FG set to end visa-on-arrival policy by April

The Federal Government has revealed plans to end its visa-on-arrival policy, describing it as a potential security risk.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Friday at the graduation ceremony of 100 officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service who underwent a five-day specialized training on the application of Advance Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record data in national security and law enforcement at the service headquarters, Abuja.

Tunji-Ojo said, “We believe that it is better for us to make decisions based on objectivity rather than subjectivity.

Of course, that will lead to the cancellation of the visa-on-arrival process because visa-on-arrival, we understand, is not a system that works.

I don’t expect you to just come to my country without me knowing you’re coming in. No, it’s never done anywhere.”

According to the Minister, Advance Passenger Information systems will be deployed at the land borders.

Also, new regulations would require pre-arrival clearance from Interpol, cr!minal record systems, and other background-check agencies in real-time.

He stated, “We’ve sorted API in five international airports. We’ll now adapt it to land borders because we’ve seen a pattern where people fly out and re-enter through the land borders.

The Minister said the reforms aim to protect Nigerians and meet international security obligations and it’s set to commence between March 1st and April 1st, 2025.

Nigeria’s visa-on-arrival policy was introduced to simplify entry procedures for eligible foreign nationals visiting for business or tourism.

Instead of obtaining visas at Nigerian embassies or consulates before travel, qualified travelers could receive entry approval upon landing, provided they met all documentation and fee requirements.

This approach was designed to encourage investment and boost tourism by reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

However, security experts have warned against potential security lapses, including the difficulty of thoroughly vetting entrants who only submit their documents at the port of entry.

Tunji-Ojo said the aim is to replace the current system by April 1st, 2025, with stricter processes that include pre-arrival clearance and more rigorous screening, ensuring better tracking of travelers and safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.