In a significant move to modernize its immigration processes, Nigeria has introduced a fully digital e-visa regime and an automated landing and exit card system, effective May 1, 2025. The initiatives, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), fall under the scope of Nigeria’s 2025 Visa Policy and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to a statement released Friday by NIS Public Relations Officer Mr. Akinsola Akinlabi, the new e-visa platform is an end-to-end online system designed to bolster national security, streamline application procedures, and eliminate the existing visa-on-arrival arrangements. The platform introduces 13 categories under the Short Visit Visa (SVV) class, with detailed information available on the official portal: https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng.
The NIS assures applicants that visa applications will be processed within 48 hours or less, with successful candidates receiving e-Visas and QR codes via email. The Visa on Arrival policy will be discontinued on May 1, 2025, and visas issued under this policy will only remain valid until May 30, 2025. The e-Visas are non-extendable, and applicants are advised to select visa types that accurately reflect the duration and purpose of their visit.
The new policy also includes stringent overstay penalties. Effective September 1, 2025, a daily fine of $15 will be levied for all overstays. Foreign nationals overstaying for three months or more will face the same daily fine and a five-year entry ban. Furthermore, those overstaying for one year or longer will incur the same fine and be permanently blacklisted from entering Nigeria.
In addition to the e-Visa system, Nigeria is replacing manual embarkation and disembarkation forms with a fully automated landing and exit card system, accessible at https://lecard.immigration.gov.ng. All inbound passengers, except Nigerians, are required to complete the electronic landing card online before boarding, while outbound passengers must complete the exit card before departure.
The NIS explained that the exit card system is synchronized with the Visa Processing Centre to ensure enforcement of penalties, including automatic visa bans for non-compliance. To facilitate a smooth transition, a three-month grace period, from May 1 to August 1, 2025, has been established. During this period, foreign residents in Nigeria with expired visas may return to their home countries without facing any penalties.
The NIS urged all stakeholders to comply with the revised immigration policies and timelines. “The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to implementing a more efficient, transparent, and secure immigration system that aligns with global best practices,” the statement concluded.
