Can I send documents and photos to Nigeria?
Allowed
Yes.
Personal papers and photos are fine. Blank invoices are banned.
More rules for Nigeria
Not allowed
- Indecent or obscene books, pictures, films, and other articles
Allowed with conditions
- Plants, seeds, and animal products
- The quarantine service (NAQS) requires an import permit, plus a phytosanitary certificate for plants or a health certificate and lab results for animal products. A permit takes about 5 working days.
Before you ship to Nigeria
- Tax-free limit
- Nigeria's customs rules set no general duty-free value for courier shipments, so any box can be assessed for duty and VAT. The NGN 50,000 (about USD 37) allowance for unused personal effects and gifts is for travelers' baggage only, and it excludes jewelry, cameras, electronics, and other luxury goods.
- Receiver ID
- NIN (National Identification Number) needed. Nigeria Customs identifies individual importers by their 11-digit NIN on its e-commerce declaration system; companies use a TIN. Give the courier the receiver's NIN before you ship. If the receiver is a foreigner without a NIN, ask the courier what ID it will accept, such as a passport.
- Transit
- 3-6 business days from North America or Europe; 4-8 from Asia
Questions
Can I send documents and photos to Nigeria?
Yes. Personal papers and photos are fine. Blank invoices are banned.
Ask about a specific item
Official sources
- 1.
- 2.
Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette, published by the Nigeria Customs Service
Customs, Excise Tariff, Etc. (Variation) Order, 2026 (S.I. No. 29 of 2026) (opens in a new tab) - 3.
Nigeria Customs Service
Travellers: Passenger's Concessions (opens in a new tab) - 4.
Nigeria Revenue Service (Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette)
Nigeria Tax Act, 2025 (opens in a new tab) - 5.
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
Guidelines for Obtaining Permit for Importation of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Drug Precursors (opens in a new tab) - 6.
Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS)
Frequently Asked Questions (opens in a new tab) - 7.
Nigeria Customs Service
Customs Valuation in Nigeria (opens in a new tab)
General guidance, not legal advice. Customs in Nigeria makes the final decision on every box.