Nigeria begins 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandan nationals
By Aboki Forex —
Nigeria has officially started a 30-day visa-free entry policy for Rwandan nationals. The new arrangement allows Rwandan citizens to enter Nigeria without a visa for tourism, business, or official purposes.
Stays longer than 30 days will require a visa obtained through a Nigerian embassy, high commission, or the e-visa platform.
Immigration service confirms implementation
In a press release signed by DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, Service Public Relations Officer at the Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters in Abuja, authorities confirmed that all arrangements had been concluded to enforce the directive. The directive was earlier announced by President Bola Tinubu during the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali.
“Under this bilateral arrangement, Rwandan nationals may enter Nigeria without a visa for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days for lawful purposes, including tourism, business, and official engagements,” the statement read.
“However, individuals seeking to remain in Nigeria beyond the approved 30-day period will be required to obtain the appropriate visa through a Nigerian Embassy or High Commission abroad, or the Nigeria e-Visa channel.”
The immigration service added that all international entry points, including airports, land borders, and seaports, have been directed to begin immediate implementation.
Reciprocal agreement with Rwanda
The policy reciprocates Rwanda’s existing visa-free access for Nigerian citizens. President Tinubu and Rwandan President Paul Kagame discussed the move during the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations, intra-African mobility, trade, and economic cooperation.
The visa exemption is part of broader efforts by African governments to ease travel restrictions and accelerate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Despite Africa’s large and growing population, intra-African travel remains restricted in many regions due to visa barriers and administrative bottlenecks.
Countries like Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, and Benin have expanded visa waivers or introduced more liberal entry systems for African travelers to boost tourism, investment, and continental trade.