Heed the Federal Government's Warning: Foreign Residents on Expired Visas in Nigeria Must Leave or Face Consequences
Foreigners with expired visas in the country are given a three-month deadline to regularize their status or leave the nation.
In a straight-up chat, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), ACI *Akinsola Akinlabi*, has laid down the law. Foreigners living in Nigeria with expired visas have until August 1, 2025, to depart voluntarily without facing any penalties. After that, things get tough.
Starting August 2, 2025, a three-month grace period will be over, and those who haven't left will face the music. Overstaying their visas by more than a year will result in a permanent entry ban. But the real pain kicks in from September 1, 2025.
That's when the daily fines start. Yep, you read that right. For each day you overstay your visa beyond the approved period, you'll be slapped with a $15 fine. But if you've been there for three months or more, you'll not only face a daily fine but also a five-year entry ban. And if you've been around for more than a year, well, it's goodbye Nigeria forever. You'll be blacklisted and face a permanent entry ban.
Want some good news? The government is making it easier for you to leave. As of May 1, 2025, they've launched an e-Visa application system and an Automated Landing and Exit Card. This digital transformation cuts the visa process down to under 48 hours, making it quicker than ever to pack your bags and hit the road.
With 13 types of Short Visit Visas (SVV) now available online at https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng/, it's never been easier to bid Nigeria adieu. Just remember, visas obtained through the e-Visa Channel are not extendable, so make sure to plan your travel accordingly.
So, whether you've been in Nigeria for a few months or a few years, it's time to take a hard look at your visa status. The government's cracking down, and you don't want to get caught on the wrong side of the law.
You might also like
*** Nigeria Launches Centralised Travel Document Verification System - Interior Minister**
*** NSCDC Detains Officers Over Alleged ₦5.2 Million Extortion**
*** Tunji-Ojo Orders Immediate Probe into NSCDC Officers ₦5.2 Million Extortion Allegation**
*** FG Declares April 18 and 21 as Public Holidays for Easter**
*** FG Slams Ban on Foreigners Who Overstay Visa, $15 Daily Fine**
*** 'He Was Not Killed on Orders of Chinese Company' - FG Releases Update on Death of Immigration Officer**
Insights:
- From August 2, 2025, the grace period of three months ends for foreigners with expired visas, and those who overstay their visas by more than a year will face a permanent entry ban.
- Daily fines starting from September 1, 2025, will be levied on foreigners who overstay their visas, amounting to $15 per day. Overstays of more than three months will result in additional fines and five-year entry bans, and overstays of more than one year will result in blacklisting and a permanent entry ban.
- The new e-Visa system, launched on May 1, 2025, replaces Visa on Arrival, processes applications online in under 48 hours, and offers 13 types of Short Visit Visas (SVV) accessible at https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng/. Visas obtained through the e-Visa Channel are not extendable.
- The manual boarding cards have been replaced with an electronic landing and exit card via https://lecard.immigration.gov.ng.
- Foreign residents in Nigeria, especially those with expired visas, must heed the federal government's warning and leave the country before August 1, 2025, to avoid penalties.
- If foreigners remain in Nigeria with expired visas past the August 1, 2025, deadline, they will face consequences starting August 2, 2025, as a three-month grace period ends.
- Overstaying a visa by more than a year may result in a permanent entry ban, while the daily fines will kick in from September 1, 2025, with each day's fine amounting to $15.
- The government has implemented an e-Visa application system to streamline the visa process and allow for quicker departures, with the process taking under 48 hours.
- The new e-Visa system, introduced on May 1, 2025, offers 13 types of Short Visit Visas (SVV) available online, making it easier for foreigners to exit Nigeria. However, keep in mind that these visas are not extendable.
- As the government cracks down on overstayed visas, it is crucial for foreigners to review their visa status and ensure they comply with the policies and legislation governing their stay, given the potential political, general news, and legal implications.
