The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has officially rolled out a 30-day visa exemption for Rwandan nationals, effective immediately.
The move follows a direct announcement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda. It serves as a reciprocal gesture to Rwanda’s existing policy granting Nigerian citizens visa-free entry for up to 30 days.
In a statement signed by the NIS Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, on Friday, the immigration agency confirmed that all necessary arrangements for the policy’s implementation have been completed.
“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,” the statement read.
Under the new bilateral arrangement, Rwandan nationals may now enter Nigeria without a visa for a maximum of 30 days for lawful purposes such as tourism, business, and official engagements.
However, the NIS clarified that anyone wishing to extend their stay beyond the 30-day period must apply for the appropriate visa through a Nigerian Embassy or High Commission abroad, or via the Nigeria e-Visa platform.
“All international entry points, including airports, land borders, and seaports, have been directed to commence immediate implementation of the policy in line with the Presidential directive,” the statement added.