At a glance
- The Federal Government of Nigeria announced plans to cancel the Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) policy on 21 February 2025, as part of broader immigration reforms aimed at enhancing security and migration management.
- The government is implementing an automated e-visa system integrated with global security databases, eliminating the current VOA system.
- Travellers will be required to complete digital landing and exit cards linked to the immigration system before entry.
- On 26 February 2025, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) confirmed that the VOA has not been scrapped but was upgraded to enhance efficiency and security.
- Travellers can still apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals granted within 24 to 48 hours, eliminating the need for a physical visa sticker upon arrival.
On 21 February 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced plans to discontinue the VOA policy as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen immigration controls and enhance national security. The disclosure was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the closing ceremony of a weeklong capacity-building training on Advance Passenger Information / Passenger Name Record (API / PNR) for National Security and Law Enforcement at the headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Abuja.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasised that Nigeria’s visa system will be fully automated, ensuring objective and data-driven decision-making in approving entry into the country. He stated that the API / PNR system, which was previously absent, has now been fully integrated across Nigeria’s five international airports, helping track and prevent unauthorised border crossings. He noted that the government is also working to extend this enhanced security infrastructure to land borders, preventing individuals from bypassing the new immigration control measures.
Key changes to Nigeria’s immigration system
The Minister had emphasised that “Nigeria is not a safe haven for any criminal, and it will never be”, in reinforcing the government’s stance on preventing the abuse of immigration policies and enhancing security protocols. Based on the above, the following key changes are expected to occur within Nigeria’s Immigration System.
Full automation of the visa process
- The government is introducing a comprehensive e-visa system that eliminates manual approvals and integrates with Interpol and criminal record databases to enhance background checks.
- Visa applications will be processed online, ensuring pre-screening before travellers arrive in Nigeria.
- Foreign attachés will no longer issue visas, as all approvals will be handled through an automated system.
Mandatory digital landing and exit cards
- Travelers will be required to complete digital landing and exit cards before entering or leaving Nigeria.
- These digital records will be integrated with the visa system and shared with global security agencies for monitoring and verification.
Enhanced security measures for foreign residents and business travellers
- The immigration system will harmonise all immigration solutions into a single database, eliminating siloed systems.
- Any immigration-related approval will now require real-time clearance from global security databases.
- The government has set a target launch date between 1 March and 1 April 2025, for these reforms. As of 03 March 2025, the single database system is yet to be launched.
Clarification on visa-on-arrival: Policy is upgraded, not scrapped
Following public concerns over the discontinuation of the VOA policy, the PEBEC issued a clarification on 26 February 2025.
According to PEBEC Director-General, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, after a closed-door meeting with the Minister of Interior, it was confirmed that the VOA policy has not been scrapped but upgraded to improve efficiency.
What this means for travellers
- Travelers will still be able to apply online for short-stay visas, and approvals will be granted within 24 to 48 hours.
- Once approved, visas will be sent via email, eliminating the need for a physical visa sticker upon arrival.
This update aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to attract foreign investment and improve the ease of doing business, ensuring a more efficient and secure visa approval system.
We are closely monitoring these developments and will continue to provide updates as more details emerge. Should you require assistance with Temporary Work Permits, please do not hesitate to contact us at employment@olajideoyewole.com.
More to explore
