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The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the immediate implementation of a 30-day visa-free entry policy for Rwandan nationals, following a reciprocal agreement between both countries.
The directive stems from an announcement by President Bola Tinubu at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, where he confirmed Nigeria’s decision to match Rwanda’s visa-free arrangement for Nigerian citizens.
In a statement signed by its Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, on Friday, NIS said the policy had been fully activated across all entry points.
NIGERIA IMPLEMENTS 30-DAY VISA EXEMPTION FOR RWANDAN NATIONALS
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… pic.twitter.com/FwM2DALHmg
— Nigeria Immigration Service (@nigimmigration) May 15, 2026
“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.
NIS explained that Rwandan nationals are now permitted to enter Nigeria without a visa for up to 30 days for purposes including tourism, business, and official visits.
The service added that visitors intending to stay beyond the approved period must apply for the relevant visa through Nigerian diplomatic missions or the official e-visa platform.
“Individuals seeking to remain in Nigeria beyond the approved 30-day period will be required to obtain the appropriate visa through a Nigerian Embassy or High Commission abroad, or the Nigeria e-Visa channel,” it stated.
The service further directed immigration officers at airports, land borders, and seaports to enforce the new policy immediately.
“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 said.
It described the arrangement as a reflection of growing diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Rwanda and a step toward improving intra-African mobility and economic cooperation.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to regulated and secure migration in line with national policy and broader continental integration goals.
