FG to Launch Free E-Visa, Digital Cards on May 1

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that the Federal Government is set to launch an e-visa system along with digital landing and exit cards as part of efforts to enhance national security.

Keyamo revealed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting with a delegation led by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

He explained that the new e-visa system will enable applicants to apply for Nigerian visas online and upload all necessary documents without needing to visit a physical office. Additionally, he noted that traditional paper landing and exit cards will be replaced with digital versions, to be completed online before travelers arrive in Nigeria.

“What we are doing here today 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,” he said.

Keyamo added that comprehensive details of the initiative would be provided by Minister Tunji-Ojo and emphasized that key agencies—such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)—would play supportive roles in the implementation of the project.

He further clarified that there is no conflict regarding the initiative, as it primarily falls under the responsibilities of the Ministry of Interior.

During the meeting, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced that the digital visa and landing card systems will officially launch on May 1.

He emphasized that the e-visa will be free of charge, designed to simplify the process of visiting Nigeria while enhancing the country’s security measures.

Tunji-Ojo also noted that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will be responsible for overseeing the management of the digital landing and exit cards, which all travelers must complete online before entering Nigeria.

“Coordinating and issuing regulations to airlines is naturally the NCAA’s responsibility,” Mr. Tunji-Ojo stated, reaffirming the agency’s key role in implementing the new digital landing and exit card system.

He also disclosed that a central visa approval centre has already been established at the Immigration headquarters, staffed by trained officers equipped with advanced tools, including systems capable of conducting global criminal record checks.

“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 the Interior and Aviation ministries have critical roles in this,” he added.