The Federal Government has announced plans to discontinue its Visa-on-Arrival policy, declaring that “it is not working.”
As part of the overhaul, the government will introduce landing and exit cards, which visitors will be required to fill out before arriving in Nigeria.
The Visa-on-Arrival policy, introduced in 2020, was designed as a short-stay visa issued at entry points, primarily for high-net-worth investors and travellers from countries without Nigerian embassies.
On assuming office in 2023, Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo had stated that the policy would operate strictly on a reciprocal basis.
Recall that the Federal Government had announced in January that all visa applications will transition to an online platform by March 1, 2025.
READ ALSO: FG to Transition All Visa Applications Online by March 1
Speaking during a live session on ‘X Spaces’ hosted by social media influencer Dr Segun Awosanya, Tunji-Ojo said the new system would enhance national security, reduce corruption, and standardise visa processing.
“The visa approval centre is also an achievement for this administration because we now have a centralised visa approval centre.
“This will stem corruption, ensure national security, and merge the visa regime to ensure uniformity,” he stated.
He also emphasised the role of technology in improving immigration services.
“Before March 1st, all visa application systems will be online to ensure proper vetting,” he added.