Nigeria Introduces E-Visa System For Swift 48-Hour Visa Processing.
The Nigerian government has launched a groundbreaking electronic visa (e-visa) system, enabling international visitors to obtain entry visas within just 48 hours, according to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. This transformative initiative, announced on 14 August 2025, aims to boost tourism, streamline business travel, and enhance Nigeria’s appeal as a global destination.
The new e-visa system marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s immigration policy, replacing cumbersome manual processes with a fully automated, online platform. Speaking on the television programme *Politics Today*, Minister Tunji-Ojo highlighted the economic potential of the initiative, stating, “With this new system, we are not just simplifying the process; we are unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential by fostering tourism and business growth.” The minister’s announcement underscores the government’s commitment to creating a more business-friendly environment and promoting Nigeria as a hub for international visitors.
Under the revamped system, travellers can apply for short-stay visas online, with approvals delivered via email within 24 to 48 hours, eliminating the need for physical visa stickers upon arrival. This upgrade builds on the existing Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) policy, which has not been scrapped but refined to enhance efficiency and security. The minister clarified that the e-visa framework ensures thorough vetting while maintaining accessibility for legitimate travellers, entrepreneurs, and tourists.
The initiative, which officially went live on 1 May 2025, has already shown promising results. During a stakeholder sensitisation workshop on 30 June 2025, Tunji-Ojo revealed that over 14,000 visa applications were processed within the first six weeks of the system’s launch. “This is a pass mark by any global standard,” he noted, acknowledging minor technical hitches that are being addressed to ensure a seamless experience.
The e-visa system is part of a broader overhaul of Nigeria’s immigration framework, led by Tunji-Ojo under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. Other reforms include the introduction of electronic Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (e-CERPAC) and Temporary Work Permit (TWP) systems, set to launch soon, as well as the deployment of e-Gates at major airports to enhance border security and passenger processing.
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), under the leadership of Comptroller General Kemi Nandap, has been instrumental in implementing these changes. Nandap emphasised that the e-visa system allows for seamless online applications, reducing the need for physical visits to immigration offices. “These digital solutions leverage technology to streamline processes, enhance security, and improve the overall experience for travellers and stakeholders,” she stated.
The government’s efforts align with Nigeria’s ambition to improve its ranking on the Africa Visa Openness Index, where it currently stands at number six. By simplifying visa processes and promoting transparency, the country aims to attract foreign investment and boost tourism, while maintaining robust security measures to prevent misuse of the system.
This landmark reform has been widely praised as a step towards modernising Nigeria’s immigration system, with the potential to transform the nation’s global connectivity and economic prospects.
