Nigeria sets July 31 deadline for US citizens to resolve visa overstays

The Nigerian government has issued a firm deadline of July 31, 2025, for American citizens currently in the country to regularize any visa overstays or face severe consequences, including daily fines and bans from future entry.

This development follows an announcement by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who unveiled a new enforcement policy targeting all foreign nationals who have exceeded the duration of their legal stay in Nigeria.

Under the new guidelines, overstaying foreigners will be subjected to a daily fine of $15, which officially came into effect on May 1, 2025.

However, in a bid to encourage voluntary compliance, the federal government introduced a limited visa amnesty period, allowing overstayers to rectify their status without financial penalty, provided they do so before the July 31 deadline.

The United States Embassy in Nigeria also issued a public advisory to its citizens, warning of the serious implications of non-compliance.

READ ALSO: US reduced Nigerian visa validity over overstay concerns, records access — Presidency

“US citizens currently in Nigeria who have overstayed their visa are strongly encouraged to fix their stay through the amnesty portal before July 31, 2025,” the Embassy stated on its official website. “Failure to do so could result in significant financial penalties and long-term restrictions on re-entry to Nigeria.”

The enforcement is part of a broader immigration reform by the Ministry of Interior aimed at strengthening national security, promoting rule of law, and ensuring that Nigeria’s immigration policies are respected by all foreign visitors.

Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “No country tolerates illegal residency, and Nigeria will no longer turn a blind eye to prolonged visa violations. The amnesty window is a generous opportunity for erring visitors to make things right.”

The Ministry of Interior has directed that affected individuals use the designated online amnesty portal to resolve their status before the deadline. After July 31, enforcement actions will commence, including possible deportation and entry bans.

The move signals a shift in Nigeria’s approach to immigration compliance, particularly toward nationals of countries with strong bilateral ties such as the United States.