This clarification on the updated arrival visa policy follows a meeting with the Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahramstafa and the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Orbanmi Tunizijo, which will enable the President.
The conference aims to discuss the VOA process, address concerns and reaffirm the government's stance on the initiative.
The decision to suspend Nigeria's arrival visa policy will create fear and panic among investors as it threatens to prevent business travel, block foreign investment and create uncertainty about the country's commitment to making business easier. It caused it.
Nigeria Arrival Visa Policy
The policy of the old Visa Alibal (VOA) in Nigeria allowed passport holders of African Union (AU) countries to obtain visas on arrival and to obtain tourism, business or emergency relief activities. .
It also expanded to diaspora Nigerians, along with dual citizenship, infants born abroad, and former citizens who renounced their nationality.
This policy is designed to simplify entry procedures by allowing eligible travelers to obtain visas at international airports rather than at embassies or consulates.
However, it was not available at land country intersections. Travelers were required to meet document and fee requirements before receiving approval for entry upon arrival.
Recently, Nigeria's Minister of Home Affairs, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the government's plan to suspend the Visa-on-Arival (VOA) policy, citing it as “unsustainable” and potential security risks. did.
According to the Minister, it is essential to know in advance that travelers have arrived in Nigeria. “I don't think you'll come to my country without knowing you're coming in. No, I've never done that anywhere,” he said.
However, security experts have raised concerns about potential revocations and warn that relying solely on input station document submissions could hinder travellers' thorough review .
To enhance security, the government plans to deploy pre-passenger information systems at land borders.
By April 1, 2025, Tunji-Ojo will confirm that the current VOA system will be replaced by more stringent pre-arrival clearance and screening processes, improving traveler tracking and enhancing border security. did.
VOA: Cancel or upgrade?
However, the minister's policy has sparked serious criticism and concern, with some sectors warning that the move could discourage investors who don't want to withstand a queue of long visa applications.
In response, the Business Environment Council (PEBEC), which enables the President, worked with the Minister of Home Affairs to gather more information on policy.
During the meeting, the Minister reassured the DG that the Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) process was upgraded to increase efficiency and effectiveness, rather than being discarded.
He revealed that travelers will be granted approval within 24-48 hours and can apply for short-term visas online.
Tunji-ojo added that individuals must fill out a landing card that will be integrated into visa solutions, passport solutions and global background checking systems prior to arrival. He said the ministry will share this data with other agencies around the world to sanitize the process.
Once approved, the visa will be sent directly to the applicant's email, eliminating the need for physical stickers upon arrival.
The upgrade is built on an existing online approval system to streamline the process and ensure travelers receive approval before departure.
The enhanced system aims to eliminate inefficiencies, improve automation and enhance Nigeria's control over traveler influx.
By modernizing its visa process, Nigeria is closer to creating a more business-friendly environment and attracting foreign investment.
