Expired Visas? Nigeria Gives Foreigners a 3-Month Grace

 

Foreign nationals residing in Nigeria with expired visas have until August 1, 2025, to regularize their stay or leave without facing harsh penalties. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) issued a firm reminder as part of a major overhaul of the country’s immigration policy.

In an official statement released in Abuja on Friday, May 2, NIS spokesperson Akinsola Akinlabi confirmed that a three-month amnesty window, starting May 1, will allow overstaying foreigners to voluntarily exit the country without penalty.

“This window period shall be granted to allow foreigners residing in Nigeria with expired visas to return to their home country voluntarily without penalty,” the NIS stated.

But starting August 2, 2025, the rules change dramatically. Overstaying your visa could lead to serious consequences: $15 per day fine for all overstays, Five-year ban + fine for overstays beyond 3 months and a Permanent ban + fine for overstays over a year.

The penalties follow an earlier announcement by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who warned of visa bans of up to 10 years for serious infractions.

As part of the broader immigration reform, Nigeria has also rolled out a fully automated e-Visa system, effective May 1, 2025. The new portal evisa.immigration.gov.ng allows applicants to apply, pay, and receive visas entirely online within 48 hours, covering 13 short-visit categories.

Manual arrival and departure cards have now been replaced with an automated landing and exit card system, accessible at lecard.immigration.gov.ng. Foreign travelers are now required to fill these forms online before flying into or out of Nigeria.

In addition, the Visa on Arrival policy has been officially discontinued. However, any visas issued under the old system remain valid until May 30, 2025.