JUST IN: Nigeria begins 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandan nationals
The federal government has commenced the implementation of a 30-day visa-free entry policy for Rwandan nationals entering Nigeria, in a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between both countries.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced the development in a statement on Friday following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
According to the NIS, the policy “reciprocates similar gesture from Rwandan Government to Nigerian citizens,” adding that the Service had “completed all arrangements for the directive’s implementation.”
Under the bilateral arrangement, the NIS said Rwandan nationals may enter Nigeria without a visa for a period not exceeding 30 days for lawful activities, including tourism, business and official engagements.
The Service, however, stated that visitors intending to remain in Nigeria beyond the approved duration would be required to obtain the appropriate visa through a Nigerian embassy, high commission or the Nigeria e-Visa platform.
It further disclosed that “all international entry points, including airports, land borders, and seaports, have been directed to commence immediate implementation of the policy in line with the Presidential directive.”
The NIS said the initiative reflects “the strong diplomatic and bilateral relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Rwanda,” while also promoting “intra-African mobility, tourism, and economic cooperation in line with continental aspirations.”
The agency added that it remains committed to facilitating “safe, orderly, and lawful migration in accordance with international best practices and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
