Nigeria: New visa policy
On Feb. 4, 2020, President Muhammadu Buhari announced the new Nigeria Visa Policy 2020 (NVP 2020). It is an upward review of the previous visa policy issued in 2012 that consists of three visa categories:
- Short-term Visas: for 90 days (e.g. tourism, business, family visit and temporary work permits)
- Temporary Residence Visas: for two years (e.g. work, possibilities of bringing family members)
- Permanent Residence Visas: (e.g. highly skilled-workers, investors)
Furthermore, the visa categories have expanded from six to 79.
NVP 2020 was introduced as a result of the signed African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), a treaty seeking to establish a continent-wide marketplace with increased trade and more free movement among its major economic powers.
Impact
Biometrics are linked to online applications for each application and will be conducted at the port of entry.
It is expected that the new policy will improve Nigeria’s economy, attract the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and boost tourism without compromising national security. Through the new categories, foreigners visiting Nigeria can benefit from expedited visa processing. Similarly, foreigners with African passports will benefit from the new visa-on-arrival option.
Looking ahead
In order to speed up the immigration process the Policy has also introduced the electronic visa (E-visa) in addition to the previous application processes (embassy, visa application centers and visa on arrival). The online based application process is subject to pre-approval before arrival to Nigeria.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from Peregrine Immigration Management and Vanguardngr.
Disclaimer:
The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Laxmi Vikraman, Regional Immigration Manager (EMEA).
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