Foreigners who overstay visas in Nigeria face new government sanctions
Foreign nationals who remain in Nigeria beyond the validity of their visas are now subject to stricter penalties under a newly enforced policy by the Nigerian government.
Stricter penalties for overstaying visas in Nigeria enforced from September 1, 2025
Foreigners who overstay visas will face daily fines, entry bans, and blacklisting
Three-month grace period for irregular migrants to regularize their status
Starting September 1, 2025, foreigners who overstay their visas in Nigeria will face a daily fine of $15 for each day beyond their approved stay.
This move is part of broader immigration reforms aimed at tightening border control, enhancing national security, and ensuring better compliance with immigration laws.
This development was disclosed in a statement signed on Monday by AS Akinlabi, the Service Public Relations Officer at the Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters in Abuja.
This new rule is part of Nigeria's ongoing immigration reforms, which also introduced a digital e-Visa system and automated entry and exit cards which will come into effect as from May 1, 2025.
Specifically, individuals who remain in the country for more than three months will face the daily fine in addition to a five-year entry ban.
For those who overstay for a year or longer, the consequences are more severe. These individuals will not only be subject to the daily fine but also face blacklisting and a permanent ban from re-entering Nigeria.
The new rules will be enforced beginning September 1, 2025, but the tracking mechanism to monitor overstay cases will be activated a month earlier, starting August 2, 2025.
The new measures, which apply to tourists, expatriates, and other foreign visitors, include increased fines, possible deportation, and restrictions on re-entry for violators. Authorities say the policy is designed to deter abuse of Nigeria's visa system, which has in the past seen overstays go largely unpunished.
Immigration officials warn that the enforcement will be strict and consistent, regardless of nationality or visa category.
Officials hope that the new sanctions will encourage visitors to respect visa conditions and help the country align more closely with international immigration standards.
Nigeria offers Visa 'amnesty'
The Nigerian government had earlier announced a three-month grace period, starting May 1, 2025, for irregular migrants to regularize their status, after which a nationwide crackdown will commence on August 1, 2025.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a meeting with the Nigerian Employers' Consultative Association (NECA).
The initiative is part of efforts to enhance the management of expatriates in Nigeria and ensure strict compliance with immigration laws. Enforcement of the Expatriate Employment Levy Administration System (EAS) will begin on August 1, 2025.
Additionally, the government announced an immigration amnesty programme to encourage irregular migrants to take advantage of the three-month window to legalize their stay.
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