Nigeria Launches Free E-Visa and Digital Cards to Boost Security

Nigeria Launches Free E-Visa and Digital Cards to Boost Security

The Nigerian government has announced it will begin issuing electronic visas (e-visas) and digital landing and exit cards starting May 1. This new move, spearheaded by the Ministries of Aviation and Interior, is aimed at improving national security, modernizing immigration procedures, and simplifying travel protocols.

The e-visa will allow applicants to submit requests online and upload all required documents from anywhere in the world. There’s a notable bonus—no fees will be charged for this application. Yes, it’s free.

The digital landing and exit cards are part of the same modernization drive. Visitors must now fill out these cards online before traveling to Nigeria, a clear break from the outdated manual paperwork still being used at most airports.

Speaking in Abuja after a strategic meeting with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the move reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strong push for digital transformation and inter-ministerial cooperation.

Keyamo said, “What we are doing here today reflects this government’s commitment to cooperation between ministries with overlapping mandates. Today is another example of inter-ministerial collaboration.”

He made it clear the Ministry of Interior will lead the project, while other relevant agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will offer full support.

According to him, “There is no disagreement. This program is primarily under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Interior, and we’re backing it fully.”

On his part, Tunji-Ojo confirmed the system would go live on May 1 and said the initiative was developed to balance national security with seamless access to the country.

He stressed that the NCAA will manage the new electronic landing and exit forms. These must be completed before a traveler boards their flight to Nigeria.

Tunji-Ojo explained: “Our goal is to open Nigeria’s borders without compromising security. Both Interior and Aviation ministries have critical roles in this.”

The digital landing cards will eliminate the paper forms handed out on planes or at immigration desks. This digital-first approach is expected to make arrivals smoother, minimize human error, and reduce time spent during border checks.

NCAA will coordinate with airlines and issue regulations that will ensure all passengers submit their landing information online ahead of time. This includes personal data, flight information, travel purpose, and accommodation details.

For now, the federal government is not requiring airlines to charge passengers or collect any additional information outside what they already do. Instead, travelers will be responsible for going online to fill out their information.

Officials believe this upgrade will allow authorities to pre-screen passengers, monitor travel trends, and plug longstanding gaps in immigration monitoring.

Digitalization of visas and landing documents is not new globally, but it is long overdue in Nigeria.

Keyamo and Tunji-Ojo both made it clear that Nigeria must modernize if it hopes to stay competitive in the global travel sector. They pointed out that countries like Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa have already rolled out e-visa systems with positive results.

By launching its own digital border system, Nigeria hopes to speed up airport arrivals, limit illegal entry, and make travel smoother for businesspeople, tourists, and returning citizens alike.

Airlines operating international flights into Nigeria have already been informed of the new policy. Training and updates are underway to ensure their staff can assist travelers who may be unfamiliar with the process.

It’s not just about streamlining entry—this also gives the government a digital footprint of who’s coming in and going out. That makes it easier to track crime, monitor overstays, and prevent threats before they enter.

The free e-visa feature is especially attractive for business travelers and investors, as it removes financial and bureaucratic bottlenecks that often turn people away.

Officials say all travelers—Nigerians and foreigners—must comply. Even returning Nigerians must fill out the digital forms for smooth entry.

For those without internet access or who need help, airport helpdesks and embassy hotlines will be available for assistance. The Ministries have promised public awareness campaigns to guide travelers on how to use the new tools.

This is a massive shakeup in how Nigeria handles entry and exit procedures.

But let’s be honest—this change is coming late. For too long, Nigeria’s borders have operated in the analogue age. Paper-based systems have led to long queues, data inaccuracies, and security blind spots.

Now, this reform promises to close that chapter. Whether it’s investors flying in from Europe or Nigerian students returning from Ghana, this new system gives Nigeria a cleaner, more efficient doorway.

It’s a bold move, yes, but a necessary one.

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