FG Concludes Plans To Launch e-Visa, Digital Cards

The Federal Government has concluded plans to launch an e-visa system and digital landing/exit cards to enhance national security.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this when he received a delegation led by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

Keyamo noted that the e-visa system will enable applicants to submit visa requests online and upload required documents electronically.

He added that the manual landing and exit cards would be digitalised, requiring visitors to pre-fill their information before travelling to Nigeria.

The minister said: “What we are doing here today (Wednesday) reflects this government’s commitment to cooperation between ministries with overlapping mandates.

“Today is another example of inter-ministerial collaboration. This specifically concerns the introduction of the e-visa system.”

Keyamo stated that further details would be given by Tunji-Ojo, adding that relevant agencies such as Immigration, NCAA, and FAAN would fully support the initiative.

Keyamo stressed that there was no objection to the programme, which primarily falls under the Ministry of Interior.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Interior said the automation system will commence on May 1.

Tunji-Ojo noted that the e-visa application will be free and is designed to simplify entry into Nigeria while boosting national security.

The minister said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will manage landing and exit cards, which travellers must complete online before boarding.

“Coordinating and issuing regulations to airlines is naturally the NCAA’s responsibility,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo revealed that a central visa approval centre already exists at Immigration headquarters, with trained officers and integrated global criminal record checks.

Tunji-Ojo said: “Better background checks will be conducted for travellers entering Nigeria. We aim to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure a transparent visa process.

“Our goal is to open Nigeria’s borders without compromising security. Both Interior and Aviation ministries have critical roles in this.”