In a move set to revolutionize the travel experience for foreigners entering or leaving Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced that starting May 1, 2025, all landing and exit cards for foreign travelers will be fully automated. The new system will require foreigners to complete the necessary forms online before boarding flights to or from the country. This landmark shift towards digitalization is expected to streamline the process, enhance security, and make Nigeria more efficient in managing international travel.

The announcement, which was made by government officials earlier this week, marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to modernize its immigration and border control systems. For years, foreign nationals arriving in Nigeria were required to fill out paper-based landing cards upon arrival, while those leaving the country had to complete exit cards in a similar fashion. This process, though necessary for maintaining accurate records of travelers, has been criticized for its inefficiency and time-consuming nature, particularly in an era when digital solutions have become the global standard.

Under the new system, foreigners will be required to complete their landing and exit card forms online, before they even board their flights to or from Nigeria. The online forms will capture the same information that was previously collected on paper forms, such as passport details, flight information, and the purpose of the visit, among other relevant data. Once completed, the forms will be automatically submitted to Nigeria’s immigration and border control agencies, who will process the information in real-time.

This new online system is expected to significantly reduce the bottlenecks and delays that often plague airport immigration procedures. Foreign travelers will no longer have to waste time filling out paperwork upon arrival or departure. Instead, they will be able to complete the necessary documentation before they even step foot in Nigeria, allowing for a smoother and faster processing experience once they arrive at the airport.

One of the key advantages of this automated system is its potential to enhance security at Nigerian borders. By capturing traveler information ahead of time and storing it in a centralized digital database, authorities will be able to screen and verify incoming and outgoing passengers more efficiently. The move is expected to reduce human error and make it easier for immigration officers to flag any irregularities or potential security concerns before travelers arrive at the airport. With terrorism and illegal activities being an ever-present concern, this automated process could play a critical role in preventing individuals who pose a threat from entering or leaving the country undetected.

The new system will also improve Nigeria’s ability to track the movement of foreign nationals, providing authorities with real-time data on who is entering and leaving the country, and when. This capability could prove invaluable in efforts to combat human trafficking, smuggling, and other illicit activities. The Federal Government’s push towards digitizing border control procedures aligns with its broader vision to modernize the country’s infrastructure and make Nigeria a more attractive destination for international business and tourism.

For foreign travelers, the online submission process is expected to be simple and straightforward. The forms will be accessible via a dedicated website or mobile application, where travelers will be able to input their details in a secure and user-friendly environment. Once the forms are completed and submitted, travelers will receive confirmation, which they can present at the airport. This confirmation will serve as proof that the required forms have been submitted, and will allow for a smoother check-in process with airlines and at the airport.

While the announcement has been largely welcomed, there are still some concerns about the implementation of the new system. Critics have raised questions about how the system will handle travelers who may not be familiar with digital technology or who do not have access to the internet. There are also concerns about how quickly airlines and immigration officers will be able to adapt to the new requirements, and whether there will be sufficient infrastructure in place to handle the potential influx of online submissions.

To address these concerns, the Federal Government has assured the public that it will provide adequate support and resources to both travelers and airport staff. Workshops and training sessions will be held to educate foreign travelers and airline staff on how to navigate the online system, and immigration officials will be trained to handle the new digital submissions efficiently. In addition, the government has stated that there will be provisions for individuals who may not have internet access, ensuring that they will still be able to complete the necessary forms at the airport through assisted kiosks or with the help of immigration officers.

The automation of landing and exit cards is part of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to streamline its immigration and border control processes. Over the years, the country has faced challenges in managing the high volume of international travelers who pass through its airports each year. The existing manual process of filling out landing and exit cards has often been criticized for contributing to long queues, delays, and inefficiencies, particularly at major international airports like Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The government’s decision to digitize this process aligns with the global trend towards paperless and contactless travel. Many other countries around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and members of the European Union, have already adopted digital immigration procedures, allowing travelers to complete their documentation online before arriving at the airport. By following suit, Nigeria is positioning itself as a forward-thinking nation that is ready to embrace the future of travel and immigration management.

In addition to improving efficiency and security, the automated system is expected to have economic benefits. By reducing the time and labor associated with paper-based documentation, the government will be able to allocate resources more effectively. Moreover, the streamlined system could enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a business-friendly destination, attracting more foreign investment and tourists to the country. As the global travel landscape continues to evolve, having a modern, efficient, and secure immigration process will be crucial for maintaining Nigeria’s competitiveness on the international stage.

With the official launch date of May 1, 2025, rapidly approaching, the Federal Government has urged all foreign travelers to familiarize themselves with the new system and to begin completing their landing and exit card forms online ahead of time. The government has also promised to provide continuous updates and support to ensure a smooth transition for both travelers and airport personnel.

As Nigeria prepares to make this significant leap towards digitalization, the rest of the world will be watching closely. The successful implementation of the automated landing and exit card system could serve as a model for other African countries seeking to modernize their immigration processes. In the long run, this move could help Nigeria build a more secure, efficient, and user-friendly travel experience, making it easier for foreigners to visit and conduct business in one of Africa’s most dynamic and rapidly growing economies.