The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a new policy aimed at curbing visa overstays by foreign nationals, with daily fines and re-entry bans set to take effect from August 2025.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a stakeholder engagement session held at NECA House, Lagos, where key updates to immigration policies were unveiled.
Under the upcoming Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2025, foreign nationals who overstay their visas will be charged $15 for each extra day they remain in the country. More serious consequences include:
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A 5-year re-entry ban for overstays of three months
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A 10-year re-entry ban for overstays of one year or more
Although the policy takes effect from May 2025, the government has provided a grace period until August to allow travelers to comply with the new rules without incurring fines.
According to the Minister, the reform is part of a broader effort to promote compliance, ensure national security, and encourage responsible migration practices.
“This policy is not just about penalties; it’s about protecting Nigeria’s borders, upholding the integrity of our visa system, and ensuring that foreign nationals who enter Nigeria do so with respect for our laws,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
The enforcement of these regulations will be carried out by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), with the government promising strict compliance monitoring.
The announcement follows other immigration reforms, including updates to the Expatriate Quota System, as part of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to modernize and secure its immigration framework.
