As Nigeria modernises its travel and immigration processes, travellers passing through its airports are seeing several important changes. The Nigeria Airports’ new Immigration Rules, which officially took effect on May 1, 2025, aim to streamline immigration procedures, increase national security, and align with global travel standards.
If you’re planning to travel to or from Nigeria, it’s essential to understand the implications of these updates.
This article explains everything you need to know about Nigeria airports new immigration rules, including the introduction of e-Visas, the discontinuation of visa-on-arrival, regulations concerning expired passports, the shift to digital landing and exit cards, and the new e-Gate systems at major airports.
1. Discontinuation of Visa-on-Arrival and Introduction of E-Visa Only
One of the most significant changes to Nigeria’s immigration rules is the phasing out of the visa-on-arrival policy. From May 1, 2025, Nigeria no longer accepts visa-on-arrival applications. All foreign travellers must obtain an e-Visa before arriving in the country.
What You Should Know About the E-Visa:
- Mandatory for all non-ECOWAS nationals entering Nigeria.
- Applications must be made online via the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal.
- Applicants must upload a valid passport, passport photo, and other supporting documents.
- The visa is sent electronically via email with a QR code that is scanned on arrival.
- Processing time is typically 24–48 hours.
- Visa stickers and manual endorsements are no longer used.
This change applies to all Nigerian international airports, and travellers arriving without a valid e-Visa will be denied entry.
2. Passport Validity and Expired Passport Guidelines
Travellers entering Nigeria must ensure that their passport is valid. The new immigration rule requires a minimum passport validity of six months beyond the intended stay in Nigeria.
Important Details:
- Travellers with expired passports will not be allowed entry, even with a valid visa.
- The only exception applies to individuals of Nigerian descent:
- Dual nationals holding a valid foreign passport and an expired Nigerian passport may be granted entry.
- This exception is strictly limited to Nigerians who have naturalised elsewhere.
To avoid complications at immigration, travellers are advised to renew their passports well before their travel plans.
3. Digital Landing and Exit Cards
As part of Nigeria’s digitisation of immigration processes, paper-based landing and exit cards have been replaced with a fully digital system. Travellers must now fill out these forms online before departure or arrival.
How It Works:
- Travellers must visit the Nigeria Immigration Service’s Landing and Exit Card (LECard) Portal to complete the form.
- The form collects standard travel information, including flight details, address in Nigeria, duration of stay, and health-related declarations.
- Upon completion, a QR code is generated, which travellers must save (as a PDF or screenshot) and present upon arrival or departure.
Failure to submit the digital card in advance may result in delays or denial of entry or exit.
4. Introduction of E-Gates at Airports
Nigeria has started rolling out automated electronic gates (e-Gates) at its major international airports to modernise border control. These gates are designed to allow faster and more secure passenger processing through automated identity verification.
Where Are E-Gates Available?
- Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos
- Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja
- Rollout is ongoing in Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu.
Who Can Use E-Gates?
- Nigerian citizens with electronic passports.
- Foreign nationals with valid e-Visas and biometric passports.
- Travellers who have completed their digital landing or exit card and have valid travel documentation.
How It Works:
- Travellers approach the e-Gate and place their e-passport on the reader.
- Facial recognition and fingerprint scans are used to verify identity.
- If successful, the gate opens, and the traveller proceeds to baggage claim or boarding.
If the documents are faulty or verification fails, the traveller will be directed to an immigration officer for manual processing.
ALSO READ:
- Nigerian International Passport Requirements Explained
- Top Nigerian Travel Agencies for Stress-Free Travel in 2025
5. Overstaying and Penalties
Another important part of the new immigration policy is the enforcement of strict penalties for overstaying a visa.
Key Points:
- Grace period: Travellers who overstayed before May 1, 2025, are granted a grace period until August 1, 2025, to exit the country without penalties.
- After August 1, 2025, the following penalties apply:
- $15 per day for each day overstayed.
- Overstaying beyond 3 months results in a 5-year entry ban.
- Overstaying for over 1 year can lead to a permanent ban.
Travellers are advised to monitor their visa duration carefully and avoid overstaying, as the penalties are now strictly enforced.
6. Updates for Nigerians in the Diaspora and Dual Nationals
For Nigerian citizens who hold dual citizenship or live abroad, the new rules also include specific provisions:
- Nigerian citizens must use their Nigerian passports when entering or exiting Nigeria.
- Dual nationals can enter Nigeria using their foreign passport and an expired Nigerian passport (if no valid Nigerian passport is available), though this is not ideal.
- Citizens must still complete the digital exit card even when departing Nigeria.
Travellers are advised to travel with their valid Nigerian passport whenever possible to avoid issues at the border.
7. What to Do Before Travelling to Nigeria
Here’s a quick checklist to help you prepare under the new rules:
| Requirement | Action |
| Visa | Apply for an e-Visa on the NIS portal. No visa-on-arrival allowed. |
| Passport Validity | Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months. |
| Landing/Exit Card | Complete the LECard online before departure or arrival. |
| Travel Document | Save the QR codes from both the e-Visa and LECard. |
| Use of e-Gates | Confirm if your airport supports e-Gate and travel with an e-passport. |
| Overstay Avoidance | Leave Nigeria before your visa expires or before the grace period ends. |
Explore more unforgettable destinations and cultural gems on our Tourism in Nigeria page.
FAQs: Nigeria Airports New Immigration Rules
1. Can I still get a visa on arrival in Nigeria?
No. The visa-on-arrival policy was discontinued on May 1, 2025. All travellers must apply for and obtain an e-Visa online before travelling.
2. What if my Nigerian passport has expired?
You will not be allowed to enter Nigeria with an expired passport unless you are a dual national and hold a valid foreign passport alongside your expired Nigerian passport.
3. Are landing and exit cards still required?
Yes, but they are now digital only. Travellers must fill them out online through the LECard portal and present the QR code upon arrival or departure.
4. What happens if I overstay my visa?
If you overstay your visa beyond August 1, 2025, you will be fined $15 per day and, depending on the length of the overstay, may face a 5-year or permanent entry ban.
5. Do all airports in Nigeria have e-Gates?
As of June 2025, Lagos and Abuja airports are equipped with e-gates. Other major airports, such as Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu, are currently undergoing upgrades.
