The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a strong advisory to American citizens residing in Nigeria, urging immediate compliance with new immigration directives introduced by the Nigerian Federal Government.
The move comes amid sweeping immigration reforms and rising enforcement measures against visa overstays.
The embassy’s statement, dated July 7, 2025, and posted on its official website, cautioned that non-compliance with the new regulations could result in financial penalties, deportation, and long-term bans from re-entering Nigeria.
“The US Embassy in Abuja informs US citizens that effective August 1, 2025, the Nigerian Federal Government will begin imposing strict penalties on foreigners who have overstayed their visas,” the statement read.
“To provide an opportunity for affected individuals to comply with immigration regulations, an online immigration amnesty portal is available until the end of July. The portal allows visitors to regularise their stay before the penalties are enforced.
“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. Failure to do so may result in significant financial penalties and long-term restrictions on re-entry to Nigeria. All U.S. citizens are reminded to adhere to Nigerian visa regulations to avoid complications.”
The embassy’s advisory aligns with earlier comments made by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who had warned of “strict penalties” for foreigners who violate visa terms. He encouraged all foreigners to make use of the immigration amnesty portal, which will be accessible until July 31.
As part of Nigeria’s immigration reform effort, a $15 daily surcharge for visa overstays was introduced on May 1, 2025. According to the embassy:
“And the penalties after August 1 include that visitors who fail to regularise their status by the end of the amnesty period will be subject to the accrued daily surcharge. Overstays of six months or more will result in a five-year ban on re-entry.
“Overstays of one year or more will result in a 10-year re-entry ban. The newly launched portal enables holders of expired visa-on-arrival permits, lapsed single-entry visas, or overdue expatriate residence cards to: Submit applications for a stay permit online, Upload required supporting documents, Obtain clearance without visiting an immigration office. This streamlined system eliminates the need for in-person visits, long queues, and additional fees, making compliance with immigration requirements more accessible.”
The advisory also comes amid a wider international crackdown on visa violations. The Donald Trump administration in the United States had previously issued stern warnings to foreign nationals who overstay their visas, with consequences including deportation and permanent bans on re-entry into the U.S.
American citizens in Nigeria are now being urged to act swiftly.
“Failure to do so may result in significant financial penalties and long-term restrictions on re-entry to Nigeria,” the embassy warned again in its statement, underlining the urgency of compliance before the July 31 deadline.