The Nigerian government has announced that it will start imposing fines on travellers who overstay their visas, with a daily penalty of $15, effective from August 2025. This new policy aims to discourage visa abuse and promote better immigration management in the country.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement at the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) House in Lagos on Friday, April 11, 2025. The meeting centered on ongoing reforms by the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), which include the Expatriate Quota and the newly introduced Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2025.
Tunji-Ojo explained that while the penalties are set to begin officially in May 2025, the government has provided a grace period until August 2025. This will allow individuals who currently hold visas to adjust to the new rules before full enforcement takes place.
The introduction of the penalty system is part of broader reforms aimed at reducing visa overstays, which have become a growing issue for the country. According to the new guidelines, travellers who overstay their visas will be required to pay a fine of $15 for every day they remain in the country past their visa expiration. This fine is intended to act as a deterrent to prevent travelers from violating visa conditions.
In addition to the daily fines, the government has announced that those who overstay their visa for three months will face a five-year ban from re-entering Nigeria. Those who exceed a one-year overstay will face a more severe penalty of a ten-year ban.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted that this penalty system is designed to promote compliance with immigration regulations, protect national security, and encourage responsible migration. He stated that the NIS will be responsible for enforcing these penalties, ensuring that individuals who overstay their visas are held accountable for their actions.
The introduction of the penalty system is only one aspect of the larger immigration reforms being undertaken by the Nigerian government. The NVP 2025 is a comprehensive framework aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s immigration policies to better reflect current global standards and meet the country’s socio-economic needs.
Tunji-Ojo explained that the reforms are meant to strengthen the immigration system, streamline visa processing, and ensure that expatriates and foreign nationals in Nigeria contribute positively to the country’s development. The policy also seeks to attract skilled workers while ensuring that they comply with local laws and regulations.
The NVP 2025 also includes provisions related to expatriate quotas, which regulate the number of foreign workers allowed to work in the country, particularly in sectors where qualified Nigerian workers are available. The government intends to use the policy to balance the need for foreign expertise with the goal of enhancing local employment opportunities.
Additionally, the visa policy introduces a focus on expanding the use of electronic visas (e-visas), simplifying the application process for foreign nationals and reducing the likelihood of visa-related issues, such as overstays. The government also plans to increase public awareness and provide education to travelers and foreign nationals on the importance of adhering to visa conditions.
While the new penalty system is seen as a necessary step towards addressing the issue of visa overstays, it may have significant implications for foreign nationals and expatriates currently living in Nigeria. For those who may have inadvertently overstayed their visas, the $15 daily fine could quickly add up, leading to substantial financial burdens.
The new visa policy is also expected to have a broader impact on Nigeria’s international relations. As the government strengthens its immigration system, foreign diplomats, investors, and businesses may be affected by the stricter visa enforcement, especially if they or their employees overstay their visas. However, the government has assured that the policy is aimed at promoting responsible migration, not discouraging foreign investment or collaboration.
While the Nigerian government’s move to fine visa overstayers has been largely supported domestically, some international observers have raised concerns about the potential for the policy to cause misunderstandings or conflicts with foreign nationals. There are worries that the penalties may disproportionately affect tourists, students, and temporary workers who may encounter difficulties in renewing their visas on time.
The government has assured that the grace period until August 2025 will give individuals ample time to adjust to the new regulations, and that the penalties will only apply to those who knowingly and deliberately overstay their visas. However, there may still be challenges in ensuring that the policy is fairly and consistently applied, especially for individuals who may not be fully aware of the new rules.
The Nigerian government’s decision to impose daily fines on visa overstayers is a bold move towards addressing the issue of visa abuse and promoting more responsible migration. While the penalties may seem harsh to some, they are part of a broader effort to modernize Nigeria’s immigration system and ensure that foreign nationals respect the country’s laws and regulations.
The grace period until August 2025 gives travellers a chance to adjust to the new policy, and the introduction of a modern visa policy framework aims to improve Nigeria’s global standing in terms of immigration management. By holding both foreign nationals and expatriates accountable for their visa status, the government is taking a significant step in curbing visa overstays and strengthening national security.
As the full implementation of the new visa policy begins in August, travellers and businesses alike will need to stay informed and ensure that they comply with the new regulations. For those who fail to do so, the financial consequences could be substantial, with the added risk of being banned from entering Nigeria for a number of years.
