The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the immediate implementation of a 30-day visa-free entry policy for Rwandan nationals.
The development follows President Bola Tinubu’s announcement at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, where he disclosed that Nigeria would reciprocate Rwanda’s existing visa waiver for Nigerian citizens.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, the NIS said all necessary arrangements had been concluded to enforce the directive across the country’s entry points.
“Following the announcement by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, granting Rwandan nationals a 30-day visa exemption in reciprocation of a similar gesture by the Rwandan Government to Nigerian citizens, the Nigeria Immigration Service has completed all arrangements for the directive’s implementation,” the statement read.
Under the new arrangement, Rwandan citizens will be allowed to enter Nigeria without a visa for up to 30 days for legitimate purposes such as tourism, business, and official engagements.
The NIS, however, clarified that travellers intending to stay beyond the approved period must obtain the appropriate visa through a Nigerian embassy, high commission, or the Nigeria e-Visa platform.
“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 agency stated.
According to the service, all international airports, land borders, and seaports have been directed to commence immediate enforcement of the policy in line with the presidential directive.
The NIS described the initiative as a reflection of the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Rwanda, adding that it would further promote intra-African mobility, tourism, trade, and economic cooperation across the continent.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe, orderly, and lawful migration in line with international best practices and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
