The Federal Government will introduce an electronic visa (e-visa) system and digital landing/exit cards on May 1, 2025, to improve national security and make travel to Nigeria easier.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced this during a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
E-Visa Will Make Visa Applications Easier
Keyamo explained that the e-visa system will let travelers apply for Nigerian visas online. They will also be able to upload all required documents without going to any immigration office.
He said travelers would now fill out landing and exit cards online before arriving in Nigeria. This move will replace the old paper-based system at airports.
“What we are doing shows this government’s strong commitment to working together across ministries,” Keyamo said.
He added that the project will involve key agencies like the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Keyamo also noted that there’s no conflict between the ministries, as the plan mainly falls under the Ministry of Interior’s responsibilities.
Digital Systems Start May 1
During the meeting, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo confirmed that the new e-visa and digital landing card systems would launch on May 1, 2025.
He said the e-visa will be free of charge and will help both improve Nigeria’s security and ease the visa process.
Tunji-Ojo said the NCAA will manage the landing and exit cards, and travelers must complete these forms online before arriving in Nigeria.
“NCAA will issue guidelines to airlines. That’s part of their job,” he said.
Improved Security with Advanced Background Checks
The Interior Minister revealed that the Immigration Service has already set up a central visa approval center at its headquarters. Officers at the center use modern tools to perform background checks, including global criminal record screenings.
He said the system will remove delays and make visa applications more transparent and secure.
“We want to open Nigeria’s borders to the world, but without risking national security,” he said. “Both the Interior and Aviation ministries are working together to achieve this.”
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