Effective May 1, 2025, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has replaced visas on arrival with a new e-visa system. Eligible travelers must apply online and will receive their e-visa within 48 hours of application submission.
What to Expect
- Visas on arrival issued before May 1, 2025, will be valid (up to their allowed duration of stay) until May 30, 2025.
- Overstay penalties have been introduced, with a three-month grace period until August 1, 2025 to allow foreign nationals with expired visas to exit Nigeria without penalty.
- Fines are set at $15 per day, plus a five-year entry ban for overstays of three months or more, and a permanent entry ban for overstays of one year or more.
NIS has also introduced an electronic landing and exit card system for inbound and outbound travelers. Foreign nationals must complete the landing card before boarding, and outbound travelers must complete the exit card before departure.
The exit card system is synchronized with the visa processing authorities and will automatically apply overstay penalties and entry bans, where applicable.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.