FG Gives 90-Day Ultimatum to Foreigners with Expired Visas to Leave Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a directive requiring all foreign nationals residing in the country with expired visas to leave within 90 days or face stiff penalties.

The announcement was made in an official statement released by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Friday, May 2, 2025. The statement, signed by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Akinsola Akinlabi, emphasized that the grace period will end on August 1, 2025.

According to the NIS, this grace period is a one-time concession that allows affected foreigners to exit the country without incurring penalties. However, effective September 2025, stringent sanctions will be enforced against those who overstay their visas.

“Overstaying will attract a daily fine of $15,” the statement noted. “In addition, violators may face bans ranging from five years to permanent blacklisting from entering Nigeria in the future.”

In a related development, the Immigration Service also announced the implementation of a mandatory online landing card for all inbound foreign travelers and an exit card for outbound travelers. These digital forms, which are accessible via [lecard.immigration.gov.ng](https://lecard.immigration.gov.ng), aim to enhance border security and streamline immigration processes.

The NIS urged all international visitors and residents to comply with the new requirements and to ensure their immigration status remains valid at all times.

The move is part of broader efforts by the Nigerian government to tighten immigration controls, ensure national security, and maintain accurate records of foreign nationals in the country.