US Embassy Urges Americans in Nigeria to Regularize Visas

The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a warning to American citizens in Nigeria regarding the need to regularize their visa status before the July 31, 2025 deadline. The embassy emphasized that tougher penalties for visa overstays will be implemented starting August 1, 2025.

As part of Nigeria's immigration reforms, a $15 daily surcharge for overstaying a visa was introduced on May 1, 2025. However, the Federal Government has provided an amnesty period allowing foreigners to regularize their status without incurring fines until the end of July.

The embassy strongly encouraged U.S. citizens who have overstayed their visas to utilize the online immigration amnesty portal to resolve their status. After the deadline, those who fail to regularize will face significant financial penalties, including a five-year ban for overstays of six months or more, and a ten-year ban for overstays exceeding one year.

The embassy also highlighted the new online immigration portal that simplifies the process for holders of expired visas and permits.