The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued an urgent advisory to Americans in Nigeria, warning that anyone with unresolved visa issues must regularize their status by July 31, 2025, or face “strict penalties” imposed by the Nigerian government.
According to a statement published on the Embassy’s official website, the Federal Government of Nigeria will, effective August 1, 2025, begin enforcing a new regime of fines and entry bans on foreigners who have overstayed their visas.
The warning by the U.S. to its citizens follows a directive from Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who announced that daily fines and long-term bans will apply to all who overstay their visa.
Although U.S.-Nigeria relations are currently strained, Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that Nigeria’s decision to tighten visa rules for foreigners, aimed at curbing overstays had preceded the U.S. government’s move to reduce non-immigrant visas for Nigerians from five-year multiple-entry to three-month single-entry.
The US Embassy said: “To provide an opportunity for affected individuals to comply with immigration regulations, an online immigration amnesty portal is available until the end of July. The portal allows visitors to fix their stay before the penalties are enforced.”
“To provide an opportunity for affected individuals to comply with immigration regulations, an online immigration amnesty portal is available until the end of July. The portal allows visitors to fix their stay before the penalties are enforced.”
Americans in Nigeria who have overstayed their visas are advised to take advantage of the window before the end of July.
The statement added, “US citizens currently in Nigeria who have overstayed their visa are strongly encouraged to fix their stay through the amnesty portal before July 31, 2025.
“Failure to do so may result in significant financial penalties and long-term restrictions on re-entry to Nigeria. All U.S. citizens are reminded to adhere to Nigerian visa regulations to avoid complications.”
“Visitors who fail to fix their status by the end of the amnesty period will be subject to the accrued daily surcharge. Overstays of six months or more will result in a five-year ban on reentry. Overstays of one year or more will result in a 10-year re-entry ban,” the statement added.
To help affected individuals comply, the Embassy highlighted an online “immigration amnesty portal” that remains open through July 31, 2025. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to use this portal to “fix their stay” before the end of the amnesty period, thus avoiding both the daily surcharge and potential re-entry bans.
Following the new rules by the Nigerian government, visitors who fail to regularize their status by July 31 will incur a daily fine of $15 for each day of overstay, a measure in force since May 1, 2025. Overstays of six months or more carry a five-year ban on return, while overstays of one year or more attract a 10-year re-entry ban.
The Embassy’s advisory also noted that the online portal allows applicants to submit stay-permit requests, upload supporting documents, and obtain clearance without visiting an immigration office. This is expected to streamline the process and remove the stress of long queues and extra charges.
Americans in Nigeria who have questions or require assistance are advised to consult the U.S. Embassy’s website or contact the consular section directly for guidance.
