Significantly, foreign visitors who overstay their visas will now face strict penalties beginning August 2, 2025. These include a fine of \$15 per day. Overstaying beyond three months attracts the fine plus a five-year entry ban.
BY ANTHONY OMOH
The Federal Government has ended the Visa on Arrival regime. In its place, it has introduced a new dual-technology solution aimed at reforming Nigeria’s immigration system. These are the e-Visa application system and the automated landing and exit card. Both systems became operational on May 1, 2025, according to a statement by the Federal Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The policy update follows the 2024 visa reform review, which prioritized stricter border management and internal controls for better national security. The NIS spokesperson, Service Public Relations Officer Assistant Comptroller of Immigration Akinsola Akinlabi, confirmed the update through an electronically signed press statement.
The newly implemented e-Visa application platform replaces the previously used Visa on Arrival, which is now officially discontinued. Already-issued Visas on Arrival remain valid until May 30, 2025, but no new ones will be granted going forward.
The e-Visa platform has introduced thirteen categories under the Short Visit Visa (SVV). It is designed to be fully digital, eliminating in-person visits. Processing time is now capped at 48 hours or less, while approved visas will be sent electronically, along with QR codes, to applicants via email.
Additionally, all visas issued through this digital channel are non-extendable, adding further clarity to visitor timelines. These changes are part of the larger Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 designed to improve efficiency and eliminate loopholes.
Significantly, foreign visitors who overstay their visas will now face strict penalties beginning August 2, 2025. These include a fine of \$15 per day. Overstaying beyond three months attracts the fine plus a five-year entry ban. Those overstaying by more than one year face blacklisting and a permanent entry ban.
Alongside the e-Visa is the digital replacement for the traditional immigration forms. The automated landing and exit card is now mandatory for all non-Nigerian inbound and outbound travelers. The cards must be completed online via [https://lecard.immigration.gov.ng](https://lecard.immigration.gov.ng) before arrival or departure. The system syncs with the Visa Processing Centre, applying penalties like visa bans where applicable.
Outbound travelers must complete the exit card before departing Nigeria. Inbound non-Nigerian travelers are also required to complete their landing cards online before boarding their flights. This move aims to speed up border procedures while ensuring legal compliance.
The Immigration Service has announced a temporary grace period between May 1 and August 1, 2025. During this period, foreigners currently in Nigeria with expired visas are permitted to return to their home countries voluntarily, without incurring any penalties.
Stakeholders, including airlines and border control agencies, are urged to align their operations with the new immigration processes. This will ensure smooth implementation and minimize disruptions.
The Nigeria Immigration Service has reaffirmed its commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s entry and exit systems. These reforms reflect international standards and focus on delivering a more secure, transparent, and user-friendly experience for both travelers and immigration officials.
