### Nigeria’s New Visa Overstay Penalties: What You Need to Know
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has made headlines with its recent announcement regarding visa overstays. Starting September 1, 2025, foreign nationals who fail to comply with visa regulations will incur a fine of $15 per day. This significant change marks a notable shift in Nigeria’s immigration policies aimed at enhancing compliance and tightening controls.
### The Rationale Behind the Change
This policy shift is part of broader reforms intended to streamline immigration management and ensure foreigners respect the terms of their visas. By enforcing stringent penalties for overstays, the NIS aims to promote responsible travel behavior and uphold Nigeria’s immigration laws.
### Official Confirmation
On April 28, 2025, A. S. Akinlabi, the public relations officer at the NIS headquarters in Abuja, confirmed these developments through an official statement. This communication has generated discussions among travelers, as it highlights the government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws more rigorously.
### Key Details of the New Policy
Under the new guidelines, a daily fine of $15 will be imposed on foreign nationals who remain in Nigeria beyond their visa expiration. Furthermore, those who overstay by three months or more will not only face the daily fine but also a five-year ban from re-entering the country. More concerning is the fate of those who overstay for a year or longer; they will incur the daily fine, face permanent blacklisting, and be barred from future entry into Nigeria.
### Timeline for Implementation
While the penalties will officially commence on September 1, the NIS has set August 2, 2025, as the date for activating the tracking system responsible for monitoring overstays. This technological upgrade is designed to facilitate the automatic enforcement of penalties and entry bans through integration with the Visa Processing Centre.
### Amnesty Period for Foreign Nationals
To ease the transition into this more stringent regime, the NIS is offering a three-month amnesty period from May 1 to August 1, 2025. During this window, foreign nationals with expired visas may exit Nigeria without facing fines or punitive measures. This compassionate approach allows travelers to leave without the burden of financial penalties.
### Changes to Visa Applications
The reforms also introduce a complete overhaul of the visa application process. The existing Visa on Arrival scheme has been discontinued in favor of 13 distinct categories of Short Visit Visas (SVVs). The entire application process has moved online, making it more accessible. E-visas are expected to be processed within 48 hours, and successful applicants will receive their approved visas via email in the form of QR-coded documents.
### Updated Entry and Exit Requirements
As part of the new travel protocols, all travelers entering or exiting Nigeria are mandated to complete electronic landing and exit cards, which can be accessed at [this link](https://lecard.immigration.gov.ng). Incoming foreign nationals must complete the landing card before boarding their flights, while departing passengers are required to fill out the exit card prior to leaving the country.
### Commitment to Transparency and Efficiency
The Nigeria Immigration Service has called on all stakeholders and international visitors to fully adhere to these updated policies. The NIS also reiterated its commitment to creating a transparent, efficient, and secure immigration system in line with global standards.
