As part of the ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria Visa Policy, internal control of the movement of foreigners in and out of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Interior in conjunction with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have rolled out two innovative solutions; e-Visa Application System and Automated Landing and Exit Card.
According to a statement by Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the two innovative solutions were effective from 1st May 2025.
The statement read: “Following the 2024 review of Nigeria’s Visa policy, the updated 2025 policy introduces an e-Visa system with enhanced security protocols.
“The e-Visa application process is strictly online from end to end; Processing time for e-Visas will be 48 hours or less; The e-Visa application system introduces thirteen (13) Visa types of ShortVisit Visa (SVV), details can be found on https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng/
“Once approved, visas and the QR codes will be sent electronically via applicant’s email; Visa on Arrival will be officially discontinued as the new e-Visa takes off on 1st May 2025; Visas obtained through the e-Visa Channel are not extendable; Visa on Arrival already issued will remain valid until 30th May 2025.”
The statement further disclosed that: “In addition to the introduction of the e-Visa, Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 now makes it mandatory for foreigners who overstay their visas to be liable to the following penalties (effective from 2nd August 2025):
“Overstay Penalties (Effective from 1st September 2025): $15 per day; 3 months & above: $15/day + 5-year entry ban; 1 year & above: $15/day + blacklisting (permanent entry ban)
It also added that: “The current manual embarkation and disembarkation card has been replaced by an electronic landing and exit card, via https://lecard.immigration.gov.ng/
“Automated landing and exit card have been introduced for inbound and outbound passengers into Nigeria.
“For the inbound passengers (excluding Nigerians), the landing card must be duly completed online before boarding.
“For the outbound passengers, the exit card must be duly completed online before departure.
“The exit card system is synchronized with the Visa Processing Centre and will automatically apply penalties, including visa bans, where applicable. “
The statement read: “The Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to further inform the general public that a window period of three (3) months from 1st May to 1st August 2025 shall be granted to allow foreigners residing in Nigeria with expired visas to return to their home country voluntarily without penalty.
“All stakeholders are encouraged to ensure strict compliance with the new policies and timelines.”
