Nigeria to Fine Visa Overstayers $15 Daily Starting September 1, 2025
In a move to tighten immigration enforcement and improve compliance among foreign visitors, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a new policy that will impose a $15 daily fine on any foreign national who overstays their visa in the country.
The measure, set to take effect from September 1, 2025, also introduces long-term entry bans for chronic overstayers.
Key Penalties Under the New Policy
• $15 daily fine for each day of overstay
• 5-year re-entry ban for overstays exceeding 6 months
• 10-year re-entry ban for overstays longer than 1 year
• Grace period for compliance ends on August 31, 2025
According to the NIS, these measures are part of a broader immigration reform aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s borders, curbing undocumented migration, and aligning with global standards.
Background: Strengthening Border Control
The announcement comes shortly after Nigeria phased out its Visa on Arrival (VoA) policy and transitioned to a fully digital e-Visa system in early May 2025. Officials say these reforms are part of the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, designed to modernize the country’s immigration infrastructure and enhance national security.
“This is about order and compliance,” said a senior immigration official. “We are not targeting travelers unfairly. We are asking them to respect Nigeria’s immigration laws, just as they would expect from their own countries.”
What Travelers Should Do
Travelers currently in Nigeria or planning to visit are advised to:
• Track their visa expiration dates closely
• Apply for visa extensions well in advance
• Use the official e-Visa portal: evisa.immigration.gov.ng
• Depart before the grace period ends to avoid penalties
The NIS is expected to begin strict enforcement in September, and travelers may be required to settle fines before departure.
Nigeria’s introduction of overstay fines and entry bans signals a more structured immigration environment. As the country upgrades its visa systems and tightens border rules, visitors are encouraged to comply with all requirements to avoid disruptions.