The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced an e-visa application system for foreign travellers intending to visit the country.
Akinsola Akinlabi, NIS spokesperson, said the e-visa system, with enhanced security protocols, is part of the ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s visa policy.
In a statement on Friday, Akinlabi also announced an automated landing and exit card for travellers. Both protocols are effective from May 1, 2025.
The e-visa is expected to have a maximum processing time of 48 hours — replacing the visa on arrival system.
Akinlabi said visas on arrival already issued will remain valid until May 30.
He also said the e-visas would cover 13 short visit visa (SVV) types.
On the other hand, the NIS official noted that the current manual embarkation and disembarkation card has been replaced by an electronic landing and exit card.
For inbound passengers (excluding Nigerians), the landing card must be duly completed online before boarding while outbound passengers must complete the exit card 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 reads.
In addition, foreigners who overstay their visas face a $15 per day fee. Those who illegally stay three months and above are subject to a $15 per day fee and a five-year entry ban, while those who stay above a year face the same dollar fee rate and a permanent entry ban.
The overstay penalties are effective from September 1.
The NIS said it would grant a window period of three months from May 1 to August 1 for foreigners with expired visas to return to their home country voluntarily without penalty.
Akinlabi urged all stakeholders to comply with the new policies and timelines.
