Nigeria has formally launched a 30-day visa-free entry policy for citizens of Rwanda under a new bilateral agreement designed to facilitate easier travel between the two countries.
The development was announced on Friday by the Nigeria Immigration Service in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi.
The move follows earlier consideration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his visit to Rwanda for the Africa CEO Forum, where he indicated plans to grant Rwandan nationals visa-free access as part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral ties and promote Pan-African integration.
The NIS stated that all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the immediate enforcement of the Presidential directive at all international entry points, including airports, land borders, and seaports.
Under the new policy, Rwandan citizens are permitted to enter Nigeria without a visa for legitimate 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 Service said the visa waiver is a reciprocal gesture, mirroring Rwanda’s existing visa-free policy for Nigerian citizens, and is expected to deepen diplomatic relations between the two countries.
It clarified that travellers intending to stay in Nigeria beyond the 30-day limit must secure the appropriate visa through Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad or via the Nigeria e-Visa platform.
According to the NIS, the initiative aligns with broader continental efforts to promote intra-African mobility, tourism, and economic cooperation, while reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to safe, orderly, and lawful migration under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The agency urged members of the public seeking additional information to reach out through its verified communication channels, including official social media platforms, contact centre lines, and WhatsApp support services.
President Tinubu had earlier expressed Nigeria’s willingness to grant Rwandan nationals a 30-day visa-free entry as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations and advance Pan-African integration.
The position was outlined in a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga following 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 enhanced mobility.
Both leaders also explored ways to strengthen institutional ties, including the revival of the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission signed in 2021, with Nigeria expected to host the next session.
Discussions further covered trade and movement of people, as well as pending Memoranda of Understanding on tourism, anti-corruption, and drug trafficking, alongside continued support for the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Nigeria is also considering collaboration with RwandAir to boost cargo operations and export opportunities, following a similar arrangement with Uganda Airlines.
