The Federal Government announced that Nigeria’s new electronic visa system, known as the e-Visa, is officially launching on May 1, 2025, ushering in a new era of border digitisation and tighter security.
The initiative, which forms part of Nigeria’s broader migration reform strategy, was disclosed during a high-level stakeholder meeting held Tuesday in Abuja. Senior officials from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) were in attendance, alongside top ministers to fine-tune final steps for the nationwide rollout.
“Today, we are continuing with the engagement of key stakeholders ahead of the implementation of the new electronic visa (e-Visa) system,” Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, says after the meeting. “We brought together all heads of agencies responsible for the seamless execution of the new module and migration framework.”
A centrepiece of the system is the automated landing and exit card, which the government officials say will significantly enhance documentation of foreign travellers while enabling better intelligence gathering.
Dr Tunji-Ojo, joined by Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, is underscoring what he calls a “re-engineering of processes for optimal success,” with each agency working interdependently but aligned under a shared goal.
A centrepiece of the system is the automated landing and exit card, which the government officials say will significantly enhance documentation of foreign travellers while enabling better intelligence gathering.
“We are explaining how the newly automated landing and exit card will enhance processes,” the Minister of Interior notes. “It will help the government in areas of documentation and intelligence gathering of foreigners entering and leaving the country.”
The Interior Minister is also lauding the seamless partnership between agencies. “I want to recognise the cooperation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria for teaming up with the Nigeria Immigration Service to make this a great success toward improving security across our borders,” he adds.
With the digital migration system now entering its final stages, expectations are rising across Africa’s most populous nation as Nigeria positions itself as a leader in tech-driven border solutions on the continent.
Nigeria’s e-Visa:10 FAQs
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- What is Nigeria’s e-Visa?
It’s a digital visa system that allows travellers to apply online and receive their visa electronically, eliminating the need for paper-based processing.
- When is the e-Visa system going live?
The system is launching on May 1, 2025.
- Who can apply for the e-Visa?
The platform is open to eligible international travellers visiting Nigeria for tourism, business, or other permitted purposes.
- How does the automated landing and exit card work?
It digitally captures travel data at entry and exit points, aiding in better documentation and security monitoring. - Will traditional visa application methods still be available?
Initially, both methods may run concurrently, but the government aims to phase out manual processes. - Is this e-Visa available for all Nigerian entry points?
The rollout starts with major international airports, with expansion to land borders and seaports planned later. - What security features are built into the e-Visa system?
The system includes biometric verification, data encryption, and integration with national security databases. - How does this benefit travellers?
It reduces processing time, eliminates paperwork, and offers a more efficient and transparent experience. - How will this impact Nigeria’s border control?
It strengthens border security and migration oversight, helping to combat irregular migration and related crimes. - Where can travellers apply for the e-Visa?
The official portal will be available through the Nigeria Immigration Service website and affiliated platforms upon launch.
- What is Nigeria’s e-Visa?
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