Nigeria has updated its visa system as of May 1: everything you need to know about the new e-Visa platform

Nigeria is updating its visa policy by introducing a new e-visa system and digital arrival and departure cards. This initiative aims to reduce waiting times at checkpoints and improve security for international travelers.

From May 1, 2025, Nigeria will fully transition to the e-Visa digital platform, abandoning the outdated visa-on-arrival system. Traditional paper entry and exit forms will be replaced by digital cards, which international travelers, except Nigerian citizens, must complete online before boarding their flight.

The visa-on-arrival process will be discontinued, but visas issued under the old system will remain valid until May 30, 2025. E-visas will allow travelers to stay in Nigeria for 30 to 90 days, depending on their nationality and visa type. It is important to note that e-visas cannot be extended upon arrival and can only be extended through embassies.

e-Visa supports 13 different visa categories, including business, tourism, family visits, transit, and short-term training, to meet the needs of different travelers.

Getting a visa is easy: applicants fill out an online form, upload the necessary documents, such as a passport and hotel reservations, pay the fees, and receive the visa by email.

Travelers with approved e-visas will be able to enter Nigeria through the following international airports:

• Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja)
• Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos)
• Port Harcourt International Airport (Port Harcourt)
• Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (Kano)
• Margaret Ekpo International Airport (Calabar)
• Akanu Ibiam International Airport (Enugu)

The digital system is integrated with visa data and will automatically apply penalties for violations. Violators will receive a five-year entry ban, and exceeding the period of stay by one year or more will result in permanent blacklisting.

The introduction of electronic visas and digital arrival cards in Nigeria is not only a convenience but also a strategic step to stimulate the country's economic growth and ensure the security of its borders.

Stay up to date with all visa policy changes and get the latest travel planning advice by following the news on Visa-Navigator.com.