FG Set to Cancel Visa-On-Arrival Policy, Introduce Pre-Filled Landing and Exit Cards

The Federal Government plans to scrap the visa-on-arrival policy, replacing it with a pre-filled landing and exit card system to enhance border control and security.

The Federal Government has revealed its intention to discontinue the Visa-on-Arrival policy and implement a new system. Under this system, prospective visitors will need to complete landing and exit cards prior to their arrival in the country.

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, announced this on Friday in Abuja at the closing ceremony of a weeklong capacity-building training organized for personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

The minister stated that the new system is designed to strengthen border security, simplify entry procedures, and improve visitor documentation.

He highlighted that the initiative is in line with global best practices and reflects Nigeria’s dedication to enhancing its immigration framework.

The training focused on Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data in the context of national security and law enforcement.

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to discontinue its Visa-on-Arrival policy and implement landing and exit cards. Prospective visitors will need to complete these cards prior to entering the country.

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, made this announcement on Friday in Abuja at the conclusion of a week-long capacity-building training event organized for Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) personnel.

The training focused on Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data in the context of national security and law enforcement.

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According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in 2020, the Federal Government introduced a Visa-on-Arrival policy. This type of short-stay visa is issued at entry points.

Upon taking office in 2023, Tunji-Ojo announced that the Visa-on-Arrival Policy would now be based on reciprocity.

This visa is typically issued to well-traveled high-net-worth investors and prospective visitors who may face challenges obtaining visas in their home countries due to the lack of Nigerian missions or embassies there.

However, the Minister of Interior stated that the API/PNR system is mandatory, noting that it was not implemented when he assumed his role as minister.

He stated that the API PNR provides objectivity in decision-making and objective profiling, rather than subjective profiling.

He mentioned that the previous situation was subjective.

Today, we have listened and organized the API at all five of our international airports.

We believe we need to expand this capability adaptively to accommodate other border posts.

The visa system is fundamental, as I often explain that a visa represents more than just entry approval; it functions as a tool for managing migration.

It is a security measure designed to regulate migration into your country; currently, the approach appears quite subjective.

“We acknowledge a lack of objectivity and that’s why we’re automating the entire process from start to finish.”

“We are putting in a lot of effort to ensure the e-visa solution is ready by March 1st. However, if that timeline isn’t feasible, we aim to launch it live by April 1st,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo explained that the system would become automated, noting that individuals would submit their applications online and the service would perform its required functions.

He mentioned that the solution will be integrated with both the Interpol System and the criminal records system, allowing us to make informed decisions.

“We no longer want foreign attachés to have the authority to approve and issue visas. Instead, we aim for a process that allows us greater ability to screen individuals before approval.”

Nigeria cannot serve as a refuge for wanted criminals globally. It is not and will never be a sanctuary for any criminal activity.

We are also working on integrating all of our immigration solutions for expatriates.

Our goal is to integrate all these solutions within our data center, unifying the database so that they can communicate with each other instead of functioning in isolation.

We aim to implement integrated solutions. Therefore, we seek a comprehensive approach for any decisions related to immigration into Nigeria.

Approvals cannot be granted without real-time clearance from Interpol, the criminal records system, and all background checking agencies.

In the security field, being 99.9 percent accurate isn’t enough; you must achieve complete accuracy. We are committed to making decisions grounded in objectivity rather than subjectivity.

Naturally, this will result in the termination of the visa-on-arrival process. The current system is ineffective because it’s unreasonable to allow entry into a country without prior notification or authorization.

“No, it’s not done anywhere else. Additionally, we’re introducing what we refer to as the landing and exit card.”

“We currently handle this manually, but we will no longer be doing so. This is 2025, not 1825; it’s time for technology to take over,” he stated.

Continuing, Tunji-Ojo stated that individuals must complete the landing card prior to their arrival. This process will be integrated with the visa and passport systems, as well as all global background-check platforms.

He stated that the ministry will be capable of sharing this data with other agencies worldwide to streamline the process.

He stated that it is unacceptable if the NIS cannot easily provide him with information on the number of foreigners entering Nigeria.

It is unacceptable for someone to enter Nigeria, vanish without a trace, and evade detection. It is equally intolerable when immigration policies and processes are abused.

It is unacceptable for someone to have to come to Nigeria and stay for six months just waiting to regularize their residency. This situation does not occur anywhere else in the world.

We are set to implement these significant reforms, commencing between March 1 and April 1.

He explained, “The reason we are pursuing these efforts is to safeguard our people. It allows us to act responsibly within the international community and enables us to contribute our fair share towards global peace.”

Previously, the NIS Comptroller-General, Mrs. Kemi Nandap, stated that the program was initiated based on discussions with the United Nations Organization on Counter Terrorism held in Bangkok, Thailand in 2024.

We understand the importance of fully optimizing the administration’s investments in this project, which is why we need to focus on extensive capacity building.

“We have successfully trained more than 100 officers selected from crucial areas,” she stated.

Nandap mentioned that the service was comprised of a dedicated group of well-trained and patriotic individuals, all prepared to contribute their utmost efforts for the nation.