Nigeria has been undertaking a set of reforms to its visa and immigration policies especially for the Visa-on-Arrival Policy. The key changes are aimed at improving security, streamlining processes, and ensuring fairness in how foreign nationals are treated compared to how Nigerians are treated abroad. The Federal Government of Nigeria announced plans to cancel the Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) policy on 21 February 2025, as part of broader immigration.
Nigeria has officially phased out its Visa on Arrival (VOA) policy in favor of a fully electronic (e-Visa) system, which became effective on May 1, 2025. Travellers must now apply online and secure an e-Visa approval letter before traveling to Nigeria. While VOA was historically an option for high-net-worth investors and some African nationals, the new policy requires all visitors to obtain their visa in advance.
The main developments are as follows:
1. Upgrading rather than Cancelling the Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) Policy
There were earlier reports in February 2025 that the VOA policy would be scrapped. However, following clarifications by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and the Interior Ministry, the policy was not cancelled but upgraded.
2. Automation and e-Visa System
Nigeria is rolling out an e-visa system for short-stay visas, which includes business and tourism visits. Applications can now be done online, with visa approvals expected within 24-48 hours.
The approval will also be communicated electronically, often via email, rather than requiring a physical visa sticker on arrival.
3. Introduction of Digital Landing/Exit Cards & Enhanced Screening
Prospective visitors will fill out landing and exit cards in advance; these are being digitised.
Interpol, criminal record databases, and other background-checks will be part of the process to tighten security.
4. VOA Discontinuation Timeline
The Visa-on-Arrival facility is set to be discontinued from 1 May 2025, replaced by the e-visa system.
However, approvals (pre-approval letters) issued before 1 May 2025 will still be honoured for their validity period (usually two weeks).
5. Fee Adjustments, Especially for African Nationals
Before the broader reforms, the biometrics fee for VOA for African nationals was reduced from USD 170 to USD 120.
There are still fees for visa processing depending on nationality, but the approach is being reviewed under reciprocity.
The Principle of Reciprocity: What It Means in Practice
“Reciprocity” refers to treating citizens of other countries the same way those countries treat Nigerians. Nigeria’s government is increasingly insisting on this principle in its visa regime. Here’s how this is playing out:
- Equal Treatment in Visa Access
The government has declared that if a country does not allow Nigerians visa-on-arrival (or gives them onerous visa requirements), Nigeria may withdraw or withhold VOA status or similar convenience for citizens of those countries. - Visa Fee Reciprocity
If another country charges Nigerians a certain visa fee, Nigeria aims to charge nationals of that country the same. - Visa Access Reciprocity
Apart from fees, Nigeria is also considering whether to reciprocate types of visa access (VOA, e-visa, visa-free etc.). E.g., for countries that restrict Nigerian travellers heavily, Nigeria may also impose similar restrictions. - Committees and Review Mechanisms
A committee (led by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior) has been set up to review visa and passport policies, including how reciprocity should shape VOA and visa types.
Potential Implications & Challenges
Some of the consequences intended or otherwise, of these changes include:
- Increased predictability and security: Pre-arrival checks and automation will reduce risks of abuse of the VOA system.
- Potential diplomatic friction: Countries that currently deny VOA or similar privileges to Nigerians may push back if Nigeria responds by withholding privileges.
- Transition challenges: Applicants who expect VOA may now need to do e-visa in advance; some may be caught unaware.
- Cost implications: Visa fees, biometric fees, or other charges may increase for nationals of certain countries depending on what reciprocity demands.
What Reciprocity Currently Implies for Citizens & Foreign Countries
- Nigeria is saying any country that does not give Nigerians visa-on-arrival may lose VOA or similar convenience for their citizens in Nigeria.
- For example, Ethiopia removed VOA for Nigerians; Turkey removed its e-visa option for Nigerians. These serve as cited examples of non-reciprocal treatment.
- On fees: U.S. nationals are exempt from certain biometrics fees due to reciprocity arrangements.
What Travellers Should Know / Tips
- If you plan to travel to Nigeria, check whether your country offers Nigerians VOA or e-visa, because reciprocity means your eligibility for VOA in Nigeria may depend on how Nigeria citizens are treated by your country.
- Always apply ahead if possible, especially after 1 May 2025, since VOA is being phased out.
- Be ready with documentation for the e-visa application: invitation letters, proof of purpose, onward/return tickets, etc.
- Also, check the visa fees (biometrics, processing) for your nationality; they may have changed.
- Keep up with announcements, as implementing policies may shift or be updated.
How the new e-Visa System Works
- Apply Online: Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) e-Visa portal.
- Create Account & Submit Application: Register, complete the application form, and upload required documents.
- Pay Fees & Await Approval: Make the online payment and wait for your e-Visa approval letter via email within 24-48 hours.
- Entry: Print your approval letter and carry it to Nigeria; upon arrival, your e-visa will be processed or stamped in your passport.
Key Information
- No More VOA: The previous Visa on Arrival scheme has been discontinued.
- Advance Application is Mandatory: All visa applications must be submitted online before traveling to Nigeria.
- E-Visa Approval: You will receive an e-Visa approval letter electronically.
- Short-Stay Focus: The new system is designed for short-stay visas
Key Take for Visa on Arrival Policy in Nigeria
- Nigeria is moving away from the VOA model toward a more automated, pre-arrival e-visa system, effective 1 May 2025.
- The VOA is not abolished immediately; pre-issued approvals before the cut-off remain valid.
- Reciprocity is now central in Nigeria’s visa policy: fees, types of visas, and convenience will increasingly reflect how Nigerians are treated abroad.
- These changes are part of broader efforts to strengthen immigration control, improve security, and streamline foreign travel processes.
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