FG Issues 3-Month Ultimatum to Foreigners with Expired Visas
The Nigeria Immigration Service says overstayers risk daily fines, visa bans, and blacklisting after grace period ends August 1, 2025.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has granted a three-month grace period for foreigners residing in the country with expired visas to leave voluntarily without facing penalties.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday, May 2, 2025, by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Akinsola Akinlabi.
According to the NIS, the amnesty period will last until August 1, 2025. Thereafter, foreigners who overstay their visas will face a daily fine of $15, visa bans of up to five years, or permanent blacklisting from entering Nigeria.
The statement reads: “A 3-month grace period allows foreigners with expired visas to exit Nigeria without penalty, ending August 1st, 2025. Overstaying beyond that date attracts daily fines of $15 and possible visa bans or blacklisting.”
In addition to the grace period, the NIS also announced the introduction of a mandatory online landing card for all inbound foreign travelers, as well as an exit card for those departing the country. These digital cards can be accessed via lecard.immigration.gov.ng.
The new measures are part of the government’s efforts to tighten border control, monitor immigration patterns, and enhance national security.
