FG to Cancel Visa-on-Arrival Policy, Introduce Landing and Exit Cards
Abuja, Nigeria – February 21, 2025 – The Federal Government has announced plans to discontinue the Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) policy, citing its ineffectiveness. In its place, the government will introduce landing and exit cards, which visitors will be required to pre-fill before arriving in Nigeria.
Rationale Behind the Policy Change
The Visa-on-Arrival policy was introduced in 2020 as a short-stay visa option, allowing eligible travelers to obtain visas upon entry into Nigeria. However, the government now deems the system inefficient and unsustainable, prompting the decision to phase it out.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had previously emphasized that the VoA system would operate on a reciprocal basis, ensuring that only travelers from countries offering similar privileges to Nigerians could benefit. However, recent assessments indicate that the policy has not yielded the desired results, leading to the proposed overhaul.
Who Benefits from the Visa-on-Arrival System?
The Visa-on-Arrival policy was primarily designed for:
High-net-worth investors with frequent business engagements in Nigeria.
Travelers from countries without Nigerian embassies or diplomatic missions, allowing them entry without prior visa applications.
Intending visitors with urgent business or official engagements requiring immediate travel.
New Entry Requirements: Landing and Exit Cards
To replace the Visa-on-Arrival system, the government will introduce a landing and exit card system. Under this new framework:
Visitors must complete and submit their travel details before arriving in Nigeria.
The new system aims to streamline immigration procedures and enhance border security.
It aligns with global best practices, ensuring improved monitoring of visitor movements.
Next Steps
The timeline for the full implementation of the new entry process is yet to be disclosed. However, the government is expected to announce further details and transition guidelines in the coming months.
This policy shift underscores Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing border security, improving visitor management, and aligning with international immigration standards.
For official updates, visit the Federal Ministry of Interior website: www.interior.gov.ng
#NigeriaVisa #ImmigrationPolicy #VisaOnArrival #FG #TunjiOjo
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