Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced an e-visa application system for foreign travellers intending to visit the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that Akinsola Akinlabi, NIS spokesperson, in a statement on Friday, said the e-visa system, with enhanced security protocols, is part of the ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s visa policy.
The spokesman also announced an automated landing and exit card for travellers, noting that the protocols took effect on May 1, 2025.
The e-visa is expected to have a maximum processing time of 48 hours – replacing the visa-on-arrival system.
Akinlabi noted that visas on arrival already issued will remain valid until May 30, while e-visas would cover 13 short visit visa (SVV) types.
The NIS official added that the current manual embarkation and disembarkation card has been replaced by an electronic landing and exit card.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.
He added, “The exit card system is synchronized with the Visa Processing Centre and will automatically apply penalties, including visa bans, where applicable.”
Additionally, 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.
To ease the transition, NIS granted a grace period from May 1 to August 1, allowing foreigners with expired visas to leave the country voluntarily without penalty.
Akinlabi called on all stakeholders to comply with the new policies and timelines.
