Nigeria has officially introduced a 30-day visa-free entry policy for citizens of Rwanda, marking a fresh push to deepen diplomatic and economic ties between both African nations.
The new policy, announced by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), took immediate effect following a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali.
According to the NIS, the decision mirrors Rwanda’s long-standing policy allowing Nigerian citizens to enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days.
In a statement signed by the agency’s spokesperson, Akinsola Akinlabi, immigration authorities said all operational arrangements for the implementation of the directive had been concluded.
Under the new arrangement, Rwandan nationals can now travel to Nigeria without obtaining a visa in advance, provided their visit does not exceed 30 days and is for lawful purposes including tourism, business, or official engagements.
The immigration service, however, stressed that travellers intending to remain beyond the approved period must secure the appropriate visa through a Nigerian embassy, high commission, or the country’s electronic visa platform.
Authorities also confirmed that all international entry points — including airports, land borders, and seaports — have been instructed to begin immediate enforcement of the policy in line with the presidential directive.
The move is expected to strengthen regional integration, boost business mobility, and reinforce diplomatic cooperation between Africa’s two growing economies.
