South Africa’s new visa policy for Nigerians simplifies travel for businesspeople and tourists, offering five-year multiple entry visas.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled a groundbreaking visa policy aimed at strengthening ties with Nigeria, simplifying travel for businesspeople and tourists.

Speaking at the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, attended by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, Ramaphosa announced that Nigerians can now apply for visas without submitting their passports physically.

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To facilitate economic collaboration, the new policy includes five-year multiple entry visas for qualifying Nigerian businesspeople.

“This gesture aims to create a favourable environment for Nigerian entrepreneurs and tourists to travel to South Africa seamlessly,” Ramaphosa stated.

The South African President also reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing bilateral investment opportunities, pledging to eliminate barriers that hinder businesses from operating effectively in both countries.

He noted that South Africa is home to numerous Nigerian companies and called for increased Nigerian investments within its borders.

“As we mark 30 years of diplomatic relations, our strong bonds provide a solid foundation for deeper economic cooperation,” Ramaphosa said.

He highlighted ongoing efforts by both governments to improve the ease of doing business, ensuring investors from Nigeria and South Africa can pursue opportunities across diverse sectors.

Beyond bilateral ties, Ramaphosa discussed Africa’s collective development. He pledged to prioritise the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and address the challenges of the Global South at the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit, the first ever held on African soil.