Explainer: New immigration rules you must know before travelling in, out of Nigeria

If you are planning a travel outside or into Nigeria, most immigration rules that applied in the beginning of the year, no longer applies. So, being informed and up-to-date on the new rules will make your trip seamless and devoid of immigration issues....READ ORIGINAL & FULL CONTENT FROM SOURCE |

It is important to know what has changed, what works, what to know before your next flight and what the new departure process will be like from now.

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In a detailed video documentary by Adachi Uchenchu, popular travel YouTube journalist on behalf of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) detailed new immigration rules and processes for intending travelers looking travel in or out of Nigeria through Nigeria’s international airports.

It important to note that it is now impossible to use another person’s passport or an expired passport to enter into Nigeria. Nigeria has upgraded its arrival and departure processes. Air travel is now about digital control, arrival clearance and a smarter exit.

Scrap of visa-on-arrival

The visa on arrival policy has been discontinued. As at May 1, 2025, Nigeria transitioned to e-visa system for travellers from over 170 countries and only citizens of ECOWAS countries are exempted. This is part of Nigeria’s bold move to digitalize and protect its borders while making travel smoother and smarter.

As a traveller, you must apply for your e-visa before you travel as there is no more visa-on-arrival and no more airport applications. As a visitor, everything happens before you leave your country. The application process is processed within 24 to 48 hours but applicants are advised to apply one week before their flight. No e-visa, no boarding. Airlines are now strictly banned from boarding passengers without an approved visa and will attract fines if they do. If you are flying into Nigeria, make sure to receive your e-visa by email, print your copy and carry it with you.

Biometrics

When you land, at immigration, you will undergo biometric screening including finger print scans and facial recognition to confirm your identity. This is designed to improve the travel experience while keeping the boarders safe.

Landing and exit cards

Manual landing and exit cards have been replaced with automated digital forms. These are mandatory digital forms that all passengers must complete while entering or exiting Nigeria. This form is filled online within 96 hours (4 days) before you travel. This will serve like a digital check-in and check-out into and from Nigeria. These forms are mandatory for each new trip. This form only opens four days before your flight.

When you arrive at immigration, your passport details should automatically pull up your landing cards in immigration systems and spot red flags in advance. This means less waiting, fewer questions, less paperwork and a faster arrival.

Difference between e-visa and landing cards

The e-visa and landing cards are two different documents. The e-visa allows you to enter Nigeria and must be approved before travel, while the landing cards or exit cards confirms your travel and stay details such as flight, address, purpose of travel etc and must be submitted within 96 hours or arrival. you need both to enter Nigeria. Forgetting anyone could make immigration turn you back. To apply for this, visit the official portal of Nigeria Immigration Services. This is where you fill landing cards before arrival and exit cards before departure.

Immigration still recommends having a copy saved in your phone. If you enter the wrong passport number or date of birth, the card automatically becomes invalid, which means you may have to submit a new one and failure to do this, you may be denied, delayed or refused boarding. You will also fill the exit cards within 96 days before departing Nigeria.

Expired Passports

If you are a Nigerian and your passport has expired, the system has been updated to support you. You can now apply for a special landing ID card created specifically for this scenario. Just go to immigration official portal. Once you open the page, the first thing you will see is landing card and exit cards. This is not where you are supposed to click. Scroll down to almost the foot of that page at the right hand side. There you will see inscription which reads ‘Issues with travelling back to Nigeria with expired passport.’ ‘Click Apply for Landing Card ID’. Fill out the form accurately, submit it at least four days before your departure. Download and print the confirmation. You will need this to board your flight and when entering Nigeria. Once you arrive Nigeria, don’t forget to plan to renew your passports at any immigration office across the country. Passport renewals have become more streamlined, so you can schedule your appointment in advance to suit your travel plans.

As a visitor or expatrait having trouble leaving Nigeria because of visa issues or other travel complications, you will need to apply for the exit cards. It works like the landing cards but it is designed for this purpose. Go to the landing card page, scroll down and click ‘Issues with travelling back to your county,’ click apply for exit cards ID. Complete the form, submit it not later than four days before departure, download or print your confirmation and present it at the airport.

Overstayed visa

Overstaying your visa in Nigeria would come with its consequences. Beginning August 1st, 2025, a daily $15 fine, a five-year entry ban would be issued if you overstay by six months and a permanent ban if your overstay by one year or more. A grace period is currently in effect until the August 1st deadline.

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Health clearance

If you arriving from a yellow fever or emp
risk country, you will need a valid yellow fever vaccination card or a recognised health declaration certificate. You will also need to complete the online health declaration form before your arrival..Read The Full Article/Content Here.