Introduction
Nigeria has introduced major immigration reforms with the launch of its e-Visa platform and automated landing and exit card system. These changes replace the former Visa on Arrival and manual entry processes with a fully digital framework designed to improve efficiency, expand short-stay visa categories, and strengthen compliance monitoring.
This article highlights the key features of the new system, including eligibility requirements, visa validity, overstay penalties, and the implications of the mandatory digital entry and exit procedures.
- Nigeria’s e-Visa Application System
Nigeria previously operated a Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme for eligible travelers. Under this arrangement, applicants were required to submit an online application before departure, obtain an approval letter, and then receive their visa upon arrival at a Nigerian airport. The process involved presenting printed documentation and making payment at the port of entry.
