Arrival Card Nigeria — LeCard in English
Fill out your Nigeria arrival card (LeCard) in English with our online form. Prepare your trip to Lagos, Abuja or Port Harcourt with peace of mind.
Welcome to Nigeria
Since the rollout of Nigeria's new digital immigration system in May 2025, the LeCard (Landing and Exit Card) has been mandatory for all international travelers. This electronic arrival card replaces paper forms and integrates with the new e-Visa system. It must be completed online within 72 hours before arrival. It collects essential identity, travel, and accommodation data to streamline immigration processing. This formality is separate from visa applications, which must be obtained independently.
Landing AND Exit
Why the LeCard covers both entry and exit from Nigeria
The name "Landing and Exit Card" is explicit: one system, two uses. Live since May 2025, the LeCard unified two historically separate procedures.
Before 2025, Nigeria used a NIS Arrival Form filled on board and a detachable Embarkation Card to keep until exit. The 1990s legacy system regularly generated disputes at immigration: lost card → fine, badly filled form → block.
Since May 2025, LeCard merges both functions in a single digital portal. You file a Landing declaration on arrival, then an Exit one 24-72 hours before departure, both linked by your initial LeCard ID. No paper to keep between the two trips.
For frequent nationalities (French, Belgian, Swiss, Canadian), LeCard is required for every entry and exit, regardless of stay length. No exemption is provided, not even for short business missions or dual nationals.
What if I forget the Exit?
Forgetting the LeCard exit declaration causes a block at return flight check-in. You will have to file urgently on a kiosk at Lagos or Abuja, sometimes with 30-minute validation wait.
Documents for the LeCard
Prepare these items before filing your Landing Card on the official portal.
- Valid passport
- Nigerian visa (e-Visa or physical) — number and type
- Flight number and arriving airline
- Planned arrival date and time in Nigeria
- Full address of your first accommodation
- International yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Email address for LeCard QR code delivery
Who needs the Nigeria LeCard?
Since May 2025, the Landing and Exit Card (LeCard) is mandatory for every international traveller entering or leaving Nigeria.
All international travellers
The LeCard applies to all foreign nationals arriving in Nigeria, regardless of visa type.
Entry AND exit
A single portal covers entry and exit. Two submissions are required: one on arrival, one before departure.
Minors included
Every traveller, including children, needs their own LeCard tied to their passport.
Integrated with e-Visa
If you already have a Nigerian e-Visa, the LeCard syncs with it. The LeCard must still be filed separately.
Air arrivals first
Rollout covers main airports (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano). Land entries follow their own schedule.
Penalties for a missing LeCard
Nigerian authorities apply immediate penalties since the LeCard became mandatory.
Denied boarding
Denied boarding
Airlines verify the LeCard before departure. Without it, boarding is refused.
Blocked at immigration
Blocked at immigration
A missing LeCard at arrival causes blocking at immigration and may lead to denied entry.
Administrative fine
Administrative fine
Authorities may impose a fine for missing arrival card.
Record in NIS files
Record in NIS files
Any breach is logged in Nigeria Immigration Service databases and can weigh on future trips.
Nigeria LeCard Information
What does the Nigeria LeCard application consist of?
The procedure must be completed within 72 hours before your arrival in Nigeria. The online form requires personal data, passport details, your Nigerian e-Visa (where applicable), flight information, and your accommodation address in Nigeria. Once approved, you will receive a confirmation to present at immigration. Each traveler, including minors, must have their own form.
Which nationalities are concerned by the Nigeria LeCard?
All international travelers arriving in Nigeria by air must complete the LeCard, regardless of nationality. ECOWAS nationals — exempt from visa requirements — must also register. Diplomatic passport holders may be subject to specific rules.
Which entry points are eligible for the LeCard?
The LeCard is required at all major international airports in Nigeria: Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos, LOS), Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja, ABV), Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC), and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (KAN).
LeCard validity
The LeCard is tied to a specific entry and must be matched with an exit card before departure.
Duration
Valid for the stay allowed by the visa
Entries
One Landing Card per entry
Extension
Not applicable: new LeCard each trip
Exit
Exit Card to file 24 to 72 hours before departure
Paired procedure
LeCard and Nigerian e-Visa: two complementary procedures
Nigeria overhauled its immigration system in 2025 with two complementary digital tools: e-Visa for authorization, LeCard for arrival declaration. Understanding the articulation avoids many refusals.
The Nigerian e-Visa is issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service via immigration.gov.ng. Several forms exist: tourist (30 days), business (30 or 90 days), transit. The e-Visa is obtained before departure, from 7 days ahead for eligible nationalities.
The LeCard is issued by the same Nigeria Immigration Service but on a separate portal. While filling the Landing card, you enter your e-Visa number, allowing the system to cross-reference both documents automatically.
Concrete case: you arrive at Lagos with a 30-day business e-Visa. The LeCard inherits this duration and limits your declared Exit to that window. To extend your stay, you must first extend the e-Visa at NIS offices, which then updates your LeCard automatically.
