South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a significant relaxation of visa requirements for Nigerians, allowing tourists to apply without submitting passports. The development was unveiled during the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, attended by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
Ramaphosa highlighted a simplified visa process aimed at easing travel for Nigerian tourists and businesspeople, including offering five-year multiple-entry visas for qualifying individuals. These changes are part of broader efforts to strengthen economic ties and foster investment between the two nations.
“Our efforts to create a favourable environment include our simplified visa process for Nigerian businesspeople. Qualifying applicants can now be granted a five-year multiple-entry visa,” Ramaphosa stated.
He also pledged to address barriers to investment and challenges faced by companies operating in both countries, underscoring the strong diplomatic and economic relationship as the two nations mark 30 years of diplomatic ties.
With a growing number of South African companies operating in Nigeria, Ramaphosa expressed optimism for deeper economic collaboration, reaffirming South Africa’s openness to Nigerian businesses and investors.
As South Africa prepares to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Ramaphosa reiterated the nation’s focus on advancing Africa’s development, advocating for the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and promoting inclusive global partnerships.
