The Nigerian government has unveiled a significant shift in its immigration policy, announcing the cancellation of its much-debated Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) system. The policy, launched in 2020, will soon be replaced by a system that requires foreign visitors to complete landing and exit cards before arriving in the country.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, confirmed this landmark decision during a press briefing on February 21, 2025. According to the minister, the Visa-on-Arrival system has not met expectations and is no longer suitable for the country’s security and diplomatic needs.
“The Visa-on-Arrival policy has not delivered the desired results,” Tunji-Ojo said. “It was designed with the best of intentions but has failed to achieve its intended outcomes. With the changing dynamics of global travel, it is essential for Nigeria to adjust its immigration practices to meet the evolving security challenges we face.”
The policy change comes after Nigeria’s immigration system has faced mounting criticisms from various stakeholders, including business leaders, travelers, and security experts. Critics argue that the Visa-on-Arrival system, which was introduced in 2020, has led to an influx of foreign nationals without thorough vetting.
The Beginning of the Visa-on-Arrival Policy
The Visa-on-Arrival policy, introduced by the Nigerian government in 2020, allowed foreign visitors from certain countries to obtain a visa at the point of entry rather than applying in advance through Nigerian embassies or consulates abroad. This system was initially intended to ease the visa process for high-net-worth individuals, investors, and those who could not access Nigerian diplomatic missions in their home countries. It was particularly aimed at nationals from countries where Nigeria does not have an embassy or consulate.
However, despite the good intentions behind the policy, critics argue that it opened the door for loopholes in border security and immigration controls. The government had initially framed the policy as a move to make Nigeria more accessible for international business and tourism, yet the execution was hampered by challenges related to enforcement and inconsistent application of the rules.
Tunji-Ojo hinted that the scrapping of the VoA policy is part of broader changes in the immigration sector, focused on enhancing border security and controlling the movement of foreign nationals into Nigeria.
Introduction of Landing and Exit Cards
In place of the Visa-on-Arrival, the Federal Government will now require all foreign visitors to pre-fill landing and exit cards before traveling to Nigeria. This new system will be implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and will involve a detailed online submission of personal and travel information before boarding a flight to Nigeria.
Landing cards are not a new concept, but this version will require detailed information such as the visitor’s travel history, purpose of visit, and financial standing. Exit cards will be filled out when visitors leave the country, providing the government with a more comprehensive record of foreign nationals’ movements.
“Visitors will no longer have the luxury of receiving a visa upon arrival. Instead, they will be required to pre-fill and submit the necessary documents before departure, ensuring that we have more accurate and reliable data about everyone entering our borders,” Tunji-Ojo elaborated.
The new process aims to reduce the risk of illegal immigration and tighten security by allowing authorities to track the entry and exit of foreign nationals more effectively. It also aligns with global practices that prioritize data collection for immigration and security purposes.
Stakeholder Reactions
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions from stakeholders across various sectors. While many security experts have hailed the move, some business leaders and international travelers have raised concerns about potential delays and increased bureaucracy.
Dr. Chijioke Onwueme, a Nigerian-based security analyst, supports the government’s decision, stating that the Visa-on-Arrival policy posed significant risks to national security.
“Allowing foreign nationals to enter without sufficient screening at embassies and consulates abroad created a potential security threat. By requiring pre-filled landing cards, the government will have a better idea of who is entering the country, which will help mitigate risks,” Onwueme said.
On the other hand, some business groups argue that the new system could make travel to Nigeria more cumbersome for international investors and tourists. They express concern that the pre-arrival visa requirements could discourage businesspeople from visiting Nigeria, particularly those from regions where Nigeria lacks diplomatic representation.
“We are worried that this change will affect the ease of doing business in Nigeria,” said Tunde Adebayo, a Nigerian business consultant with ties to the international investment community. “While we understand the security concerns, a process that is too cumbersome could discourage foreign investment, which is exactly what Nigeria needs to boost its economy.”
The Role of Reciprocity in Nigeria’s Immigration System
Another significant aspect of the new policy is Nigeria’s shift toward a “reciprocity-based” visa system. Honourable Tunji-Ojo had previously alluded to this shift in 2023, when he stated that Nigeria would adopt a visa policy based on the treatment Nigerian citizens receive in foreign countries.
This means that if another country denies visas to Nigerian nationals or imposes overly restrictive visa policies, Nigeria may reciprocate by imposing similar restrictions on that country’s citizens. This could be an important element of Nigeria’s new immigration strategy, helping to align the country’s policies with international standards and diplomatic principles.
Future Outlook
As Nigeria moves to overhaul its immigration system, it is clear that the government is prioritizing security and the efficient management of foreign nationals within the country. The introduction of landing and exit cards represents a modern approach to immigration control, in line with global trends.
However, while the policy shift promises to enhance security, it remains to be seen how it will affect the business and tourism sectors, both of which are crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth. As the country’s immigration landscape evolves, all eyes will be on how the new rules are enforced and what their long-term impact will be on Nigeria’s international relations and economic ambitions.
The government is expected to release further guidelines and timelines for the implementation of the new system in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, travelers, businesses, and foreign nationals are bracing for the changes that will reshape Nigeria’s border control system.
