Visa Holders Face $15 Fine, 10-yr Ban For Overstay In Nigeria

The Nigerian government has announced that, beginning from August 2025, foreign nationals who overstay their visas will face a daily fine of $15 and could be banned from re-entering the country for up to 10 years.

This was revealed by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a stakeholder engagement session held on Friday at NECA House in Lagos.

The meeting highlighted key immigration reforms being introduced by the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), including updates to the Expatriate Quota System and the upcoming Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2025.

According to the Minister, although the new penalty system officially takes effect in May 2025, a grace period will be in place until August, allowing visa holders time to adjust to the policy without facing penalties.

He said, “Travellers who overstay for three months will face a five-year ban, while those who overstay for one year or more will be banned for ten years.”

Under the NVP 2025, visa overstayers will be charged $15 for each day they remain in the country beyond the validity of their visa. Those who overstay for three months will be subject to a five-year re-entry ban, while overstays of one year or more will result in a ten-year ban.

Tunji-Ojo emphasised that the policy was designed to promote compliance, enhance national security, and encourage responsible migration practices.

LEADERSHIP reports that enforcement of the new rules will be handled by the Nigeria Immigration Service.