Christian Babatunde Denton
The City Law Associates, Lagos
Denton@citylaw.ng and Dentonbabatunde@yahoo.com

Introduction

On 8 May 2025, the Nigerian government introduced the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 (‘NVP 2025’). The NVP 2025 builds upon the Nigeria Visa Policy 2020, which was introduced on 4 February 2020, and executed on 1 October 2020. The NVP 2025 has included a new visa category: Short Visit Visas (e-Visa) for business, tourism and similar short-term purposes.^[1] The new e-Visa enforces the recently launched Nigerian e-Visa system, which became effective on 1 May 2025. The e-visa itself replaces the Visa on Arrival (VoA) system of the Nigeria Visa Policy 2020, and eligible visitors to Nigeria will have to apply for an e-Visa through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) e-Visa portal.^[2] Although the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 has been officially introduced, the execution of the Policy in its entirety may be gradual and subject to delays in practice.^[3]

Key changes in the proposed NVP 2025

Some of the changes proposed by NVP 2025 are as follows.

e-Visa replaces Visa-on-Arrival (VoA)

Effective from 1 May 2025, Nigeria has officially phased out the Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) system. All visa applications must now be submitted online via the e-Visa platform, with approvals sent via email. VoA approvals issued before 1 May 2025 will continue to remain valid for a limited period (up to two weeks), but any issued after will not be honoured.^[4]

Adjustments to visa categories

The NVP 2025 introduces changes to the short-visit visa categories under the e-Visa channel, increasing the total number from 17 to 18. Under this revision, the Journalist Visa (F7A), Tourism Visa (F7C) and Religious Tourism Visa (F7D) have been removed, while four new visa categories – the Diplomatic Visa (Non-Accredited) (F2A), Business-Multiple Entry Visa (F4B), Visiting Visa-Single Entry (F6A) and Temporary Work Permit Visa (F8A) – have been included as available via the e-Visa channel.^[5]

Automation of the Temporary Work Permit (TWP) application process

An online platform has been developed to streamline the processing of Temporary Work Permit (TWP) applications. The TWP is a short-term visa issued to foreign professionals invited by Nigerian corporate organisations to deliver specialised, high-level services. Prior to this innovation, TWP requests were submitted via email to a designated address, with approval letters sent back to applicants upon approval.^[6]

Under the new system in NVP 2025, applicants must first register on the portal after which they can submit their requests through the official NIS website.^[7]

Introduction of the e-CERPAC

The Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) scheme, which applies to non-Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nationals residing in Nigeria, is being transitioned to a fully electronic platform. The e-CERPAC will be accessible to expatriates prior to their arrival in Nigeria and before the issuance of the relevant visa. This document will serve as an entry permit valid for 30 days. Upon arrival, the expatriate will be issued a green card, completing the process. This innovation is expected to eliminate the need for post-arrival regularisation, as the e-CERPAC is processed and issued in advance.^[8]

Introduction of online landing and exit cards

Travellers entering or departing Nigeria are required to complete an online landing and exit card application. This initiative is part of the Nigeria Immigration Service’s efforts to enhance border management by enabling more effective monitoring of travellers’ duration of stay and identifying individuals who overstay their permitted time in the country.^[9]

Visa validity and duration adjustments

The NVP 2025 introduces several changes to visa validity periods, with many categories seeing a reduction in duration. Notably, the Diplomatic Visa (Non-accredited) (F2A) now has a validity period and the maximum stay has been reduced from 90 days to 30 days. Similarly, most short-visit visas under the e-Visa channel have undergone adjustments, with many experiencing a shortened validity period and maximum duration.^[10]

Provisions for minors and dependents

Under the NVP 2020, there is no explicit provision outlining the requirements for family members of a visa applicant. However, the NVP 2025 proposes a clear requirement that, in family applications, family members must provide the same documentation as the primary applicant, where relevant.^[11]

Additionally, the NVP 2025 includes specific provisions for minors applying for visas, distinguishing between unaccompanied and unaccompanied applicants, with tailored requirements for each scenario.

For minors applying as unaccompanied individuals, the required documents include:

• birth certificate;
• parental or legal guardian’s passport data page; and
• parental or legal guardian’s letter of consent.

For minors applying as accompanied individuals, the requirements are:

• birth certificate; and
• letter of consent from the parent or legal guardian authorising the accompanying guardian.

These requirements are in addition to the standard documentation required for the primary visa applicant.

Centralised visa processing

Visa approvals are now centralised at the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Abuja. Applications can still be made via missions abroad, but the final approval resides in Abuja. The standard processing for regular visas (eg, business) is estimated at ten working days.^[12]

New visa fee structure

The NVP 2025 proposes new visa fees for different visa categories. Notably, the proposed fee for the Temporary Work Permit Visa (Single Entry) (F8A) is $600 while the Temporary Work Permit (Multiple Entry) (R11) is pegged at $1,100, applicable to all eligible countries.

Overstay penalties

The NVP 2025 proposes for the restructuring of overstay penalties, with a $15 daily fine for overstaying. An overstay from three months to one year results in a one year ban, while an overstay beyond one year leads to a three year ban.^[13] Any overstay over 12 months will results in daily fines plus permanent blacklisting from Nigeria.

Amnesty programme

The NIS has introduced an amnesty programme to allow foreigners currently residing illegally in the country to regularise their immigration status. The initiative primarily targets individuals holding all types of expired single and multiple entry visas (Visa-on-Arrival/Business Visa) and expired CERPAC.^[14] Upon expiration of the amnesty period, expatriates still found defaulting will be liable to a fine or possible deportation.

Eligible and ineligible countries

The NVP 2025 introduces a comprehensive list of countries eligible for the e-Visa system. A total of 177 countries are eligible to apply for e-Visas, thereby benefiting from the streamlined and efficient electronic visa application process.

Conversely, 25 countries have been classified as ineligible for the e-Visa option. Applicants from these countries will be required to follow the traditional visa application process through Nigerian embassies for consular offices.^[15]

Purpose of the reforms

Modernisation

The reforms represent an important advancement in modernising Nigeria’s immigration system to meet global best practices.

Economic growth

The initiative aims to enhance tourism and drive economic growth by improving Nigeria’s accessibility to visitors and investors.

Security enhancement

The integrated e-Visa system aims to strengthen national security by connecting with global security databases.

Conclusion

The NVP 2025 marks a tremendous shift towards digitalisation, accountability and streamlined immigration services. These reforms reflect a more extensive commitment to facilitating travel, business and investment, while reinforcing security and regulatory efficiency.