Differences Nigeria eVisa vs. Landing Card: What you need in 2025

Planning a trip to Nigeria? You'll need two important documents: the Nigeria eVisa and the Landing Card. These forms serve different purposes, but both are mandatory for entry.

In this guide, we’ll explain the difference, who needs what, and how to apply - all updated for 2025 Nigeria entry requirements.

Quick overview: Differences between the eVisa and Landing Card

What is the Nigeria eVisa?

The Nigeria eVisa is an electronic visa that allows travelers to apply online for entry into Nigeria. Introduced on May 1, 2025, the eVisa system replaced the previous Visa on Arrival program.

✅ Essential things to know about the Nigeria eVisa:

• Application process: Entirely online via the Nigerian government website or the iVisa website or app

• Processing Time: Typically within 24 to 48 hours

• Validity: Single-entry tourism visa valid for 30 days

• Eligibility: For citizens from over 170 countries, except ECOWAS countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, and Togo).

• Requirements: Valid passport, recent passport-sized photograph, travel itinerary, and payment of the visa fee.

Note: The eVisa must be obtained before traveling to Nigeria.

💡 Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert, explains:

"The visa-on-arrival program will be phased out after May 30th, 2025. If you already have pre-approval for this, you can still use it to enter Nigeria until that date. After that, you must have an eVisa."

What is the Nigeria Landing Card?

The Landing Card is a mandatory digital customs form that all non-Nigerian travelers must complete before entering Nigeria. As of May 1, 2025, the process has been digitized to streamline border control.

✅ Essential things to know about the Nigeria Landing Card:

• Application Process: Completed online via the government website or the iVisa website or app within 96 hours before arrival

• Purpose: Collects traveler information for immigration control and border management

• Requirements: Passport details, eVisa reference, flight information, and personal data.

Note: The Landing Card is not a visa and does not grant entry permission. It's an additional requirement for immigration processing and replaces the paper form handed out on flights and on arrival.

What you need for your trip to Nigeria

To ensure a smooth entry into Nigeria, follow these steps:

1️⃣ Find out if you're eligible and must apply for an eVisa through this quick check:

2️⃣ After getting your visa, complete the Landing Card online within 96 hours before arrival.

By fulfilling both requirements, you'll be well-prepared for your journey to Nigeria.

Beware: Nigeria Exit Card needed for leaving the country

Leaving Nigeria? Don’t forget to complete the Nigeria Exit Card - a mandatory digital form required before departure from the country. You must fill it out online via the official portal within 96 hours before your departure.

This form helps immigration authorities track outbound travelers and is separate from your visa or landing card.

We currently do not offer our services for the Exit Card, but we're happy to help if you have any questions.

What to expect when you land in Nigeria

Even though the eVisa is completely digital (no physical sticker or stamp), there are a couple of quick steps to complete upon arrival:

• Biometric screening: You'll go through a short fingerprint and facial recognition scan at immigration.
• Extra time: This process usually adds 15–20 minutes to your arrival procedure, so factor that into your plans.

💡 Michael Zervos from Project Kosmos recalls:

“The arrival process was smooth. They scanned my fingerprints, snapped a photo, and that was it. Super efficient, and everyone was polite and friendly.”

➡️ Pro tip: Skip the crowds

"To avoid the busiest hours at Lagos Airport, try scheduling your arrival between 11 AM and 3 PM on a Tuesday or Wednesday - those tend to be the quietest windows for entry."

Why apply with iVisa?

Applying directly on the Nigerian government website can be frustrating, especially with payment glitches and limited customer support. Here’s how iVisa makes life easier:

💡 Ben & Rachel, UK travelers:

“We chose iVisa because our UK cards kept failing on the government site. The support team answered all our questions within minutes and we paid for our application without issues.”

Final Nigeria checklist for travelers

✅ Apply online at least 1 week before travel

✅ Prepare your documents (passport, flights, accommodation)

✅ Check your email for your eVisa approval

✅ Print copies of your eVisa and bring them with you

✅ Arrive during quieter hours if possible

Ready to apply?

If you have any questions, we're here to help via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.