FG to launch E-Visa, Digital Landing Cards to boost security, ease Entry – Keyamo

The Federal Government is set to launch a new electronic visa (e-visa) system and digital landing/exit cards in a bid to strengthen national security and simplify the travel process for visitors entering Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a meeting on Wednesday in Abuja with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and other top officials.

Keyamo explained that the new e-visa platform will allow applicants to submit their visa applications and upload required documents online, reducing manual processes and increasing efficiency. Similarly, traditional landing and exit cards will be replaced with digital versions, which visitors will be required to fill out before travelling to Nigeria.

“What we are doing here today reflects this government’s commitment to cooperation between ministries with overlapping mandates,” Keyamo said. “This specifically concerns the introduction of the e-visa system.”

He added that agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) are fully on board with the new initiative, which is primarily driven by the Interior Ministry.

In his remarks, Minister Tunji-Ojo confirmed that the automation system will officially commence on May 1. He emphasized that the e-visa application process will be free and aims to enhance both convenience and national security.

Tunji-Ojo noted that the NCAA will be responsible for regulating the new digital landing and exit cards, which travellers must complete online before boarding any flight to Nigeria.

“There is already a central visa approval centre at the Immigration headquarters, with trained officers and integrated global criminal record checks to ensure more effective background screening of travellers,” he said.

According to Tunji-Ojo, the overall goal of the new policy is to open Nigeria’s borders for genuine travellers while safeguarding the nation from potential threats. He described the collaboration between the Ministries of Interior and Aviation as vital to the success of the reforms.