The Nigerian government has taken a firm stance on border security, with the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announcing that airlines transporting passengers into Nigeria without valid entry visas, landing, and exit cards will face penalties.
A New Era of Immigration Enforcement
During a stakeholder sensitization program in Lagos, Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that no foreigner would be allowed entry into Nigeria without a valid visa. He urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to enforce strict compliance with the 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy, ensuring that airlines verify passengers’ visas before boarding.
The minister highlighted that this policy aligns with global standards, stating, _“It is not acceptable in the UK, US, Canada, and other climes, and it will not be acceptable in Nigeria anymore”_.
The E-Visa Initiative
To streamline the visa process, Nigeria introduced an e-Visa system on May 1, allowing travelers to apply for short-stay visas online. The system aims to modernize immigration procedures and improve border security. Since its launch, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has processed 5,814 e-Visa applications, approving 5,671, rejecting 66, and querying 62 as of May 22.
The e-Visa system boasts a 48-hour processing time and includes features such as barcodes revealing biometric data and travel logs, enhancing security measures.
Implications for Airlines
Airlines now bear the responsibility of ensuring that passengers have valid visas before boarding. Failure to comply will result in penalties, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to tightening border security and preventing unauthorized entry.
Additionally, starting September 1, 2025, the NIS will impose a daily fine of $15 on foreigners who overstay their visas, further strengthening immigration enforcement.
This policy marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s immigration enforcement, ensuring that airlines play a crucial role in maintaining national security. As the country embraces digital solutions like the e-Visa system, travelers and airlines alike must adapt to these new regulations to avoid penalties and ensure smooth entry into Nigeria.
