This clarification on the updated visa-on-arrival policy follows a meeting between the Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, and the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The meeting aimed to discuss the VoA process, address concerns, and reaffirm the government’s stance on the initiative.
The decision to halt the visa-on-arrival policy in Nigeria has raised fears and panic among investors as it threatens to hinder business travel, discourage foreign investment, and create uncertainty about the country’s commitment to ease of doing business.
Nigeria’s visa-on-arrival policy
Nigeria’s old Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) policy allowed passport holders from African Union (AU) member states and citizens of all countries to obtain visas upon arrival for short visits, tourism, business, or emergency relief work.
It also extended to Nigerians in the diaspora with dual citizenship, infants born abroad, and former citizens who had renounced their nationality.
The policy was designed to simplify entry procedures by allowing eligible travelers to obtain visas at international airports rather than at embassies or consulates.
However, it was not available at land border crossings. Travelers were required to meet documentation and fee requirements before receiving entry approval upon arrival.
Recently, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the government’s plan to discontinue the Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) policy, citing it as “unsustainable” and a potential security risk.
According to the minister, it is essential to have prior knowledge of a traveler’s arrival in Nigeria. “I don’t expect you to just come to my country without me knowing you’re coming in. No, it’s never done anywhere,” he stated.
However, security experts have raised concerns about potential lapses, warning that relying solely on port-of-entry document submissions may hinder thorough vetting of travelers.
To enhance security, the government plans to deploy an Advance Passenger Information system at land borders.
Tunji-Ojo confirmed that by April 1, 2025, the current VoA system will be replaced with stricter pre-arrival clearance and screening processes to improve traveler tracking and strengthen border security.
VoA: Cancellation or upgrading?
The minister’s policy has, however, drawn significant criticism and concern, with some sectors warning that the move could discourage investors unwilling to endure long visa application queues.
In response, the Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) engaged with the Minister of Interior to gather more information on the policy.
During the meeting, the minister reassured the DG that the Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) process is not being scrapped but rather upgraded to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
He clarified that travelers will still be able to apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals granted within 24 to 48 hours.
Tunji-Ojo added that individuals must fill out a landing card, which will be integrated with the visa solution, passport solution, and global background checking systems, prior to arrival. According to him, the ministry will share this data with other agencies worldwide to sanitize the process.
Once approved, the visa will be sent directly to the applicant’s email, eliminating the need for a physical sticker upon arrival.
This upgrade builds on the existing online approval system, streamlining the process and ensuring travelers receive approvals before departure.
The enhanced system aims to eliminate inefficiencies, improve automation, and strengthen Nigeria’s control over traveler inflows.
By modernizing the visa process, Nigeria moves closer to creating a more business-friendly environment and attracting foreign investment.
