The United States of America is a popular destination for Nigerians for various reasons, such as studying, working, seeking healthcare, business, tourism, and holiday purposes. If you’re planning to travel to the USA, it’s essential to understand the costs involved. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of flight costs, visa types, and fees, along with a step-by-step guide on applying for a US visa.
Cost of Traveling to the USA from Nigeria
Flight Costs to the USA from Nigeria
When planning your trip to the USA, the cost of flights is a significant factor to consider. Various airlines fly this route, so it’s crucial to compare prices across carriers to find the most suitable option.
Here are the flight costs for some airlines operating between Nigeria and the USA:
- Royal Air Maroc:
- Economy: ₦550,000 – ₦700,000
- Business class: ₦800,000 – ₦1 million
- Qatar Airways:
- Economy: ₦700,000 – ₦880,000
- Business class: ₦1 million – ₦1.38 million
- Ethiopian Airlines:
- Economy: ₦1 million – ₦1.2 million
- KLM:
- Economy: ₦900,000 – ₦1.1 million
- Business class: ₦1 million – ₦1.5 million
- Air France:
- Economy: ₦800,000 – ₦1.1 million
- Business class: ₦1.3 million – ₦1.75 million
- British Airways:
- Economy: ₦900,000 – ₦1 million
- Business class: ₦800,000 – ₦2 million
- Delta Air Lines:
- Economy: ₦500,000 – ₦700,000
- Business class: ₦1 million – ₦2 million
Types and Costs of USA Visas in Nigeria
To travel to the USA from Nigeria, you need a visa. All travelers, including children and those seeking medical care, must apply for and obtain a visa. You must pay the visa application fee before submitting your application, and you’ll need to attend an in-person interview for your visa to be approved.
Different visas are available, depending on the purpose of your trip. The table below lists the various visa types, their descriptions, and their fees in US dollars and Nigerian naira:
Description | Visa Type | Fee Amount (USD) | Fee Amount (NGN) |
Business/Tourist | B | $160 | 72000.00 |
Transit | C-1 | $160 | 72000.00 |
Ship/Airline Crew | D | $160 | 72000.00 |
Student (academic) | F | $160 | 72000.00 |
Journalist and Media | I | $160 | 72000.00 |
Exchange Visitors | J | $160 | 72000.00 |
Student (vocational) | M | $160 | 72000.00 |
Victim of Human Trafficking | T | $160 | 72000.00 |
NAFTA Professionals | TN/TD | $160 | 72000.00 |
Victim of Criminal Activity | U | $160 | 72000.00 |
Temporary/Seasonal Workers and Employment, Trainees | H | $190 | 85500.00 |
Intracompany Transferees | L | $190 | 85500.00 |
Persons with Extraordinary Ability | O | $190 | 85500.00 |
Athletes. Artists & Entertainers | P | $190 | 85500.00 |
International Cultural Exchange | Q | $190 | 85500.00 |
Religious Worker | R | $190 | 85500.00 |
Fiancé(e) or Spouse of U.S. Citizen | K | $265 | 119250.00 |
Treaty Trader/Investor, Australian Professional Specialty | E | $205 | 92250.00 |
Description | Visa Type | Fee Amount (USD) | Fee Amount (NGN) |
Business/Tourist | B | $160 | 72000.00 |
Transit | C-1 | $160 | 72000.00 |
Ship/Airline Crew | D | $160 | 72000.00 |
Treaty Trader/Investor, Australian Professional Specialty | E | $205 | 92250.00 |
Student (academic) | F | $160 | 72000.00 |
Temporary/Seasonal Workers and Employment, Trainees | H | $190 | 85500.00 |
Journalist and Media | I | $160 | 72000.00 |
Exchange Visitor | J | $160 | 72000.00 |
Fiancé(e) or Spouse of U.S. Citizen | K | $265 | 119250.00 |
Intracompany Transferees | L | $190 | 85500.00 |
Student (vocational) | M | $160 | 72000.00 |
Persons with Extraordinary Ability | O | $190 | 85500.00 |
Athletes. Artists & Entertainers | P | $190 | 85500.00 |
International Cultural Exchange | Q | $190 | 85500.00 |
Religious Worker | R | $190 | 85500.00 |
Victim of Human Trafficking | T | $160 | 72000.00 |
NAFTA Professionals | TN/TD | $160 | 72000.00 |
Victim of Criminal Activity | U | $160 | 72000.00 |
PRICES LAST UPDATED ON 3RD APRIL 2023.
Additional fees to consider include:
- SEVIS Fees: SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is an online system used to track F, M, and J visa participants and their family members from the initial documentation (DS-2019 or I-20) until they leave the program or graduate. Applicants must ensure their US-based school has entered their information into the SEVIS system and pay a separate SEVIS fee along with the visa application fee. The SEVIS fee is $350 for I-20 form holders and $220 for DS-2019 form holders.
- Blanket L Fee: Also known as the Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee, first-time principal applicants covered under a blanket petition for L status must pay a $500 fee at the US Consular Section’s cashier on the day of the interview. This fee must be paid again for any subsequent L-1 visa application based on a new I-129S form.
How to Apply for a USA Visa in Nigeria
Follow these steps to apply for a US visa in Nigeria:
- Determine the type of visa you need: There are various types of non-immigrant visas.
- Check the visa cost and pay the application fee: After determining the appropriate visa type, find the cost and make the necessary payment.
- Complete the DS-160 form: Carefully read the guidelines and provide accurate information to avoid mistakes.
- Schedule a visa interview appointment: Provide your passport number, receipt number, and the DS-160 confirmation page’s ten-digit barcode to schedule an appointment.
- Attend your interview: Go to the US Embassy on the scheduled date and time.
If your application is approved, you will receive your visa at the designated drop-off location chosen when scheduling your appointment.