Nigeria Unveils E-Visa, Digital Entry Platforms to Modernize Immigration Process
In a major step toward modernizing its immigration system, the Federal Government of Nigeria has launched two new digital platforms aimed at enhancing the country’s border management and streamlining entry and exit procedures for travelers.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Interior, officially rolled out the e-Visa Application Portal and the Automated Landing and Exit Card System on May 1, 2025. These initiatives are part of the broader Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes national security, transparency, and ease of travel.
According to the NIS Public Relations Officer, A.S. Akinlabi, the new e-Visa platform replaces the previous Visa on Arrival system. All visa applications must now be submitted online via https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng, with a processing time of up to 48 hours. The system currently offers 13 visa categories under the Short Visit Visa (SVV) program, and successful applicants receive their visas electronically, complete with QR codes.
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The e-Visas are non-extendable, and the Visa on Arrival option will be fully discontinued by May 30, 2025. From September 1, the government will begin enforcing stricter penalties for visa overstays. Travelers who overstay will be fined $15 daily, while those exceeding a three-month overstay will face a five-year ban. A one-year overstay will attract permanent blacklisting.
In addition to the e-Visa, the NIS also launched the Automated Landing and Exit Card System, which replaces the traditional paper-based embarkation and disembarkation forms. All inbound travelers, except Nigerian citizens, must now complete a digital landing card before boarding their flights, while outbound passengers are required to submit an exit card online before departure. The system is linked to visa data and will automatically enforce penalties for violations.
To cushion the impact of the transition, the NIS has introduced a three-month grace period—from May 1 to August 1, 2025—for foreigners currently in Nigeria with expired visas. During this period, they may exit the country without facing penalties.
The NIS urged travelers, airlines, and foreign missions to embrace the new systems and ensure compliance with the updated immigration procedures.
“We are building a more secure, efficient, and globally competitive immigration process that supports national growth and enhances Nigeria’s image on the world stage,” Akinlabi stated.
By PRNigeria
