ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Federal Government has begun implementing a 30-day visa exemption policy for Rwandan nationals travelling into Nigeria.
The Nigeria Immigration Service disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, following President Bola Tinubu’s announcement at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, where he granted Rwandan citizens visa-free entry into Nigeria for up to 30 days.
According to the statement signed by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, the gesture serves as a reciprocal arrangement to a similar policy already extended to Nigerian citizens by the Rwandan government.
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Under the bilateral agreement, Rwandan nationals are permitted to enter Nigeria without a visa for legitimate purposes such as tourism, business, and official engagements, for a stay not exceeding 30 days.
The NIS, however, clarified that visitors intending to remain beyond the approved period must obtain the appropriate visa through a Nigerian embassy or high commission abroad, or via the Nigeria e-visa platform.
It further stated that all entry points, including airports, land borders, and seaports, have been directed to immediately enforce the policy in line with the presidential directive.
The agency added that the initiative reflects growing diplomatic and bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda, while also promoting intra-African mobility, tourism, and economic cooperation.
“The Service 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,” the statement added.