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By Victor Osula, Abuja
Foreign visitors to Nigeria who exaggerate visas now will have to face rigid penalties starting from August 2, 2025, announced the federal government.
Mr. Akinsola Akinlabi, head of the public relations of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), said that the penalties include a fine of $ 15 per day, while those who “wind over three months attract a fine more a five -year entry ban and the excessive one of a year more than a year, face the black list and a ban on permanent entry.”
The new regulations have been revealed in the new E-Visa regime, which has become effective on Thursday 1 May 2025.
Akinlabi has said that the implementation will begin with a new e-visa application system and automated regulations for landing and output cards, adding that the initiative, led by the Federal Ministry of the Interior in collaboration with the service, is a key component of the wider reform strategy strategy under the president Bola Tinubu denied agenda.
Noting that the digital systems have been designed to simplify the elaboration of visas, improve border control and align the immigration practices of Nigeria with international standards, Akinlabi explained that the new e-visa system, which officially replaces the traditional visa on arrival on May 1, 2025, is faster, safer and completely digital. It introduces 13 types of visits shortly visit (SVV), elaborated entirely online within 48 hours or less and delivered electronically with safe QR codes.
He added that the visa option on arrival is now suspended, although the previously issued visas remain valid until May 30, 2025. The new electronic visits cannot be extendable. Complete details are available on https://evisa.immigration.gov.
The E-Visa platform introduced thirteen categories under the short visit Visa (SVV). It is designed to be completely digital, eliminating visits in person. The processing time is now limited to 48 hours or less, while the approved visas will be sent electronically, together with the QR codes, to the candidates via and -mail.
In addition, all visas issued through this digital channel are not extendable, adding further clarity to the expiry of visitors. These changes are part of the wider visa policy for Nigeria 2025, designed to improve efficiency and eliminate gaps.
Next to e-visa is the digital replacement of traditional immigration forms. The automated landing and output card is now mandatory for all incoming and outgoing travelers. The cards must be completed online by (https: //lecard.immigration.
The system synchronizes with the Visa processing center, applying sanctions such as visa prohibitions where applicable.
Outgoing travelers must complete the output card before starting from Nigeria. Even the incoming Nigerian travelers are required to complete their online landing cards before boarding their flights. This move aims to accelerate border procedures while guaranteeing legal conformity.
The immigration service has announced a period of temporary grace between 1 May and 1 August 2025. During this period, foreigners currently in Nigeria with expired visas are authorized to return to their countries of origin voluntarily, without incurring the penalty.
The interested parties, including airlines and border control agencies, are invited to align their operations with the new immigration processes. This will guarantee regular implementation and minimize the interruptions.
“These reforms underline our commitment for a transparent, efficient and safe immigration system. We urge all travelers, residents and parties interested in conforming to new policies and times,” he directed Akinlabi.
