Nigeria Tightens Border Control with Digital Entry, Exit Cards from May 1

Starting May 1, 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria will fully automate the process of landing and exit cards for foreigners entering or leaving the country. This move is aimed at strengthening border security and improving immigration efficiency, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced on Wednesday in Abuja during a joint briefing with Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo.

According to Tunji-Ojo, the new system replaces the current manual forms with a digital version that travelers must complete online before boarding their flights to or from Nigeria. He emphasized that the process is entirely free and focused on enhancing national security and data management.

“We’ve always had landing and exit cards, but they were manually filled. With our population and tech potential, we must lead in digital transformation,” Tunji-Ojo stated. He added that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will oversee enforcement, requiring airlines to verify completed forms before passengers are allowed on board.

The minister also revealed plans for a three-month amnesty period, allowing foreigners who have overstayed their visas or violated immigration rules to regularize their status without penalty at immigration offices.

In addition to the landing and exit card automation, the minister highlighted ongoing enhancements to the e-visa process and the establishment of a centralized visa approval center. The new system is integrated with global criminal databases, including Interpol, enabling Nigerian authorities to screen travelers more effectively.

Supporting this, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, explained that airline staff will confirm the digital forms at boarding and flag any visa overstays or violations for immigration officials. Offenders could face fines, visa cancellations, or a ban from entering Nigeria for up to 10 years.

Both ministries have agreed to form a joint implementation team comprising members from the NCAA and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), expected to finalize regulatory frameworks within one week.