Nigeria has introduced a fully digital e-visa system and an automated landing and exit card system as part of major reforms under a new policy.
Under the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025, the e-visa application system, an end-to-end online platform designed to enhance national security, streamline application processes, and eliminate visa-on-arrival arrangements, took effect on Thursday.
In a statement on Friday, the Nigeria Immigration Service said, “The new e-visa platform introduces 13 categories under the short visit visa class.”
With this new regime, applications would be processed within 48 hours or less, and successful applicants would receive e-visas and QR codes via their registered email addresses. This development discontinues Nigeria’s visa-on-arrival policy, and visas issued under that policy remain valid only until May 30, the statement said.
The e-visas are non-extendable, it said, while urging applicants to apply for visas that best match the duration and purpose of their visit. “The new policy also introduces strict overstay penalties, effective Sept. 1, and a daily fine of 15 U.S. dollars will apply for all overstays. Foreigners who overstay for three months and above will incur a 15-dollar-per-day fine and a five-year entry ban.”
It noted that those who overstay for one year and above will face the same fine and permanent blacklisting from entering Nigeria. In addition to the e-visa rollout, the government is replacing the manual embarkation and disembarkation forms with a fully automated landing and exit card system.
All inbound passengers, except Nigerians, would complete the electronic landing card online before boarding, while the outbound passengers must complete the exit card before departure, the statement added. Enditem
Source: Xinhua
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