The Nigerian government has issued another stern warning to foreigners with expired visas, urging them to leave the country within three months or face penalties.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced that from May 1 to August 1, 2025, foreign nationals with expired visas will be given a grace period to voluntarily exit the country without penalties. After the deadline, foreigners who overstay their visas for more than a year will face a permanent ban from entering Nigeria.
This move is part of the federal government’s updated visa policy, which includes new fines and bans for overstaying. Starting August 2, 2025, foreigners who overstay their visas by six months will face a five-year entry ban, while those who overstay by more than a year will be permanently blacklisted. A daily fine of \$15 will be charged from the exit date.
Additionally, the government has rolled out a new e-Visa application system that became effective on May 1, 2025. The e-Visa will replace the traditional Visa on Arrival system and offer 13 different visa types. This system will also help enforce the new penalties for overstays, with the introduction of an electronic landing and exit card system for inbound and outbound travelers.
The federal government’s actions aim to streamline Nigeria’s visa policies, enhance security, and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
