US Citizens in Nigeria Face July 31 Deadline to Resolve Visa Issues or Risk Penalties

American citizens residing in Nigeria have until July 31, 2025, to regularize their visa status or face strict penalties from the Nigerian government, including daily fines and long-term entry bans.

The warning follows a policy update announced by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who said that the country will begin enforcing tougher measures against visa overstayers. The enforcement, which includes a $15 daily fine, officially took effect on May 1, 2025.

In a statement published on its official website, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria advised its citizens who have overstayed their visas to take advantage of the government’s amnesty period, which allows individuals to resolve their immigration status without incurring fines. That window closes on July 31.

“U.S. 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. “Failure to do so could result in significant financial penalties and long-term restrictions on re-entry to Nigeria.”

The amnesty programme, introduced by the Ministry of Interior, offers a temporary opportunity for affected individuals to correct their immigration status before full enforcement begins in August.

Authorities have urged all foreign nationals, particularly Americans currently in the country, to take the deadline seriously in order to avoid punitive consequences.