In a statement released Friday by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, the agency emphasized that the grace period ends on August 1, 2025, after which enforcement will begin. From September 2025, any foreigner found to have overstayed their visa will be fined $15 per day. Additional punitive measures include entry bans of up to five years or permanent blacklisting from Nigeria.
“A 3-month grace period allows foreigners with expired visas to exit Nigeria without penalty, ending August 1, 2025,” the statement said.
The NIS urged all affected individuals to take advantage of the grace window to avoid the impending sanctions.
In addition to the visa enforcement measures, the NIS also unveiled the mandatory introduction of an online landing card for inbound foreigners and an exit card for outbound travellers. Both documents will be accessible via the NIS official digital platform and are aimed at improving border management and data collection.
This sweeping policy shift is part of ongoing efforts to tighten immigration controls and promote national security while streamlining travel documentation processes.
Foreign nationals currently in Nigeria are advised to check their visa status, initiate renewal processes where applicable, or make travel arrangements within the stipulated timeframe to avoid penalties.