Nigeria is set to introduce a daily fine of $15 for foreign nationals who overstay their visas as from September 1, 2025.
The public relations officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), A. S. Akinlabi, made this announcement in a statement
on Monday, April 28.
According to Akinlabi, the fine is part of broader reforms to tighten immigration controls and enhance compliance with Nigeria’s visa regulations.
Akinlabi stated that the proposed fine follows the recent launch of a digital e-visa system and the implementation of automated landing and exit cards, both of which became effective on May 1, 2025.
“Under the revised guidelines, foreign visitors who remain in Nigeria beyond their authorised visa period will incur a daily fine of $15,” the statement read.
“Individuals who overstay for three months or more will be liable to a daily fine and a five-year ban from re-entering Nigeria. Those who overstay by one year or longer will face blacklisting and a permanent entry ban, in addition to the fine.
“In addition to the introduction of the e-visa, Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 now makes it mandatory for foreigners who overstay their visas to be liable to the following penalties (effective from August 2, 2025): Overstay Penalties (Effective from September 1, 2025): $15 per day; 3 months & above: $15/day + 5-year entry ban; 1 year & above: $15/day + blacklisting (permanent entry ban).”
The NIS said it has introduced a three-month amnesty period from May 1 to August 1, 2025, stating that during this window, foreigners with expired visas will be allowed to leave Nigeria voluntarily without facing any fines or punitive action.
“The reformed visa policy also discontinues the existing Visa on Arrival scheme, replacing it with 13 distinct categories of Short Visit Visas (SVVs). The entire application process has now moved online, with e-visas expected to be processed within 48 hours and approved visas sent via email in the form of QR-coded documents,” the NIS said.
As part of the new travel protocols, it added that all travellers entering or exiting Nigeria are now required to complete electronic landing and exit cards at https://lecard.immigration.gov.ng.
The NIS has also made it mandatory for all incoming foreign nationals to complete the landing card before boarding, while departing passengers must fill out the exit card before leaving Nigeria.
The Nigeria Immigration Service in the statement also urged all stakeholders and international visitors to ensure full adherence to the updated policies.
The agency added that it remains commitment to creating a transparent, efficient, and secure immigration system that reflects global standards.
