ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW 2025 NIGERIA e-VISA SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

The 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy provides a regulatory framework for the introduction of an e-visa application and approval process. This innovative development in Nigeria’s Visa Management System leverages digital solutions on a centralized platform, offering certain visa categories-particularly those classified under short visit visas-entirely online.

This cutting-edge system enables foreign nationals, including Nigerians with dual nationality, to conveniently apply for, track, and obtain their visas online within a specified period, thereby eliminating the need for physical visits to embassies or consulates.

The e-visa application system accommodates 13 distinct visa classes, specifically designed to meet various travel requirements for foreign nationals and Nigerians with dual citizenship.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible to apply for the e-visa, applicants must possess a valid passport with at least six (6) months of validity and must fall under an approved visa category.

STEPS

  • Possess a valid passport with at least six (6) months’ validity from the intended date of entry into Nigeria.
  • Provide accurate and complete information in the online application form.
  • Upload all required supporting documents, including:
    • Passport biodata page
    • Recent passport-sized photograph
    • Travel itinerary
    • Any additional documents specific to the chosen visa category
  • Pay the prescribed application fee using the approved payment methods or gateways provided on the e-visa platform.

Applications should be done via: https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng

 

CLASSES OF VISA AVAILABLE ON THE e-VISA PLATFORM

 

Applications should be done via: https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng

 

KEY FEATURES

  1. Online Application Process: In addition to the traditional visa service (visa at the embassy), applicants can complete the entire e-visa application process online. The platform is user-friendly and provides step-by-step guidance to applicants throughout the process.
  2. Electronic Issuance: Once the application is successfully completed and submitted, the visa decision is electronically sent to the applicant’s provided email address. In contrast, obtaining a visa at the embassy may require a physical interview before a decision is made.
  3. Validity and Duration: The e-visa is valid for a period between 30 and 90 days from the date of issuance, depending on the approval granted. Applicants are required to enter Nigeria within this validity period.
  • The maximum permitted duration of stay is 90 days from the date of entry.
  • Extensions are not allowed.
  • Travelers requiring a longer stay must apply for the appropriate visa through the embassy or consulate.
  1. Short Visit Purposes: The e-visa is specifically designed for travellers visiting Nigeria for short stays.
  • Permitted purposes include tourism, business, medical tourism, sports, creative arts, study tours, academic exchanges, cultural exchanges, emergency relief work, and transit.
  • Each visa category has distinct requirements tailored to the specific purpose of travel.

TIMELINE

Once the application is accurately completed and submitted, visa applicants can expect a decision within 48 hours of submission.

BENEFITS

  1. Efficiency and Transparency: The e-visa system is fast and trackable. Visa decisions are typically made within hours and up to a maximum of 48 hours. Applicants can monitor the status of their applications in real time. In contrast, regular visa applications submitted at the Embassy/High Commission/Consulate may take up to 10 working days to process.
  1. Security and Reliability: The platform uses advanced security measures and encryption protocols to safeguard applicants’ personal data and ensure the integrity of the visa issuance process.
  2. Full Automation: The e-visa process is fully automated, eliminating the need for physical contact. Physical interaction is required only when absolutely necessary. This minimises human interference and enhances objectivity throughout the application and approval process.

Applications should be done via: https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng