Nigeria Introduces e-Visa and Digital Landing Cards

Nigeria launched its e-visa system and digital arrival and exit cards on May 1, 2025, in a significant step towards modernizing its immigration controls. 

The government anticipates that the new e-visa application system, which is an end-to-end online platform, will strengthen national security, simplify application processes, improve efficiency, and increase international visitor arrivals. 

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) released a statement on May 2 that the new e-visa platform introduces 13 categories under the short visit visa class. Applications will be processed within 48 hours or less, and approved visas with QR codes will be sent to the applicants’ registered email addresses. 

This system will replace Nigeria’s visa-on-arrival arrangement, which will be completely phased out by May 30. 

The statement added that the e-visas are non-extendable and that applicants should apply for visas that are most suitable for the purpose and duration of their visit. Under this new policy, new fines will be imposed on overstayers with effect from September 1, 2025. 

Foreigners who overstay for three months or more will be fined US$15 per day and will face a five-year ban from entering Nigeria. Those who overstay for a year or more will face the same fine, and will also be permanently barred from entering the country. 

The digital system will replace manual embarkation and disembarkation forms, requiring all inbound passengers (except Nigerians) to fill an electronic landing card online before boarding. Outbound passengers have to complete an exit card before departure.