Nigeria has officially introduced a 30-day visa-free entry policy for Rwandan nationals under a new bilateral arrangement aimed at easing travel between both countries.
The announcement was made by the Nigeria Immigration Service via a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, on Friday.
This follows earlier consideration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant Rwandan citizens 30-day visa-free entry during his visit to Rwanda for the Africa CEO Forum, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and advance Pan-African integration.
According to the NIS, all necessary arrangements have been completed for the immediate implementation of the Presidential directive across all international entry points, including airports, land borders, and seaports.
Under the policy, Rwandan nationals can now enter Nigeria without a visa for lawful purposes such as tourism, business, and official engagements, provided their stay does not exceed 30 days.
“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 statement noted that the visa exemption is a reciprocal gesture, reflecting Rwanda’s similar visa-free policy for Nigerian citizens, and is expected to further strengthen diplomatic ties between both nations.
The Service clarified that travelers seeking to remain in Nigeria beyond the approved period must obtain the appropriate visa through Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad or through the Nigeria e-Visa platform.
The NIS added that the initiative aligns with broader continental aspirations to boost intra-African mobility, tourism, and economic cooperation, while supporting Nigeria’s commitment to safe, orderly, and lawful migration under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The agency also encouraged members of the public seeking further clarification to contact the Service through its verified communication channels, including its official social media platforms, contact centre lines, and WhatsApp support services.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier indicated Nigeria’s readiness to consider a 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandan citizens as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and promote Pan-African integration.
The position was contained in a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga after Tinubu’s meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa in Kigali, during the Africa CEO Forum.
Tinubu said Nigeria would “seriously consider” reciprocating Rwanda’s existing visa-free access for Nigerians, in the spirit of regional cooperation and improved mobility.
Both leaders also discussed strengthening institutional ties, including the revival of the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission signed in 2021, with Nigeria set to host the next session.
Talks further covered trade, mobility, and pending MoUs on tourism, anti-corruption, and drug trafficking, alongside support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Nigeria is also exploring cooperation with RwandAir to expand cargo and export opportunities, following a similar arrangement with Uganda Airlines.
