Nigeria Introduces New US$31.50 APIS Charge for International Travel
Benjamin Osaghae
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is rolling out major upgrades to aviation security and passenger data systems nationwide. Nigeria introduces a US$31.50 APIS charge for international travel, effective 1 December 2025, requiring all international travellers flying into or out of Nigeria to pay the $31.50 Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) charge.
This represents an additional $11.50 on top of the existing $20 security fee already built into ticket prices.
The APIS initiative, introduced by the NCAA as part of Nigeria’s international travel fee, provides a modern platform that collects and processes passenger information before arrival or departure. Its purpose is to strengthen border management, streamline security checks, and improve coordination between aviation and national security agencies across Nigeria’s air transport system.
According to the NCAA, the upgraded system will support passenger-movement tracking, improve border-control operations, and give airlines a structured cost-recovery mechanism for maintaining the new infrastructure.
The APIS charge will be included in the ticket price and remitted by airlines to the NCAA, so travellers will not need to make any additional payment at the airport. Airlines will handle collection and remittance through their normal ticketing procedures, and final ticket pricing may differ depending on airline systems and currency conversion at the time of purchase.
The levy is positioned as a long-term element of Nigeria’s aviation framework. Exemptions apply to specific categories of passengers, including infants, accredited diplomats, airline crew on duty, passengers in transit or transfer for less than 24 hours, and travellers who are involuntarily rerouted due to operational or weather-related disruptions.
Implementation and Financial Impact
The new APIS charge is intended to generate significant revenue for the Nigerian government, dedicated to maintaining and upgrading advanced security infrastructure. The NCAA expects the system to drastically reduce airport processing times, resolving delays and boosting Nigeria’s image as a competitive regional travel hub. Although the fee is small, the cumulative revenue from millions of passengers will establish a dedicated fund for continuous technological investment and capacity building, ensuring the system’s long-term operational excellence and viability without reliance on ad-hoc funding.
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| New APIS Charge | US$31.50 |
| Previous Security Fee | US$20.00 |
| Effective Date | 1 December 2025 |
| Collection Method | Included in Ticket Price |
| Remittance to | Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) |
| Primary Goal | Strengthen Border Management & Security |
Afari Travels continues to support its clients by providing timely updates that help them stay prepared for changes in the travel landscape. As international travel requirements evolve, we remain committed to making the journey as smooth and well-informed as possible.
Travellers who want to stay updated on important policy changes, destination insights, and exclusive travel offers can subscribe to our newsletter. It is the easiest way to receive clear guidance and helpful tips directly in your inbox as you plan your next international trip.
)
)
)