The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced an
e-visa application system for foreign travellers intending to visit the
country.
Akinsola Akinlabi, NIS spokesperson, said the e-visa system,
with enhanced security protocols, is part of the ongoing efforts to reform
Nigeria’s visa policy.
In a statement on Friday, Akinlabi also announced an
automated landing and exit card for travellers. Both protocols are effective
from May 1, 2025.
The e-visa is expected to have a maximum processing time of
48 hours — replacing the visa on arrival system.
Akinlabi said visas on arrival already issued will remain
valid until May 30.
He also said the e-visas would cover 13 short visit visa
(SVV) types.
On the other hand, the NIS official noted that the current
manual embarkation and disembarkation card has been replaced by an electronic
landing and exit card.
For inbound passengers (excluding Nigerians), the landing
card must be duly completed online before boarding while outbound passengers
must complete the exit card online before departure.
“The exit card system is synchronized with the Visa
Processing Centre and will automatically apply penalties, including visa bans,
where applicable,” the statement reads.
In addition, foreigners who overstay their visas face a $15
per day fee. Those who illegally stay three months and above are subject to a
$15 per day fee and a five-year entry ban, while those who stay above a year
face the same dollar fee rate and a permanent entry ban.
The overstay penalties are effective from September 1.
The NIS said it would grant a window period of three months
from May 1 to August 1 for foreigners with expired visas to return to their
home country voluntarily without penalty.
Akinlabi urged all stakeholders to comply with the new
policies and timelines.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
