In a major policy shift that took effect on May 1, 2025, foreign nationals and Nigerians with dual citizenship can now apply, track, and receive their visas online without physically visiting embassies or consulates.
As part of broader efforts to reform the country’s immigration framework, the e-visa platform launched by the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) aims to improve transparency, efficiency, and security in visa processing, particularly for short visit visas.
It also marks the end of the visa-on-arrival policy. As a result, all previously issued visas on arrival are valid only until May 30, 2025.
What are the conditions for Nigeria’s e-visa?
To be eligible for the e-visa, applicants must have a valid passport with a validity period of at least six months from the intended date of entry into the country.
While the maximum stay allowed under the e-visa remains 90 days, visas obtained through the e-Visa system are not extendable. Travellers requiring extended stay must apply through embassies or consulates for the appropriate visa type.
The NIS had explained that 13 visa categories are eligible for online application via the new system. These categories span various short-stay travel purposes, which include:
- Transit visa
- Business visa – single entry
- Business visa – frequently travelled business executives
- Tourism visa
- Sports visa
- Creative Arts visa
- Study tour visa
- Academic exchange programme (students, scholars, lecturers)
- International cultural exchange visa
- Emergency relief work visa
- Returning holders of foreign passports who are Nigerians by birth
- Visitor visa – single entry
- Business visa – multiple entry
Penalties for Visa Abuse
Foreigners who overstay their visas in Nigeria are liable to the following fines and penalties:
- $15 per day
- 3 months and above: $15 per day and a 5-year entry ban
- 1 year and above: $15 per day and a permanent entry ban (blacklisting).
Meanwhile, the service has granted a three-month grace period (May 1 to August 1, 2025) for foreigners living in Nigeria with expired visas to return to their respective countries voluntarily without penalty.
Landing and Exit Cards
Another innovation is the automated landing and exit cards, effective May 1, 2025. The erstwhile physical embarkation and disembarkation card has been replaced with the computerised landing and exit card.
Inbound passengers (foreigners and Nigerians with dual citizenship) must complete the landing card online 72 hours before boarding, and the exit card must also be completed online before departure from Nigeria.
These cards are now part of mandatory travel documents as they are critical for immigration control and border management.
How to obtain the landing/Exit card
To obtain the landing card, users can do the following:
- Visit https://lecard.immigration.gov.ng/
- Select passport type
- Enter passport number
- Fill the biodata form
- Input other required details
- Confirm and submit
- Download or save
The process is the same for acquiring the exit card.