Nigeria Cancels Visa on Arrival, Launches Full e-Visa System

Published by the Immigration & Business Advisory Team at O.I.D. Legal Consult

In a landmark move to modernize Nigeria’s immigration processes, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Federal Ministry of Interior have unveiled two new digital innovations: the Automated Landing and Exit Card platform and the e-Visa Application System. Both systems officially took effect on May 1, 2025, representing a strategic shift in line with international best practices.

These reforms are being implemented under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as part of the broader Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at strengthening internal migration controls and enhancing transparency within the visa process.

✈️ Transition to a Fully Digital Visa Application System

The introduction of the e-Visa platform marks the complete phasing out of the previously manual visa issuance process. According to a statement released by NIS Public Relations Officer, A.S. Akinlabi, the platform allows applicants to complete the visa process entirely online.

Visitors seeking entry to Nigeria can now apply for any of the 13 available short-stay visa categories by visiting:👉 https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng

Applications will be processed within 48 hours, and successful applicants will receive both their digital visa and a QR code directly via email.

❌ End of Visa on Arrival: Key Dates & Implications

As part of the digital overhaul, Nigeria will abolish the Visa on Arrival (VoA) policy starting May 1, 2025. Travelers who previously obtained visas through VoA must note:

• All existing Visa on Arrival approvals will remain valid only until May 30, 2025.

• Going forward, all new visa requests must be processed through the e-Visa portal.

• The e-Visa is non-extendable, meaning visitors must exit the country before the visa expires or face penalties.

💵 Overstay Penalties Introduced: Effective September 1, 2025

To ensure strict compliance with visa regulations, the 2025 visa policy introduces enforcement mechanisms and financial penalties:

• Daily Fine: Visitors who overstay will be fined $15 per day starting September 1, 2025.

• 3-Month Overstay: In addition to daily fines, individuals who overstay for more than 90 days will face a 5-year ban from re-entry.

• 1-Year Overstay: Overstayers exceeding 12 months will incur the daily fine and be permanently barred from entering Nigeria.

📲 Automated Landing & Exit Cards Replacing Paper Forms

To streamline border control, paper embarkation/disembarkation cards are now obsolete. All inbound and outbound non-Nigerian passengers are required to complete their respective forms online:

• Landing Card (for arriving passengers):👉 https://lecard.immigration.gov.ng

• Exit Card (for departing passengers):Also accessible via the same platform.

These cards are directly integrated into the visa system and will automatically track and apply penalties for any violations, including overstays and bans.

🕊️ Grace Period for Overstayers: May 1 – August 1, 2025

To aid a smooth transition, the NIS has granted a three-month grace window (from May 1 to August 1, 2025) during which:

• Foreigners with expired Nigerian visas may leave the country without facing any penalties.

• This amnesty period is a one-time opportunity to avoid fines or future travel restrictions.

📌 Compliance & Transparency Are Key

The Nigeria Immigration Service emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to the new digital visa procedures and timelines. These innovations are designed to enhance efficiency, reduce human interference, and improve overall border management in line with global immigration standards.

The government reiterates its commitment to a transparent, efficient, and user-friendly immigration system, reinforcing the country’s openness to business and tourism—provided all parties respect the law.

Need Legal Support on Immigration, Business Entry, or Visa Compliance?

Our team at Resolution Law Firm offers advisory services on:

• Visa applications & rejections

• Immigration compliance for businesses

• Resolving overstay penalties

• Legal support for deportation matters

• Investment & residency programs

📧 oidlegalconsult@outlook.com 📞 +2348099223322

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