The Nigerian Ministry of Interior is introducing a new automated system for the rapid approval and issuance of e-visas. From 2025, travelers will be able to apply for short-term visas online. Find out how the new system will work and which sectors of the economy it will affect

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The Nigerian Ministry of Interior has announced the introduction of an automated e-visa approval and issuance process aimed at facilitating travel and business in the country.

Read on to find out how Nigeria’s travel regulations will be simplified in 2025.

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How will the new e-visa system for Nigeria work?

Under the new system, travelers will be able to apply for short-term visas online and a decision on approval will be made within 24-48 hours.

Once approved, the e-visa will be sent to the applicant’s email, eliminating the need to obtain a physical passport sticker at the airport. This move is intended to reduce the waiting time for travelers upon arrival in Nigeria.

Objectives and Benefits of the New Nigeria Visa Policy

The introduction of the automated e-visa approval process is not only aimed at facilitating business and tourism, but also at strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations with other countries. According to a statement by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Ojo, the new system will make it easier for travelers from different countries to obtain entry permits, thereby simplifying the travel process.

How does Nigeria’s new e-visa system work?

Foreign nationals who plan to visit Nigeria for short-term stays for tourism, business, study or medical purposes must apply for an e-visa before the start of their trip. This rule applies to representatives of all countries in the world, including citizens of Belarus and Jamaica.

However, citizens of countries that have a visa-free regime with Nigeria do not need a visa. They can obtain a short-term visa upon arrival in Nigeria, and its validity will depend on the status of the country. Currently, this category includes citizens of Burkina Faso, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Liberia, Niger, Seychelles, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

Nigeria's Tourism and Economic Development

Nigeria's Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, has announced that the country welcomed over 1.2 million foreign tourists in 2023 and recorded a 20% increase in domestic tourism compared to 2022. In 2023, Nigeria recorded three million domestic tourist arrivals. This data indicates significant potential for the development of the tourism industry.

Tourism contributed 3.65% ($17.3 billion) to Nigeria’s gross domestic product in 2022, and the industry employs over 1.91 million people annually.

The automation of the e-visa process will be a major step in boosting Nigeria’s economy, attracting new tourists and business people. With the new system, travelers will be able to apply for and receive visas with ease, simplifying the process of traveling to Nigeria and contributing to strengthening international relations.

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As a reminder, Kenya, a country known for its beautiful beaches, unique natural reserves, and rich cultural heritage, is taking steps to strengthen its position as one of the most desirable destinations for cruise tourism. We have already told you how Kenya plans to review visa requirements in 2025 to attract more cruise tourists.

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