By Susan Olalere Beginning May 1, 2025, all foreign visitors traveling to or from Nigeria will be required to complete digital landing and exit cards ahead of their flights. The Federal Government has confirmed that the manual system will be fully phased out and replaced with an automated e-clearance system, aimed at improving efficiency, strengthening border security, and eliminating paper-based processing at airports.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a joint press briefing in Abuja. According to both officials, the new clearance process is free of charge and must be completed online before travelers board flights to or from Nigeria.
How the E-Clearance System Will Work
Travelers will fill out their landing or exit cards electronically on a dedicated portal. Upon arrival or departure, immigration officials will verify the details using the visitor’s passport number. Any traveler who fails to present a completed form will be denied boarding by airline staff.
“If you’ve overstayed, the system will flag it, and the airline will refer you to immigration officers,” said Minister Keyamo. “Consequences could include fines, visa cancellation, or a ban from entering Nigeria for up to ten years.”
Government Forms Implementation Taskforce
To ensure seamless rollout, a joint implementation team has been set up, drawing members from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). The team is expected to finalize the regulatory framework and protocols within a week.
The move follows a series of reforms designed to digitize Nigeria’s immigration process. The Ministry of Interior previously introduced an automated e-visa system that allows travelers to apply for short-stay visas online and receive approvals within 24 to 48 hours.
Three-Month Amnesty for Overstayers
As part of the e-clearance initiative, the government will offer a three-month amnesty window for visitors who have overstayed their visas. During this period, affected individuals will be allowed to regularize their immigration status at NIS offices without immediate penalties.
“We are protecting Nigerian interests by creating a transparent and secure entry system,” said Minister Tunji-Ojo.
Integrated Security and Background Checks
The digital infrastructure will be linked to global criminal databases, including Interpol, enabling real-time background checks. The Minister of Interior noted that several individuals flagged by international security agencies have already been intercepted at Nigerian airports through the existing Advanced Passenger Information System.
What This Means for Travelers and Airlines
Airlines operating international flights to Nigeria will now be required to verify passengers’ e-clearance documentation at the point of boarding. The transition to a digital system is expected to accelerate airport processes, reduce immigration fraud, and enhance the overall travel experience for legitimate visitors.
The e-clearance system reflects Nigeria’s broader push to leverage technology in public administration, especially in sectors that directly affect foreign investment, business travel, and national security.
OpeOluwa Okudero
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