our desk — for family visits, graduations, holidays and business. Here is what to know before you start.
You need a visitor visa
Nigerian passport holders need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) to visit Canada. The online eTA that some nationalities use does not apply. Applications are made online to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Biometrics
After you apply, you will be asked to give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre. There are centres in Lagos and Abuja. Book the appointment as soon as the request arrives — the application does not move until biometrics are done.
What the officer wants to see
- Enough money for the trip. Six months of bank statements that show regular income, not a large recent deposit.
- A clear purpose. An invitation letter if you are visiting family, an itinerary and hotel plan if you are on holiday, or a letter from the company you are meeting if it is business.
- Reasons to come home. Your job, business, property and family in Nigeria.
- Travel history. Previous trips abroad, especially to the UK, US or Schengen area, help.
Processing times change through the year, so check IRCC's current times and apply well ahead of your travel date. See our Canada visitor visa service for the document checklist.
When to go
- June to August — summer, warm and busy. The easiest time for a first visit.
- September to October — autumn colours, cooler days and fewer crowds.
- December to March — real winter. Heavy snow and temperatures well below freezing in most cities. Pack properly or wait for spring.
Where to start
- Toronto — Canada's biggest city, with the CN Tower, and Niagara Falls about 90 minutes away by road.
- Vancouver — mountains and ocean in one city, and the mildest winter in the country.
- Montreal — French-speaking, historic and known for its festivals.
- Banff — Rocky Mountain lakes and national park scenery, reached from Calgary.
How we help
We check your visa documents before you apply, book flights that match the dates on your application, and arrange hotels and travel insurance. Talk to us about your trip.