Abuja, Nigeria — The United States Embassy has issued a strong advisory to American citizens residing in Nigeria, urging immediate compliance with new visa regulations introduced by the Nigerian Federal Government.
The advisory was published in a statement dated July 7, 2025, on the embassy’s official website, emphasizing the importance of adhering to immigration guidelines to avoid stiff penalties.
According to the statement, effective August 1, 2025, Nigeria will begin enforcing strict consequences for visa overstays, including financial penalties and long-term bans on re-entry.
“US citizens currently in Nigeria who have overstayed their visa are strongly encouraged to regularise their stay through the amnesty portal before July 31, 2025,” the embassy stated. “Failure to do so may result in significant fines and extended re-entry restrictions.”
The statement follows earlier remarks by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who confirmed that the new measures are part of a broader immigration reform aimed at improving compliance and national security.
In line with these reforms, the Federal Ministry introduced a $15 daily surcharge for each day a visitor overstays, with an amnesty period running until July 31, 2025. After that, overstays of six months or more could attract a five-year re-entry ban, while those exceeding one year may lead to a ten-year ban.
To ease the process, the Nigerian government launched an online immigration amnesty portal, which allows visitors to regularise their status remotely—eliminating the need for in-person visits, long queues, or extra charges.
The U.S. Embassy echoed the importance of utilizing this system and urged American citizens to act promptly.
“This streamlined system provides an opportunity for affected individuals to comply with immigration regulations before enforcement begins,” the statement noted.
The embassy reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its citizens abroad and maintaining strong diplomatic relations with Nigeria through responsible travel and immigration practices.
By Adeola Olaniya | July 21, 2025
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