* In Nigeria’s new policy effective Aug 2, 2025
Foreign visitors to Nigeria who overstay their visas will now face strict penalties beginning August 2, 2025, the Federal government has announced.
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Akinsola Akinlabi, said the penalties include a fine of $15 per day. While those “overstaying beyond three months attract a fine plus a five-year entry ban, and those overstaying by more than one year, face blacklisting and a permanent entry ban.”
The new regulations were unveiled in the new e-visa regime, which became effective on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Akinlabi said the implementation will begin with a new e-Visa Application System and the Automated Landing and Exit Card regulations, adding that the initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the Service, is a key component of the broader visa reform strategy under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Noting that the digital systems were designed to streamline visa processing, improve border control, and align Nigeria’s immigration practices with international standards, Akinlabi explained that the new e-Visa system, which officially replaces the traditional Visa on Arrival regime as of May 1, 2025, is faster, more secure, and entirely digital. It introduces 13 types of Short Visit Visas (SVVs), processed entirely online within 48 hours or less, and delivered electronically with secure QR codes.
He added that the Visa on Arrival option is now discontinued, though previously issued visas remain valid until May 30, 2025. The new e-Visas are non-extendable. Full details are available at https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng.
The e-Visa platform has introduced thirteen categories under the Short Visit Visa (SVV). It is designed to be fully digital, eliminating in-person visits. Processing time is now capped at 48 hours or less, while approved visas will be sent electronically, along with QR codes, to applicants via email.
Additionally, all visas issued through this digital channel are non-extendable, adding further clarity to visitor timelines. These changes are part of the larger Nigeria Visa Policy 2025, designed to improve efficiency and eliminate loopholes.
Alongside the e-Visa is the digital replacement for the traditional immigration forms. The automated landing and exit card is now mandatory for all non-Nigerian inbound and outbound travellers. The cards must be completed online via (https://lecard.immigration.gov.ng](https://lecard.immigration.gov.ng) before arrival or departure.
The system syncs with the Visa Processing Centre, applying penalties like visa bans where applicable.
Outbound travellers must complete the exit card before departing Nigeria. Inbound non-Nigerian travellers are also required to complete their landing cards online before boarding their flights. This move aims to speed up border procedures while ensuring legal compliance.
The Immigration Service has announced a temporary grace period between May 1 and August 1, 2025. During this period, foreigners currently in Nigeria with expired visas are permitted to return to their home countries voluntarily, without incurring any penalties.
Stakeholders, including airlines and border control agencies, are urged to align their operations with the new immigration processes. This will ensure smooth implementation and minimise disruptions.
“These reforms underscore our commitment to a transparent, efficient, and secure immigration system. We urge all travellers, residents, and stakeholders to comply fully with the new policies and timelines”, Akinlabi directed.