Nigeria’s immigration system takes a major leap into the digital age as the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) roll out two new platforms—the e-Visa Application System and an Automated Landing and Exit Card—effective May 1, 2025. These reforms, part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promise to make travel to and from Nigeria faster, more transparent, and secure.
Key Features of the New e-Visa System
- Fully Online Process: Applicants for any of Nigeria’s 13 short-visit visa categories can now complete their application on the official portal (https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng) and receive approval within 24–48 hours.
- QR-Code Visa Delivery: Once approved, the e-Visa—with a secure QR code—arrives by email, eliminating the need for physical visa stickers and lengthy embassy visits.
- Visa-On-Arrival Discontinued: The traditional visa-on-arrival policy ends on May 1, 2025, with existing visa-on-arrival holders remaining valid only until May 30, 2025.
- Strict Overstay Penalties: From September 1, 2025, overstaying visitors will incur a fine of US$15 per day; those overstaying three months face a five-year entry ban, and anyone overstaying one year or more will be permanently barred.
Automated Landing & Exit Cards
- Digital Disembarkation: Traditional paper landing and exit cards have been replaced by online forms accessed at https://lecard.immigration.gov.ng.
- Pre-Boarding Requirement: All inbound non-Nigerian passengers must complete the landing card online before boarding their flight, while departing travelers must fill out the exit card prior to check-in.
- Automatic Penalty Enforcement: The exit card system links directly to visa records, automatically flagging overstays and triggering fines or bans without manual intervention.
- Grace Period for Transition: Foreigners with expired Nigerian visas may leave without penalty during a three-month window from May 1 to August 1, 2025, allowing for an orderly transition.
Driving Efficiency and Security.
By moving to digital platforms, the NIS aims to cut processing times, stamp out corruption, and improve border security. “Automating these processes reduces human error and removes bottlenecks, ensuring that genuine travelers experience a smooth journey,” said A.S. Akinlabi, the Service’s Public Relations Officer.
Reuters reports that the government expects these reforms to bolster tourism and business travel by offering “a seamless experience aligned with global best practices”.
What Travelers Need to Know
- Plan Ahead: Apply for your e-Visa at least five days before departure to allow for processing.
- Keep Digital Copies: Save the emailed QR code and digital landing/exit cards on your smartphone or print them to present at checkpoints.
- Watch Your Stay: Be mindful of visa validity and avoid any overstay to prevent fines or bans.
- Check Updates: Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service website for any changes or additional instructions ahead of travel.
Looking Forward
These digital innovations mark a turning point for Nigeria’s immigration framework, bringing greater efficiency and security to its borders. As other countries observe Nigeria’s rollout, the new systems may well set a benchmark for immigration modernization across Africa. With a more transparent, accountable process in place, Nigeria stands to boost its global image, attract more visitors, and strengthen its economic ties with the world.