The United States Embassy in Abuja has called on American citizens living in or visiting Nigeria to act before the federal government's immigration amnesty window closes on Friday, July 31, 2025. The advisory warns that failure to regularise an expired or lapsed immigration status could lead to hefty financial penalties and long-term re-entry restrictions.
Amnesty Deadline and Penalties
Nigeria introduced a $15 daily overstay surcharge on May 1, 2025, as part of broader immigration reforms. The government granted a grace period allowing foreigners to settle their status through an online amnesty portal without paying accumulated fines, but only until the end of July.
"U.S. 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," the advisory stated.
Harsher Sanctions from August 1
From August 1, travellers who have not regularised will be liable for the full daily surcharge retroactively. Those who overstay by six months or more face a five-year re-entry ban, while those exceeding one year will be barred for 10 years.
The embassy noted that Nigeria's new online immigration portal allows holders of expired visa-on-arrival permits, expired single-entry visas, and lapsed expatriate residence cards to apply for stay permits and obtain immigration clearance electronically, eliminating the need for in-person visits.
Digital Platform for Compliance
According to the US Mission, the digital platform aims to eliminate physical queues and reduce administrative costs, making it easier for foreigners to comply with Nigerian immigration laws. The embassy advised all American citizens travelling to or residing in Nigeria to ensure full compliance to avoid sanctions.
Trump Rule Impact on US Economy
In a related development, a new policy introduced by the Trump administration restricting international students' stay in the US could cost the US economy up to $400 billion annually, according to the Peterson Institute for International Economics. The rule, set to take effect in September, replaces the "duration of status" arrangement with a fixed four-year stay limit, after which students must apply for extensions.
