Nigeria has officially begun implementing a 30-day visa exemption policy for Rwandan nationals, in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and promoting intra-African mobility between Rwanda and Nigeria.
The policy was announced by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali and is being implemented by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
In a press release issued from Abuja on May 15, 2026, the Nigeria Immigration Service confirmed that all arrangements for the implementation of the directive had 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 said.
Under the new bilateral arrangement, Rwandan nationals can now enter Nigeria without a visa for up to 30 days for lawful purposes including tourism, business activities, and official engagements.
The NIS clarified that travelers intending to stay beyond the approved 30-day period will still be required to obtain the appropriate visa through a Nigerian embassy, high commission, or the country’s electronic visa platform.
According to the immigration authority, all international entry points, including airports, land borders, and seaports, have been directed to begin immediate implementation of the policy in line with the presidential directive.
The agency noted that the initiative reflects growing diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two countries while supporting broader continental goals of African integration, tourism promotion, and easier cross-border movement.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service notes that this initiative reflects the strong diplomatic and bilateral relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Rwanda, while promoting intra-African mobility, tourism, and economic cooperation in line with continental aspirations,” the statement added.
The service also reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating safe, orderly, and lawful migration in accordance with international best practices and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
