The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced that 13 visa categories are now eligible for application through its newly launched e-visa platform. The update was disclosed in a statement on Sunday, marking a significant step in the digital transformation of Nigeria’s visa processing system.
The e-visa platform, which is part of the 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy, allows foreign nationals and Nigerians with dual citizenship to apply for, track, and receive visas online without needing to visit an embassy or consulate. The service promises a streamlined, secure, and efficient process with a typical processing time of 48 hours.
The 13 eligible visa categories include:
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Transit visa
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Business visa – single entry
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Business visa – frequently travelled business executives
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Tourism visa
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Sports visa
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Creative arts visa
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Study tour visa
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Academic exchange programme (students, scholars, lecturers)
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International cultural exchange visa
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Emergency relief work visa
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Returning holders of foreign passports who are Nigerians by birth
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Visitor visa – single entry
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Business visa – multiple entry
To apply for an e-visa, applicants must have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, and provide necessary supporting documents such as a passport photo, travel itinerary, and purpose-specific documentation. Once approved, the visa is sent directly to the applicant’s email address.
The launch of the e-visa platform is a part of the Nigeria Immigration Service’s broader initiative to modernize and automate the country’s visa management system. This transformation aims to improve transparency, security, and the overall efficiency of the visa processing system, while also reducing delays caused by traditional manual processing methods.
However, the NIS has clarified that the maximum stay allowed under the e-visa scheme is 90 days. For travelers who require a longer stay, they will need to apply through traditional embassy or consulate channels. The platform does not allow for visa extensions.
The e-visa initiative comes amid a larger push to modernize Nigeria’s immigration services, which also includes the implementation of automated landing and exit cards, effective from May 1, 2025. Additionally, foreign nationals who overstay their visas in Nigeria will be subject to a $15 daily fine starting September 1, 2025. Overstayers may face further penalties such as entry bans or blacklisting, depending on the duration of their overstay.
In a related development, the NIS is offering a three-month amnesty period for foreigners residing in Nigeria with expired visas. The amnesty, running from May 1 to August 1, 2025, allows these individuals to leave the country voluntarily without facing penalties.
This new e-visa platform aligns with global trends in digital immigration services and is expected to boost Nigeria’s appeal as a destination for short-term international visitors.
