Nigeria Business Visa - Definitive Guide (2020)

When a business person is planning to travel to Niger for business-related purposes, a business visa for Niger is issued in their name. There are different kinds of activities that can be carried out on this permit. These include attending business conferences and exhibitions, a business meeting for a branch of your own organization or a sister company, or attend client meetings and other business errands. It is generally a multiple entry permit and the validity and duration of the stay will differ depending on the case. Also note that possessing a valid visa does not guarantee you an entry into the country. If the border control or the Immigration find any kind of issues with your visa or yourself, you may not be allowed to enter through the border. 

In order to apply for a Niger business visa from India, you first need to make sure that you are an eligible candidate for the same. It can be done by checking the eligibility criteria. Once you know you are eligible, you can then carry out the application process. The application is made to the Embassy of Niger. The process is given as follows:

1. You can start by downloading the visa application form.
2. You can then fill out the required details in the application form.
3. Attach a recent photograph as per the photo specifications.
4. Gather all the required documents.
5. Submit the application and supporting documents to the embassy.
6. Pay the required fee for the permit.

When you are filling out the application form, you must make sure to provide the correct and accurate information as per the documents that you have attached and the details on your passport. If in case any false or incorrect unverifiable information is provided, there are chances that the visa application may become inadmissible or get rejected. Such a visa rejection will affect your future applications for any visa to Niger or to any other country. Therefore, before applying, you must make sure that you know how to fill the form and what information is appropriate for what section. It can be quite helpful to appoint professional visa services as well.

To apply for a business visa for Niger, you have to match the eligibility criteria for the application. The requirements for the business visa are given as follows:

• You must have proof of business ownership and purpose of visit

• You must have proper proof of your business enterprise to show it to the authorities.
• If you have been invited to a business conference or to attend a business or client meeting, an invitation letter from the company must be provided to the embassy.
• You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to Niger.
• You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof.
• You must meet the character requirements

• You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind working in Niger.
• You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• You must have sufficient funds

• • • You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Niger.
    • Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

There are different kinds of documents required as per the purpose of the visit. The general Niger business visa requirements are listed as follows:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months ahead of travel.
• Visa application form, duly signed.
• Photo as per the photo specifications.
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Original yellow fever vaccination certificate.
• Original polio vaccination certificate.
• Proof of purpose of visit - exhibition pass, conference ticket, etc.
• Proof of accommodation - invitation letter, etc.
• Proof of sufficient funds - Bank statement, etc.

• One copy must be provided
• Photo size: 35 mm x 45 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• The face must cover about 70-80% of the frame.
• Head should well-centred.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white.
• Neutral expressions.
• Hair should not hide eyes.
• Both the ears must be visible.
• Teeth should not be visible.
• Glasses are not permitted, except for prescription glasses.
• Eyes must be clearly visible through glasses.
• Must be taken in clear light.
• There should be no red eyes or flashes messing the image.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The processing time required to issue a Niger business visa for Indians is about 15 to 20 days. At times, this time period may even go up to 90 days. There are certain factors that affect the processing time of the permit. These include - workload at the embassy office, the staff availability, whether the documents are complete or the rest of the documents are yet to be submitted and others.

The fees to issue a business visa for Niger is to be paid to the Embassy of Niger at the time of submission of the application form and other documents. There are several factors that affect the fees. It can vary as per the type of the visa, service charges required, the number of entries permitted on one visa and others.

When the documents and the application form has been submitted, there are a few things that you need to know. Some of the pointers are given as follows:

• After you have submitted the application and the required documents, the processing shall begin.
• If there are any additional requirements to be fulfilled, you will be informed accordingly.
• If there are any updates on your behalf, the embassy must be informed immediately.
• In case there is a change of plans and you need to withdraw your application, it must be done within the processing time.
• Also, note that the visa fee is not refundable.

If you have applied directly to the embassy, you can contact them offline with the given contact information. If you have applied through an agency, you can check the status online on the agency’s website.

After the successful submission of the visa application form and receiving your business visa for Niger, there are certain measures that are to be taken. You must -

• Before you travel

• Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• You should travel to Niger within the validity of your visa.
• Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
• Issue health insurance and travel insurance from a certified company.
• At the Border
• Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
• Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
• Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Niger

• • • Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do volunteer work.
    • The business visa does not permit you to employ the residents or reside in the country.
    • It is a permit that allows you to only perform business and business-related operations in the country. You are still permitted tourism.
    • The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
    • Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for the visa extension in time.