10 Most Visited Countries By Nigerians: Current Travel Trends And Statistics (2025 Update)
Nigerians are among the most well-traveled people in Africa, frequently journeying across continents for business, education, tourism, and relocation. Whether it’s the bustling streets of London, the vibrant business hubs of Dubai, or the serene beaches of Portugal, Nigerians are constantly on the move.
In this blog, we explore the top 10 most visited countries by Nigerians in 2025, diving into why these destinations are popular, key travel statistics, and what attracts Nigerian travelers to these locations.
1. United Kingdom – A Longstanding Favorite
The United Kingdom (UK) continues to be the number one destination for Nigerians, with thousands traveling for education, work, business, and tourism.
Why Nigerians Travel to the UK:
- Education: The UK is home to prestigious universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London. Many Nigerian students choose the UK for its quality education and post-study work options.
- Business & Work: Cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham offer a wealth of job opportunities and business prospects for Nigerians.
- Tourism: Nigerians love the UK’s historical landmarks, cultural festivals, and shopping centers.
Current Travel Statistics:
- Over 200,000 Nigerians travel to the UK annually.
- A large Nigerian diaspora exists, making integration easier for newcomers.
2. Canada – The Land of New Opportunities
Canada has become a top migration destination for Nigerians due to its welcoming immigration policies, job opportunities, and high-quality education.
Why Nigerians Travel to Canada:
- Express Entry & Immigration: Canada offers permanent residency options for skilled workers through programs like Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
- Education: Schools like the University of Toronto and McGill University are top choices for Nigerian students.
- Job Opportunities: Canada has a high demand for IT, healthcare, and engineering professionals.
Current Travel Statistics:
- Canada is now home to over 70,000 Nigerians, with thousands applying for permanent residency every year.
- The Student Direct Stream (SDS) has made student visa processing faster and easier for Nigerians.
3. United States – The Land of Endless Possibilities
Despite its strict visa policies, the United States (U.S.) remains one of the most visited countries by Nigerians.
Why Nigerians Travel to the U.S.:
- Higher Education: Universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford attract many Nigerian students.
- Business and Work: Cities like Houston, New York, and Atlanta have thriving Nigerian communities and business networks.
- Tourism: Nigerians visit the U.S. for attractions like Disney World, Times Square, and Hollywood.
Current Travel Statistics:
- Over 50,000 Nigerians travel to the U.S. each year.
- The F1 student visa remains one of the most common visa applications by Nigerians.
4. United Arab Emirates – Business & Tourism Hub
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly Dubai, has become a top destination for Nigerian tourists, businesspeople, and job seekers.
Why Nigerians Travel to the UAE:
- Business & Investment: Many Nigerian entrepreneurs set up businesses in Dubai due to its tax-free policies.
- Tourism & Shopping: Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle, skyscrapers, and shopping malls.
- Short Travel Distance: The UAE is closer to Nigeria than most Western countries, making it a convenient travel choice.
Current Travel Statistics:
- Over 80,000 Nigerians travel to Dubai every year.
- Nigeria is one of the top African markets for UAE tourism.
5. Germany – Europe’s Economic Powerhouse
Germany is becoming increasingly popular among Nigerian students and professionals in engineering, healthcare, and business.
Why Nigerians Travel to Germany:
- Tuition-Free Education: Many public universities in Germany offer free tuition to international students.
- Work Opportunities: Germany has a high demand for skilled workers in tech and manufacturing.
- Business & Investment: Berlin and Frankfurt have expanding startup and business hubs.
Current Travel Statistics:
- Over 30,000 Nigerians travel to Germany yearly, with many staying for studies or work.
6. South Africa – A Leading African Destination
South Africa remains a top African destination for Nigerians, attracting visitors for business, education, and tourism.
Why Nigerians Travel to South Africa:
- Business & Trade: South Africa has strong economic ties with Nigeria.
- Education: Universities like the University of Cape Town attract Nigerian students.
- Tourism: Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban offer beaches, safaris, and historical landmarks.
Current Travel Statistics:
- Over 40,000 Nigerians visit South Africa annually.
7. Portugal – A Visa-Friendly European Choice
Portugal is emerging as one of the easiest European countries for Nigerians to travel to.
Why Nigerians Travel to Portugal:
- Golden Visa Program: Offers residency options for Nigerians looking to move to Europe.
- Affordable Living: Portugal is cheaper than the UK, France, and Germany.
- Beautiful Climate: Nigerians enjoy Portugal’s warm weather and scenic coastlines.
Current Travel Statistics:
- Portugal has seen a 40% increase in Nigerian visa applications over the past three years.
8. Ireland – The Rising Education Destination
Ireland is quickly becoming a preferred destination for Nigerian students and professionals.
Why Nigerians Travel to Ireland:
- High-Quality Education: Irish universities offer world-class education at a lower cost than the UK.
- Tech Jobs: Dublin is home to major tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft.
- Friendly Immigration Policies: Ireland has a Post-Graduation Work Visa that allows students to work after studies.
Current Travel Statistics:
- The number of Nigerian students in Ireland has doubled in the last five years.
9. Turkey – A Growing Nigerian Hub
Turkey has become a top travel destination for Nigerians due to its flexible visa policy and business opportunities.
Why Nigerians Travel to Turkey:
- E-Visa Option: Nigerians can get a Turkish visa online within minutes.
- Business & Trade: Istanbul is a major business hub for Nigerian importers.
- Tourism: Nigerians visit Turkey for its rich history, markets, and culture.
Current Travel Statistics:
- Over 30,000 Nigerians travel to Turkey annually.
10. Saudi Arabia – Religious and Business Travel
Saudi Arabia is a top destination for Nigerian Muslims due to religious pilgrimages.
Why Nigerians Travel to Saudi Arabia:
- Hajj & Umrah: Thousands of Nigerian Muslims travel annually for pilgrimage.
- Business & Work: Saudi Arabia offers job opportunities in the oil, healthcare, and engineering sectors.
Current Travel Statistics:
- Over 50,000 Nigerians visit Saudi Arabia yearly.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which country is the easiest for Nigerians to travel to?
A: Portugal, Turkey, and UAE offer simpler visa processes compared to Western countries.
Q2: Why do Nigerians prefer Canada over the U.S.?
A: Canada has friendlier immigration policies, making it easier for Nigerians to move permanently.
Q3: Which country has the most Nigerians living abroad?
A: The UK and the U.S. have the largest Nigerian communities.
Q4: What is the best country for Nigerian students?
A: The UK, Canada, Ireland, and Germany are top study destinations for Nigerians.
Final Thoughts
From business and education to tourism and migration, Nigerians are exploring the world more than ever. While traditional destinations like the UK, U.S., and Canada remain top choices, emerging destinations like Portugal, Ireland, and Turkey are gaining popularity.
Planning to travel? Stay updated on visa policies, job opportunities, and costs before booking your next trip. Safe travels!
