The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has officially begun enforcement against expired visas from Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
The Nigerian immigration announced that the enforcement against expired visas takes effect after the end of a five-month amnesty program on September 30, 2025.
The agency said the end of the amnesty program has signalled the start of strict penalties for foreign nationals who have overstayed their welcome in Africa’s most populous nation.
The agency stated this in a public notice signed by ACI Kinsola Akinlabi, Service Public Relations Officer, NIS Headquarters, Abuja.
“With the expiration of the Amnesty period, effective 1st October 2025, enforcement actions will commence nationwide against foreign nationals who have overstayed their visa or violated their entry conditions.
“In addition, foreign nationals found in violation of Nigeria Immigration Laws shall be subjected to sanctions, including payment of overstay penalties, removal, and possible restriction from future entry into Nigeria,” Akinlabi said.
This enforcement against expired visas is said to be targeting an estimated 10 million expatriates and visitors, emphasizing the government’s commitment to lawful migration amid rising concerns over irregular stays.
According to the NIS, the enforcement exercise will target the following categories of foreigners:
• Holders of expired Visa on Arrival (VoA).
• Holders of expired Single and Multiple-Entry Short Visit or Business Visas.
• Individuals with an expired Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Card (CERPAC).
The notice also detailed penalties for foreigners who have overstayed their visas or failed to regularize their immigration status.
Less than 3 months overstay: Removal, $15 per day fine, or 2-year entry ban.
3 months to 1 year overstay: Removal, $15 per day fine, or 5-year entry ban.
1 year and above: Removal, 10-year entry ban, or permanent ban.
Foreign nationals in violation of Nigeria’s immigration laws will also face sanctions, including payment of overstay penalties, removal, and possible restriction from future entry into the country.
The agency stressed that the move was necessary to safeguard national security and maintain order in the country’s immigration system.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that this comes after NIS launched an amnesty initiative for foreigners with expired visas or immigration violations.
The initiative allows foreigners to regularise their status without penalties.
Akinlabi had said that the initiative took effect on May 1 and runs until September 30.
He explained that the amnesty applies to three key categories: foreign nationals with expired visa on arrival, holders of expired single or multiple-entry visas, and individuals with expired combined expatriate residence permit and aliens card (CERPAC) whose renewal is overdue by more than 30 days.
The service advised affected individuals to visit this website to regularise their stay within the grace period and avoid overstay penalties.
“To ease the process, the Nigeria Immigration Service has deployed a dedicated support team to assist applicants, while reaffirming its commitment to promoting lawful migration, ensuring national security, and fostering a transparent and efficient immigration system,” the statement added.
