The Federal Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have launched two digital innovations: the e-Visa Application System and an Automated Landing and Exit Card platform. Both initiatives take effect from May 1, 2025, in a major step towards modernising Nigeria’s immigration framework.
The reforms, introduced under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, aim to strengthen internal migration control and streamline visa processing in line with global best practices.
According to a statement signed by A.S Akinlabi, Service Public Relations Officer, the new e-Visa system marks a significant shift from physical to fully digital visa processing.
Applicants can now apply for any of the 13 short-visit visa types entirely online via https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng, with approvals expected within 48 hours. Once approved, visas along with QR codes will be sent directly to applicants via email, Businessday reports.
The Service also stated that the Visa on Arrival policy had been discontinued from May 1, 2025 with all previous visa-on-arrival issuances remaining valid only until May 30, 2025. Visas obtained through the e-Visa system are not extendable.
“To enforce compliance, the 2025 Visa Policy introduces strict overstay penalties effective from September 1, 2025. Foreigners who overstay their visas will be fined $15 for each day of overstay.
“Those who overstay for more than three months will face the daily fine along with a five-year entry ban. Individuals who overstay for a year or longer will be fined $15 per day and permanently banned from entering Nigeria.
“The government has replaced paper embarkation and disembarkation cards with an Automated Landing and Exit Card system, accessible at https://lecard.immigration.gov.ng.
“All inbound non-Nigerian passengers must complete the online landing card before boarding, while outbound passengers must complete the exit card prior to departure”, the statement read.
It also noted that the exit card is integrated with the visa system and will automatically apply penalties for violations, including visa bans.
“As part of the transition, a three-month grace period from May 1 to August 1, 2025, has been granted for foreigners with expired Nigerian visas to voluntarily return home without facing penalties,” it added.
The NIS however called on all stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with the new policies and deadlines, reiterating its commitment to building a transparent and efficient immigration system.