Required Information Table
| INFORMATION TO PROVIDE | PERSONAL DATA |
|---|---|
| PERSONAL DATA | Name, First Name, Date of Birth, Nationality, Passport Number, Passport Expiration Date |
| TRAVEL DETAILS | Arrival Date, Departure Date, Purpose of Travel, Country of Residence |
| FLIGHT INFORMATION | Airline Name, Flight Number, Port of Embarkation |
| ACCOMMODATION | Name and Address of Accommodation in Nigeria, City, State, Contact Phone |
| ITINERARY | Countries visited in the last 14 days, Next destination after Nigeria |
Arrival in Nigeria with the LeCard
Here are the steps on arrival at Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt or Kano.
- 1
Show the LeCard QR at boarding
The airline scans your LeCard QR code before departure. Without it, boarding is refused.
- 2
Immigration check
Show passport, Nigerian visa, LeCard QR, and vaccination certificate. The check can be long.
- 3
Biometric fingerprints
Fingerprints are taken at the check, per NIS procedure.
- 4
Baggage and customs
Collect baggage and present customs declaration. Checks are frequent.
Places to visit in Nigeria
Nigeria
Lagos, the economic and cultural capital, is the home of Afrobeats and Nollywood. Discover the beaches of Victoria Island, the bustling Balogun Market, and the canopy walkway at Lekki Conservation Centre.
Abuja, the federal capital, impresses with its modern architecture and dramatic landscapes — dominated by the imposing monolith of Zuma Rock at the city's northern entrance.
Yankari National Park, in Bauchi State, is the country's largest wildlife reserve. Watch elephants, lions and baboons, and bathe in the warm springs of Wikki.
Calabar, in the southeast, is famous for its annual carnival — the largest in Africa — and offers access to Cross River National Park, one of Nigeria's last primary rainforests.
Olumo Rock in Abeokuta is a sacred Yoruba site offering breathtaking panoramic views. Stairs and natural caves tell the story of Egba resistance in the 19th century.
Document Timeline
History and evolution of the document.
2015
The Nigeria Immigration Service begins digitizing traveler data collection.
2015
The Nigeria Immigration Service begins digitizing traveler data collection.
2020
COVID-19 introduces electronic health forms for all arrivals.
2020
COVID-19 introduces electronic health forms for all arrivals.
2024
Nigeria announces a comprehensive immigration system reform and the digital Landing and Exit Card project.
2024
Nigeria announces a comprehensive immigration system reform and the digital Landing and Exit Card project.
May 2025
Official launch of the integrated e-Visa + LeCard system via lecard.immigration.gov.ng.
May 2025
Official launch of the integrated e-Visa + LeCard system via lecard.immigration.gov.ng.
2026
The LeCard becomes the mandatory online standard for all international travelers at major airports.
2026
The LeCard becomes the mandatory online standard for all international travelers at major airports.
Frequently Asked Questions — Nigeria
What is the Nigeria LeCard?
The LeCard (Landing and Exit Card) is the mandatory electronic arrival and departure card introduced by the Nigeria Immigration Service. It is integrated with the e-Visa system and replaces paper forms for all international travelers.
Is the Nigeria LeCard mandatory?
Yes, since the rollout of the new digital system in May 2025, the LeCard is mandatory for all international travelers arriving in Nigeria, including ECOWAS nationals exempt from visa requirements. Without it, you may face delays at immigration.
How to fill out the Nigeria arrival card online?
You can fill out your LeCard through ArrivalCards. The form asks for your personal details, passport and e-Visa information, flight details, and accommodation address. The process takes just a few minutes.
How far in advance should I fill out the LeCard?
The LeCard must be submitted within 72 hours before your arrival in Nigeria. We recommend completing it as soon as your travel plans are confirmed to avoid last-minute stress.
Do I need a visa in addition to the LeCard?
Yes, in most cases. The LeCard does not replace the visa. You must obtain a Nigerian e-Visa (unless ECOWAS-exempt) before your trip. The visa and LeCard are two separate but complementary formalities.
Which Nigerian airports use the LeCard?
The LeCard is required at all major international airports: Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), Port Harcourt (PHC), and Kano (KAN). All travelers arriving by air must present the confirmation at immigration.
How much does the LeCard cost?
The LeCard is free on the official Nigeria Immigration Service portal. On ArrivalCards, the service fee is €29 incl. tax per arrival card issued, excluding any consular fees. This covers form translation, data verification, and customer support.
Is the form available in my language?
Official government websites are usually only available in English. ArrivalCards offers a translated and simplified form in 9 languages (French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, and Russian). We verify your information and submit your application to the authorities.
What documents are needed for the LeCard?
To complete the LeCard, you will need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, your Nigerian e-Visa (where applicable), your flight details (number, airline), and your accommodation address in Nigeria.
Is the LeCard required for children?
Yes, every traveler, including children and babies, must have their own LeCard to enter Nigeria. Parents or legal guardians must complete the form on behalf of each minor child using the child's passport information.