Nigeria launches new e-Visa system and digital Landing & Exit Cards

On May 1, 2025, Nigeria officially launched its e-Visa and Landing & Exit Cards services.

A new era for immigration in Nigeria

With the official rollout of the e-Visa system, Nigeria is taking a significant leap in upgrading its border control procedures. This initiative, effective as of May 1, 2025, is part of a broader strategy aimed at addressing migration challenges while boosting the country’s appeal as a tourist and business destination.

The e-Visa now replaces the visa-on-arrival system, which was officially discontinued yesterday. “Visa on Arrival already issued will remain valid until 30th May 2025,” confirmed the Nigeria Immigration Service.

Key features of Nigeria’s new e-Visa

The new electronic visa system is entirely digital and can only be accessed through Nigeria’s official e-Visa portal: evisa.immigration.gov.ng.

Key highlights include:

• Fast Processing Time: Once submitted correctly, applicants receive a decision within 48 hours, much faster than the traditional consular process, which can take up to 10 business days.
• Flexible Validity: E-Visas are issued for stays ranging from 30 to 90 days, depending on the applicant’s nationality and the visa category selected. Extensions are not allowed, longer stays must be arranged through embassies using the traditional visa process.
• Wide Range of Visa Types: The platform supports 13 different e-Visa categories, covering everything from single or multiple-entry business trips to tourism, family visits, transit, and short-term study.
• Enhanced Security and Transparency: The digital system ensures data protection and allows real-time application tracking, significantly reducing the risk of document fraud.

Eligibility and application process

To apply for an e-Visa, travelers must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended entry date into Nigeria. The application requires digital submission of the following:

• Biometric page of the passport
• Passport-style photo
• Round-trip flight ticket
• Any additional documentation required for the specific visa category

Payment must be made using approved methods directly on the portal.

Holders of an approved e-Visa can enter Nigeria through the following international airports, all of which now feature e-Gates for faster and more secure processing:

• 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)

Digital Landing & Exit Cards: streamlining travel formalities in Nigeria

In tandem with the e-Visa system, Nigeria has also rolled out a fully digital arrival and departure card system, known as the Landing & Exit Cards. This replaces the old paper-based embarkation and disembarkation forms.

According to the Nigeria Immigration Service, all international travelers, except Nigerian citizens entering the country, must complete the card online before boarding their arrival or departure flight.

“For the inbound passengers (excluding Nigerians), the landing card must be duly completed online before boarding. For the outbound passengers, the exit card must be duly completed online before departure,” authorities stated.

The form is available on a dedicated portal: lecard.immigration.gov.ng, which provides full digital management of traveler information. This system is integrated with Nigeria’s visa processing center, enabling immediate enforcement of penalties for overstays, such as:

• $15 daily fines
• Up to five years entry ban for overstays exceeding three months
• Permanent ban for overstays of one year or more

This digitization improves the overall flow of immigration procedures, significantly cuts wait times at border checkpoints, and offers enhanced security through precise monitoring of entries and exits.

An ambitious policy to secure Nigeria’s borders

These digital reforms, backed by the Ministry of Interior and Nigeria’s immigration authorities, reflect a strong commitment to improving border security while making travel to Nigeria more accessible for legitimate visitors. The initiative aligns with global best practices by promoting transparency, efficiency, and safety.

Nigeria is entering a new chapter where digital innovation and security work hand-in-hand, setting the stage for improved border management and stronger international engagement.

Originally Published At – visanews.com

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