Nigeria Launches Temporary Vehicle Admission Scheme for Foreign Visitors
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced implementation of a new procedure that allows international visitors to temporarily bring their personal vehicles into Nigeria under a regulated framework, the Service announced in a statement on January 7, 2026.
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The initiative described as a safe passage scheme is designed to ease cross-border movement, align national regulations with international conventions, and support trade facilitation and regional integration.
Who Can Benefit From the New Policy?
The temporary vehicle admission scheme applies to all personal, non-commercial vehicles belonging to international travellers visiting Nigeria for:
Tourism
Diplomatic missions
Business engagements
Personal visits
This means foreign nationals can now drive their cars into Nigeria without treating them as regular imports, as long as they satisfy the required procedures and documentation.
Key Requirements for Temporary Vehicle Admission
To benefit from the temporary import arrangement, travellers must present the following at the point of entry:
- Valid international passport
- International driver’s licence
- Vehicle registration documents
- Insurance papers
- Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) — an international customs document for vehicles
Upon verification, Customs will issue a Temporary Vehicle Admission Permit which will be recorded electronically.
How Long Is the Permit Valid?
Under the scheme:
Vehicles may stay in Nigeria for up to 90 days on the temporary admission permit.
Travellers may apply for an additional 30-day extension, subject to approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller.
Rules and Restrictions
While under the temporary admission regime, the NCS specifies that:
Vehicles must not be sold, leased, transferred, modified, or used for commercial purposes while in Nigeria.
The vehicle is allowed to move freely within the country during the permit period.
At departure, travellers must present the approved Temporary Admission Declaration to Customs.
In case of an accident, theft, or breakdown, the nearest Customs office must be notified promptly for documentation and guidance.
Legal and International Backing
The new procedure is anchored in the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 and aligned with several international agreements, including:
Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC)
UN TIR Convention (1975)
Istanbul Convention (1990)
ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence, and Establishment
Guidelines on temporary admission and the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD)
This legal grounding reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to adhering to global customs standards while facilitating easier travel mobility.
Why This Matters
This policy marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to international travel and customs operations. By reducing barriers for travellers who want to use their own vehicles within Nigeria—without paying full import duties—it signals a stronger focus on tourism support, diplomatic friendliness, and cross-border cooperation.
International travellers now have greater flexibility and clarity when planning trips that involve road travel, aligning Nigeria with other countries that already offer similar temporary admission privileges. Future visitors should still ensure full compliance with all Customs requirements to avoid penalties or procedural delays upon exit.
