Nigeria to Sanction Airlines for Transporting Passengers Without Valid Visas

By iNewsAfrica | Lagos Bureau | May 24, 2025

The Nigerian government has announced strict new immigration enforcement measures targeting airlines that allow passengers to board without valid entry visas. Effective immediately, carriers that violate these rules will face sanctions. A new e-visa regime, landing/exit card requirements, and penalties for overstayers are also being implemented to tighten border control.

• Airlines flying into Nigeria must verify that all passengers possess valid entry visas

• Offenders will face financial penalties and possible flight restrictions

• New barcode-enabled landing/exit cards to launch August 1, 2025

• Foreigners with expired visas given a 3-month grace period

• Part of a broader effort to bolster national security and immigration integrity

Abuja | The Nigerian government has issued a firm directive to all international airlines operating flights into the country: do not transport passengers without valid Nigerian entry visas. This order, delivered by Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Lagos on May 23, underscores a renewed drive to tighten immigration controls and enhance national security.

“Any airline that airlifts passengers into Nigeria without proper documentation will be sanctioned,” the Minister declared. “This is not negotiable.”

The directive aligns with global practices observed in countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, where airlines are expected to enforce immigration compliance before passengers board their flights.

E-Visa System and Rejections

As part of these reforms, Nigeria officially launched an e-visa application system on May 1, 2025. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has since processed 5,814 applications, approving 5,671, rejecting 66, and querying 62. Officials emphasized that automation will reduce human interference, improve processing speed, and flag high-risk entries.

Landing and Exit Cards Introduced

Starting August 1, 2025, passengers arriving or departing Nigeria must complete newly designed landing and exit cards embedded with barcodes. These cards will integrate with national immigration databases, improving tracking and compliance enforcement.

Deadline for Visa Overstayers

In a significant gesture of goodwill, the government announced a three-month grace period for foreigners currently in Nigeria with expired visas. Until August 1, they may leave the country without penalty. Thereafter, overstayers will face a daily fine of $15, a potential five-year travel ban, or permanent blacklisting from entry into Nigeria.

Compliance and Enforcement

Airlines are expected to implement rigorous pre-boarding checks to ensure all passengers have approved visas before flying to Nigeria. Failure to comply will result in fines, operational restrictions, or suspensions.

This move represents a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s immigration policy, one that prioritizes both national security and responsible international travel.