By Chidi Ugwu
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the introduction of a new electronic visa (e-visa) system alongside the automation of landing and exit cards, set to take effect on May 1, 2025.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, outlined the initiative’s purpose.
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He explained that it aims to bolster national security and enhance record management systems in the country.
The landing and exit cards will be processed entirely online and provided free of charge.
Keyamo further clarified the process, stating,
“The first point of contact is the airline’s boarding desk, where passengers will be asked for their exit card instead of the boarding card. At that point, airline officials will input your details into the system. If it reveals that a foreign national has overstayed their visa, they will be denied boarding and handed over to immigration for further action, which could include fines, blacklisting, or visa cancellation.”
Streamlining Visitor Entry with e-Visa
The Minister of Interior, Tunji Ojo, highlighted that the e-visa system is designed to simplify the application process for tourists, business travelers, and others seeking short stays in Nigeria. The system will allow applicants to complete forms, upload documents like passports, return tickets, and hotel bookings, and make secure payments online. This move is part of broader efforts to modernize Nigeria’s immigration protocols.
Ojo explained, “Applicants will fill out the landing and exit card online before boarding and present it to airlines before being allowed on board.”
The e-visa is part of a larger initiative to make Nigeria more accessible to visitors while strengthening border security. “Applications will be processed entirely online, with a centralized visa approval center already established at the immigration headquarters,” Ojo said.
He added that officers have been fully trained, and the system is integrated with global criminal databases like Interpol for better background checks.
Enhancing Border Security and Economic Growth
The automation of these processes aligns with the government’s aim to eliminate bottlenecks and reduce dependency on intermediaries for visa processing.
Highlighting the significance of these innovations, Ojo stated, “Nigeria, as a nation of over 230 million brilliant people, must lead in technological adoption. The automated system demonstrates our commitment to border security, ease of travel, and national sovereignty.”
He assured that the landing and exit cards will remain free for all travelers. “This is purely for security and record-keeping purposes,” he said.
Inter-Agency Collaboration and Implementation Timeline
Further, Keyamo emphasized the need for inter-agency cooperation for the swift and seamless implementation of these changes.
“We have decided today to protect one interest—the Nigerian interest. Both the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority will work together on a joint team to finalize the implementation framework,” he explained.
The joint team will develop regulatory protocols within a week, ensuring that airlines are adequately prepared before the policy takes effect.
The initiative also includes measures to discourage overstays and ensure compliance with immigration rules. Offenders will face penalties based on the severity of their infractions.
Vision for the Future
The Ministers collectively expressed optimism that the e-visa system and automated landing/exit cards will not only enhance national security but also open up Nigeria to greater economic opportunities.
The new system is expected to provide a seamless, technology-driven entry process for tourists, businesspeople, and investors, boosting tourism and international trade without compromising national security.
Tunji Ojo concluded, “We want to make it easier for people to come into Nigeria and explore the beauty of the land, while also ensuring the security and integrity of our borders. This is a significant step forward for our country.”
