Nigeria Begins 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Rwandan Nationals

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

A 30-day visa-free entry policy for Rwandan nationals has officially taken effect in Nigeria following the implementation of a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to a statement signed by the Nigeria Immigration Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, all arrangements had been concluded to enforce the policy across the country’s international entry points, including airports, land borders and seaports.

The statement explained that the development followed President Tinubu’s announcement at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, where he pledged to reciprocate Rwanda’s visa-free entry policy for Nigerian citizens.

Under the bilateral arrangement, Rwandan nationals are now permitted to enter Nigeria without a visa for a period not exceeding 30 days for lawful purposes such as tourism, business and official engagements.

The NIS, however, stated that any Rwandan citizen seeking to remain in Nigeria beyond the approved 30-day period must obtain the appropriate visa through a Nigerian Embassy or High Commission abroad, or via the Nigeria e-Visa platform.

The Service added that immigration officers at all international entry points had been directed to commence immediate implementation of the policy in line with the Presidential directive.

According to the NIS, the initiative reflects the strong diplomatic and bilateral ties between Nigeria and Rwanda while promoting intra-African mobility, tourism and economic cooperation.

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating safe, orderly and lawful migration in line with international best practices and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.