The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a final warning to foreigners residing in the country with expired visas, urging them to take advantage of a three-month amnesty period or face severe sanctions, including permanent entry bans.
In an official statement released on Friday by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), spokesperson ACI Akinsola Akinlabi confirmed that from 1st May to 1st August 2025, foreigners with expired visas will be allowed to leave the country voluntarily without penalties. However, starting 2nd August 2025, overstayers will face strict enforcement measures.
“Foreigners who remain in Nigeria with expired visas after the grace period risk being permanently blacklisted if they have overstayed by more than 12 months,” Akinlabi warned.
This announcement follows Interior Minister Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s declaration last month during a meeting with the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) in Lagos, where he revealed a tiered penalty system. This includes:
- $15 daily fine starting from the visa expiration date,
- A 5-year entry ban for overstays of 6 months or more,
- And now, a permanent entry ban for overstays of one year or more.
These updated sanctions form part of Nigeria’s broader Visa Policy 2025, aimed at tightening immigration controls and streamlining entry and exit procedures through technology.
As part of the new policy, the NIS has also rolled out a fully digital e-Visa Application System, effective 1st May 2025. The system features:
- 13 types of Short Visit Visas (SVVs),
- A 48-hour maximum processing time,
- E-visas and QR codes delivered via email,
- Discontinuation of Visa on Arrival, effective 30th May 2025.
Visas issued through the e-Visa platform are non-extendable, further reinforcing the government’s emphasis on pre-arranged and transparent immigration processes.
Additionally, the traditional manual embarkation and disembarkation forms have been replaced with an Automated Landing and Exit Card system, accessible via https://lecard.immigration.gov.ng. Foreign inbound passengers must complete the landing card online before boarding, while outbound passengers must do so before departure.
Akinlabi explained that the system is integrated with Nigeria’s visa processing database and will automatically enforce penalties and bans for those in violation of the new regulations.
The NIS has urged all foreign nationals and stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the updated requirements to avoid disruption of travel plans and legal consequences.
