FG to Launch E-Visa System in May 1: Enhancing Border Security and Simplifying Travel

The federal government has unveiled plans to introduce an electronic visa (e-visa) system by May 1, 2025, as part of its efforts to update Nigeria’s immigration procedures.

This program, which involves joint work between the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Ministry of Interior, aims to enhance border security as well as streamline travel processes for tourists.

At a press briefing in Abuja regarding the enforcement of immigration guidelines under the Migration Visa Policy (MVP) 2025, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo detailed the extensive advantages offered by the updated framework.

He stated that the e-visa system, along with the automation of arrival and departure forms, would enhance background verifications and prevent unauthorized access to the nation.

Tunji-Ojo disclosed that with the introduction of the e-visa, applications will now be handled online, and a centralized visa approval center is already up and running at the Immigration headquarters.

Police officers have received training and tools linked to international crime databases like Interpol, allowing comprehensive background screenings of every arriving traveler.

The updated protocol requires passengers to fill out an online arrival and departure form prior to boarding their aircraft.

This data will be validated across different airlines working together with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The minister stated that this integration guarantees that individuals who try to enter or leave Nigeria without appropriate authorization will be detected right away.

"The task of overseeing and validating this procedure falls upon the NCAA. Like each one of us, they are entirely dedicated to protecting our country’s borders and maintaining our sovereignty," he stated.

The partnership between these government departments has produced significant outcomes via programs such as the EPIC Solution, a sophisticated passenger data system that has resulted in the identification of Interpol-listed individuals attempting to cross into Nigeria.

In addition, electronic gates have been set up at major terminals in Lagos and Abuja airports to facilitate automated, efficient, and secure passenger processing.

Tunji-Ojo has stated that over the next few weeks, the NCAA along with the NIS will collaborate to set up a specialized unit aimed at completing the development of an implementation framework, regulatory directives, and procedures specifically for airlines.

"This is not a responsibility solely for one agency; it demands a collaborative approach across multiple ministries with flawless coordination," he stressed.

Mr. Festus Keyamo,SAN, who serves as the Minister of Aviation, characterized the partnership as an exemplary form of successful government cooperation. He emphasized that both the electronic visa service and the automated landing and departure card system will be provided at no cost, guaranteeing ease of access alongside enhanced safety measures.

Keyamo elaborated more about how the new system works, mentioning that visitors must fill out an electronic entry form prior to arriving.

The digital system will keep records of their information, such as visa category, arrival date, and allowed length of stay. When departing, travelers are required to show their exit forms at the airline counter, where the NCAA procedures will be implemented.

"As you get ready to depart from Nigeria, the initial stop will be at the airline's check-in counter," Keyamo clarified.

If you're a foreign traveler, they'll request your exit card. If you don't have one, you won't receive a boarding pass.

This procedure initiates an automated check: after the traveler inputs their passport number, the system fetches their entry details along with the length of their visit.

In case of any discrepancies such as exceeding the visa duration, the airline, adhering to NCAA guidelines, will deny boarding to the passenger and direct them to the immigration officials.

"When dealing with immigration officials, they will be able to see all details about your travels and legal standing. The consequences for violations could include fines, revocation of visas, or restrictions from entering the country again for as long as ten years," explained Keyamo.

Both ministers emphasized that their primary objective is to boost Nigeria’s national security, prevent illegal migration, and provide a smooth, digitized travel process.

Using this updated strategy, the nation seeks to conform to international standards while keeping its autonomy intact.

As preparations move forward towards the official launch date, officials remain hopeful that the e-visa system will enhance both efficiency and Nigeria’s standing as a safe and hospitable location for genuine visitors.