Introduction

For several years, foreigners who come into Nigeria were expected to make an application for a visa on arrival before arrival and upon approval a visa will be issued after the necessary documentation is done.

On May 1 2025, the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) launched the e-Visa Application System and an Automated Landing and Exit Card platform under the New Visa Policy 2025. This new innovation has phased out the visa on arrival system and made the visa application process completely online.

What is Nigeria E-visa?

This is a digital visa issued to eligible travelers coming into Nigerian. Instead of applying in person at a Nigerian Embassy or Consulate, applicants can complete the process via the Nigerian immigration website and if approved, receive an electronic visa.

Nigeria E-Visa Sample

Below is how a Nigeria E-Visa looks like. The new E-visa has a QR Code with more enhanced security features. The visa also indicates bio-data information of the applicant.

Figure : Nigeria E-visa Sample

Requirements for obtaining an E-visa to Nigeria

This application is done online, and the following are required;

1. A valid Passport with at least 6 months validity and blank pages
2. Recent passport-size photo
3. Flight booking or arrival/departure ticket
4. Hotel reservation or host address
5. Invitation letter and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificate if traveling for business.
6. Additional Documents for Minors such as birth certificate and parental consent letter.

The cost of an E-visa to Nigeria

The cost of an e visa is not fixed, it is dependent on the nationality of the applicant. In the table below, the cost for some nationalities have been outlined. Please note that where an agent is assisting with the processing, a service fee will be charged, and it is the agent that determines the service fee.

Table 1: Cost of Nigeria E-Visa

Timeline for approval for Nigeria E-visa

It takes 48 hours after submission of all documents and making of the necessary payments to get an approval.

What to do after you obtain your Nigeria E-visa?

What is a landing card?

After obtaining your Nigeria E-visa you are required to fill an online landing card before your arrival in Nigeria. Previously applicants were required to complete physical landing forms and submit to immigration counter at the airport upon arrival. However, under the new policies, an online landing card is required. A landing Card is a mandatory online form introduced by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for all foreigners entering Nigeria. It is filled upon arrival and it serves as a means of keeping record of when the foreigner arrived. The website for filling the form is on the e-visa. This card replaces the embarkation form used during the issuance of visa on arrival.

What is an exit card?

Similarly on the day of your exit from Nigeria, all travelers are required to complete an exit card. An exit Card is a mandatory online form to be filled by foreigners when leaving Nigeria. It replaces the disembarkation forms that was used during the issuance of visa on arrival. It helps in managing the borders. The exit card is integrated into the Nigeria e-visa system in such a way that it will automatically apply penalties for violations, including visa bans for those who overstay their visa. The website for filling the form is on the e-visa and it is filled just before your flight out of Nigeria.

Can I extend my e-visa?

All Nigeria e-visas are not extendable beyond their stated duration. If you desire to extend your stay, you will be required to pay $15 per the number of days you desire to extend. Also note that you are expected to book your return ticket out of Nigeria before applying for the E-visa, this helps reduce the amount of extended stay.

The e-visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance while the holder is permitted stay within Nigeria for 30 days within the validity period. If you desire to extend your stay without an extra fee, you need to exit Nigeria and reapply for a visa with long stay or a residence and work permit.

What countries are excluded from the Nigeria e-visa system

There are several countries exempt from applying for an e-visa before coming into Nigeria and they comprise of citizens of countries in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) such as Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. Also, there are other countries that are not eligible for an e-visa which the NIS states from time to time.

Is there a penalty for overstay in Nigeria?

According to the New Visa Policy 2025, from September 1, 2025, foreigners who overstay their visas will be fined $15 for each day of overstay. Those who overstay their visas for more than three months will be fined $15 and a five-year entry ban. Individuals who overstay for a year or longer will be fined $15 per day and permanently banned from entering Nigeria.

Conclusion

This new e visa is designed to shorten processing time, enhance transparency, and simplify visa access for travelers. Based on this, it is important that foreigners do not take any process for granted to avoid penalty. At Firmus Advisory we assist with obtaining the e visa in a stress-free manner so send a message today.