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Access Policy
Check Your Eligibility
Access to Diplomatic Village is credential-based and restricted to recognised members of Nigeria's diplomatic and international community.
Access Policy
Who Is Eligible?
Access to Diplomatic Village — including its duty-free facilities — is restricted to accredited diplomats, military and defence attachés, and recognised members of Nigeria's international community.
Accredited Diplomats
Foreign diplomats and envoys holding valid accreditation issued by Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and their designated mission staff.
- Valid diplomatic accreditation
- Current Nigerian mission assignment
- Federal MFA registration
Military & Defence Attachés
Defence attachés, assistant defence attachés, and accredited military personnel assigned to foreign missions in Nigeria. Duty-free entitlement is recognised under applicable bilateral and multilateral agreements.
- Valid defence attaché accreditation
- Assignment letter from sending mission
- Federal MFA or DIA clearance
International Organisation Staff
Staff of UN agencies, the ICRC, and other accredited international organisations operating in Nigeria under treaty arrangements or diplomatic recognition.
- UN / ICRC / recognised IO affiliation
- Valid laissez-passer or official organisation ID
- In-country assignment letter
Embassy & High Commission Staff
Administrative and technical staff of embassies, high commissions, and consulates accredited to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and operating from Abuja.
- Embassy or high commission employment letter
- Valid staff identification
- MFA-registered mission
Not sure if you qualify? Contact our registration team for a swift assessment.
Duty-Free Entitlement
Duty-Free for Diplomats & Military
The duty-free entitlement is a right under international law — not a benefit or discount. Diplomatic Village is authorised to serve both accredited diplomats and military attachés, providing the infrastructure to exercise that right correctly and compliantly.
- Diplomats — Legal Basis
- The duty-free exemption for diplomats is established under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), ratified by Nigeria and recognised in domestic legislation. Eligible personnel are legally entitled to import goods free of customs duties and VAT.
- Military Attachés — Recognised Entitlement
- Defence and military attachés accredited to foreign missions in Nigeria are entitled to duty-free procurement under applicable bilateral agreements and recognition by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in coordination with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Quotas & Limits
- Duty-free purchases are subject to annual quotas set by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Nigeria Customs Service. Cardholders receive a personalised quota allocation, tracked through the DVL Portal.
- Full Regulatory Compliance
- Every purchase at the Diplomatic Village shop is processed through approved customs and tax frameworks. Diplomatic Village maintains active reporting relationships with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
Card Benefits
What the Duty-Free Card Gives You
The Diplomatic Village Duty-Free Card is your all-access credential to everything the Village offers.
VAT & Customs Tax-Free Purchases
Your card unlocks tax-exempt procurement across all eligible product categories at the Diplomatic Village duty-free shop — in full compliance with the Vienna Convention.
Access to All On-Site Services
A single card is your credential across the clinic, pharmacy, spa, gym, restaurant, and business centre — no separate registration required for each service.
DVL Portal Access
Manage your quota balance, track purchases, renew your card, and access receipts online through the secure DVL Portal — available 24 hours a day.
Personalised Annual Quota
Each cardholder receives an individual duty-free quota set in accordance with Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidelines, tracked digitally through the portal.
Application Process
What Happens After You Apply
A clear, four-step process from application to card in hand.
Submit Your Application
Complete the online form with your personal details and diplomatic credentials. Ensure your MFA accreditation number is accurate — this is used for primary verification.
Credential Verification
Our registration team verifies your credentials against Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs records within 3 business days. You will be contacted if additional documentation is required.
Approval & Card Issuance
Upon successful verification, your Diplomatic Village Duty-Free Card is issued and your DVL Portal account is activated. You will receive your login credentials by email.
Begin Using Your Card
Present your card at any service point within the Village. Your annual duty-free quota is immediately available through the DVL Portal.
Get Started
Ready to Join the Diplomatic Village Community?
Apply for your Duty-Free Card or access the DVL Portal today. Our registration team is available to guide you through every step.
Access is restricted to accredited diplomats and approved international organisations.