In a new directive aimed at addressing the issue of expired visas, the Federal Government of Nigeria has given foreigners with expired visas a three-month grace period to vacate the country. The deadline to leave without facing penalties is set for August 1, 2025.
This announcement was made by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in an official statement released on Friday, May 2, 2025. The statement, issued by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, emphasized that the grace period would allow foreigners who have overstayed their visa permits to exit Nigeria without incurring any financial penalties or other legal consequences.
However, the statement also warned that after the grace period, starting September 2025, any foreigner who remains in Nigeria with an expired visa will face a daily fine of $15. In addition, there will be serious consequences for those who overstay their visas, including potential bans of up to five years or permanent blacklisting from entering the country.
The NIS also highlighted the importance of compliance with visa regulations to avoid disruptions in travel plans and to maintain good standing with Nigerian immigration authorities.
New Immigration Requirements!
Along with the announcement regarding expired visas, the Nigeria Immigration Service introduced additional new measures aimed at improving the country’s immigration system. One such requirement is the introduction of a mandatory online landing card for inbound foreign travelers. This means that all foreigners arriving in Nigeria will be required to complete an online form detailing their travel information before entry. The online landing card can be accessed through the official immigration website at lecard.immigration.gov.ng.
In a parallel move, Nigeria is also implementing a new exit card system for outbound travelers. The exit card, which must be completed by all foreigners leaving Nigeria, is intended to streamline the immigration process and help the NIS better track international movement. Like the landing card, the exit card will also be available for completion through the official online portal.
These changes are expected to enhance border security, improve data collection on foreign nationals, and ensure that travelers comply with immigration laws in a timely and efficient manner.
Implications for Foreigners and Travelers
The new measures could have significant implications for foreign nationals currently in Nigeria or planning to visit the country. For those with expired visas, it is crucial to leave Nigeria before the August 1 deadline to avoid the steep fines and the potential risk of a travel ban. Foreign nationals planning to enter Nigeria will need to familiarize themselves with the new landing card requirement, and travelers preparing to leave Nigeria should be aware of the need to complete the exit card.
The NIS has also stressed the importance of monitoring the situation closely, as failure to comply with these new immigration policies could result in serious legal consequences. The department has urged travelers and foreign residents in Nigeria to stay informed and ensure they meet all visa-related deadlines.
These changes mark an ongoing effort by the Nigerian government to regulate immigration effectively and to ensure that all foreign nationals comply with the country’s immigration laws. With these measures now in place, Nigeria is taking a more stringent approach to handling overstays, which has long been a concern for the country’s immigration authorities.
Written By Queen Diana Story
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