South Africa Introduces Simplified Visa Policy for Nigerian Businesspeople and Tourists

At the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a groundbreaking visa policy for Nigerians. Speaking at the event attended by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, Ramaphosa revealed that investors and tourists from Nigeria could now apply for visas without submitting their passports.

The new visa measures include five-year multiple-entry visas for qualifying Nigerian businesspeople, aimed at facilitating travel and fostering economic collaboration. Ramaphosa emphasized that the streamlined visa procedures would create a favorable environment for Nigerian tourists and entrepreneurs seeking opportunities in South Africa.

“Qualifying Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple entry visa,” he stated, adding that this initiative underscores South Africa's commitment to improving investment and trade relations with Nigeria.

Reflecting on the longstanding diplomatic ties between the two nations, Ramaphosa praised Nigeria for hosting numerous South African companies and reiterated his administration's dedication to tackling the challenges faced by businesses in both countries.

“As we mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, we see a bright future for our relationship. Our strong bonds of friendship provide a firm foundation for more meaningful economic cooperation,” he said.

Ramaphosa also lauded Nigeria’s ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing the business climate, assuring that South Africa would continue making efforts to remove barriers to investment. “We look forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa,” he added.

In addition to the bilateral discussions, Ramaphosa touched on Africa's position in global affairs. He highlighted South Africa’s role in advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and ensuring the continent’s priorities are represented at the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit, the first to be held on African soil.

“For South Africa, it is our view that in shaping global discourse, programs should be tailored to ensure that in our societies, no one is left behind,” Ramaphosa concluded.

This session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission highlights the growing partnership between the two nations, with a focus on strengthening diplomatic, economic, and social ties.