Nigeria implements 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandans at all borders

Nigeria has begun implementing a 30-day visa exemption for Rwandan nationals, the Nigeria Immigration Service announced, following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.

In a statement signed by its public relations officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, the immigration service said Rwandans may enter Nigeria without a visa for up to 30 days for lawful purposes including tourism, business and official engagements. The policy is subject to an overstay restriction: individuals seeking to remain beyond the approved 30-day period will be required to obtain the appropriate visa through a Nigerian embassy or high commission abroad or via the Nigerian eVisa channel. The service also said all international entry points, including airports, land borders and seaports, have been instructed to start applying the directive immediately.

The immigration service said the measure reflects strong bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda and is intended to promote intra-African mobility, tourism and economic cooperation in line with continental objectives. The exemption is also described as a reciprocal step, matching a gesture by Rwanda that...