South Africa Relaxes Visa Rules For Nigerian Tourists, Business People, Presidency Announces

The South African government has eased visa requirements for Nigerian tourists and business travelers, allowing them to apply for a visa without needing to submit their passports.

President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed this on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) session in Cape Town, attended by President Bola Tinubu.

This development was detailed in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy.

In the statement, President Ramaphosa explained that South Africa has streamlined its visa application procedures to promote travel for Nigerians, introducing initiatives such as five-year multiple entry visas.

“Our efforts to create a favorable environment include our simplified visa process for Nigerian business people to travel to South Africa. Qualifying Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple entry visa,” he was quoted as saying.

He also pledged South Africa’s commitment to removing constraints on greater investment and addressing the challenges faced by companies 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.

“Nigeria is host to several South African companies. South Africa has always been open to Nigerian business, reflected in the number of investments and operations established in this country.

“But there is much more we need to do. We need to remove the remaining constraints to greater investment, just as we need to address some of the challenges that companies have experienced,” President Ramaphosa stated.

He also acknowledged the Nigerian government’s reforms to further strengthen and foster a business environment that offers assurances to investors, including from South Africa.

“Our government continues with its efforts to improve the ease of doing business in South Africa. We want to enable investors to operate, trade, and pursue opportunities in various sectors.

“We look forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa,” the President added.

The South African leader said  Africa’s development and the challenges facing countries of the Global South would be firmly placed on the G20 agenda.