Nigeria has officially introduced a 30-day visa-free entry policy for Rwandan nationals under a reciprocal bilateral arrangement aimed at easing travel, strengthening diplomatic relations, and promoting Pan-African integration between both countries.
The Nigeria Immigration Service announced the implementation in a statement issued on Friday by its Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi.
According to the NIS, all necessary arrangements have been completed for the immediate implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive across Nigeria’s international entry points, including airports, land borders, and seaports.
Under the new policy, Rwandan nationals may now enter Nigeria without a visa for a period not exceeding 30 days for lawful purposes such as tourism, business, and official engagements.
“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, reciprocating similar gesture from Rwandan Government to Nigerian citizens, the Nigeria Immigration Service has completed all arrangements for the directive’s implementation.
“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 in part.
The Service explained that the visa exemption is a reciprocal gesture, reflecting Rwanda’s existing visa-free policy for Nigerian citizens.
It added that travellers who intend to stay in Nigeria beyond the approved 30-day period must obtain the appropriate visa through Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad or the Nigeria e-Visa platform.
The NIS said the initiative aligns with broader continental efforts to promote intra-African mobility, tourism, trade, and economic cooperation, while supporting Nigeria’s commitment to safe, orderly, and lawful migration under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
President Tinubu had earlier indicated Nigeria’s readiness to consider the visa-free arrangement during his meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa in Kigali on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum.
During the meeting, both leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, revive the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission signed in 2021, and deepen collaboration in trade, mobility, tourism, anti-corruption, drug trafficking control, and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Nigeria is also exploring cooperation with RwandAir to expand cargo and export opportunities, following a similar arrangement with Uganda Airlines.
