Starting May 1, 2025, all foreign nationals arriving or departing from Nigeria will be required to complete their landing and exit forms online, as part of a new government policy aimed at enhancing border security and improving immigration procedures.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a joint press briefing with the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja. The new system will replace the current manual process with a digitised alternative that must be completed before passengers board flights to or from Nigeria.
“This is not a new requirement,” Tunji-Ojo clarified. “We’ve always had landing and exit cards, but they’ve been manual. With this move, we’re aligning with global standards in border control and making the system more efficient.”
According to the minister, the online forms will be mandatory for foreign travelers and must be presented at airline check-in counters. However, he emphasised that the process is entirely free and geared toward improving data collection, background checks, and national security.
To support the rollout, a joint task team comprising officials from the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been established. The team is expected to finalise operational protocols and guidelines within one week.
The federal government also announced a three-month grace period for foreigners who may have overstayed their visas or violated immigration laws. The amnesty program, effective from the launch date, allows affected individuals to visit immigration offices and regularise their status without penalty.
“Implementation begins May 1, 2025,” Tunji-Ojo stated, “but we’re offering a three-month window for compliance before full enforcement begins.”
He further revealed that the initiative is part of broader reforms that include the introduction of a centralised visa approval system and integration with international criminal databases such as Interpol. These changes, he said, have already led to the apprehension of wanted individuals attempting to enter Nigeria.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo also offered insights into how the system will work, explaining that travelers will input their passport information while filling out the digital forms, which will then be verified at entry or exit points. Any discrepancies or visa violations will trigger alerts, leading to possible fines, visa cancellations, or bans of up to ten years.
Both ministers emphasised that the automation effort reflects the federal government’s commitment to modernising its border management systems, improving surveillance, and upholding national sovereignty.
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